Maxime SawickiThe Martlets Cross Country Team was finally able to bring back the QSSF title this season. The team had won that title for 20 consecutive years heading into the 2008 season before losing it in 2009. The season started strong and the Martlets became regulars on the CIS weekly Top 10 list.
Returning after an impressive rookie season, sophomore Sarah McCuaig consistently dominated the Quebec conference. McCuaig ended the season as the top runner in Quebec and earned All-Canadian honours. Junior Charlène Puel and sophomore Madeleine Cummings also exhibited their strength and experience as they helped the team’s placement throughout the season. Despite the Martlets’ victory at the QSSF championships, unexpected injuries and illnesses resulted in their season ending disappointingly with an 11th place finish at the National Championships. With a powerful core of runners remaining, the Martlets will be aiming for a stronger finish at nationals next season.
On the men’s side, this season was the definition of a rebuilding year. After enormous turnover, only two veterans were left on the squad. The addition of 12 rookies formed an almost completely new Redmen team. Among the new faces was freshman Jay Boychuk. He entered halfway through the season and immediately began to produce results, eventually winning the bronze medal at the QSSF championships. Overall, the Redmen finished in 4th place in Quebec and 13th in the nation.
Daniel Kramer and Graydon Snider, the sole veterans on this year’s team, will graduate this year. The outlook for next season is difficult to forecast for this young, developing team. They will rely on the progress of newcomers throughout the upcoming indoor track season to reinstate solidarity on the squad.
MVPs: Sarah McCuaig, Jay Boychuk
Players to Watch: Ouiam Aabaliq, Oliver Foster
