Griffins head to XC Nationals

David Kent, Griffins Athletics

Edmonton, AB…..The MacEwan University Griffins men's and women's cross country running teams are poised to hit the big lights of Guelph, Ontario as they will compete this coming weekend in the 2015 CIS National Championship, hosted by the University of Guelph Gryphons.

The Griffins in their second year of CIS competition saw the women finish 14th overall last year, in St. John's NFLD, with 353 team points earn. The Griffins are led by fourth year veteran Vanessa Trofimenkoff, Fort Saskatchewan, AB finished in 13th place overall with a time of 23:49.1 last year.

"A hard-working and reflective runner, Vanessa knows the rest of the field is strong and knows she can be competitive. Trofimenkoff is consistently running faster times than the 2014-15 season, achieving her best performances on key races," commented Griffins head coach Drew Carver. "The women's team are in the hunt for a top three placement in Canada West. There is great competition coming out of Alberta, TWU, Victoria and Calgary. Solid teams to compete against, I believe we are competitive with them. Manitoba, Regina, Saskatchewan also have a great showing. We should show very well at the CIS level competition," said Coach Carver.

In addition to Trofimenkoff, MacEwan University is counting on Hannah Leggatt, Edmonton, AB and Chanelle Gagne, St. Paul, AB to have improved times in this weekend's race.

In her rookie year Leggatt, has shown tremendous potential and results. The former track runner has transitioned well to the cross-country circuit. The Bachelor of Arts student is a fierce competitor and has the potential to develop into a strong cross-country runner.

Second year runner Gagne, has consistently improved her performance and standing. The Bachelor of Arts student looks to have a top-20 finish at the CIS Championship. Chanelle finished 91st overall, in 2014, with a time of 25:44.1.

On the men's side, MacEwan University Griffins are looking to see all five student-athletes crossed the finish line. Last year four members of the team finished the 10km race, led by Roscoe Lord, placing 90th, with a time of 37:38.0.

"The men are a developing team, building our foundation and working with a young squad. Adam Epp (Edmonton, AB) is having a great year, has been part of two ACAC winning provincial teams.This will be Epp's fourth season. Nick Lupul, (St. Paul, AB) first year, with very little cross country background is having a great year. He is getting stronger and faster. As he develops he will grow into a great cross country runner. Brady McDonald (St. Albert, AB) returns after a year off and is having a good season," commented Carver, on his men's program.

Schedule: Saturday, November 14 CIS National Cross Country Championship at University of Guelph (OUA)

For further information on the MacEwan University Griffins please contact David Kent, at 780-497-5324 or by email at kentd22@macewan.ca and Junelle Mah, at 780-289-3037 or by email at mahj67@macewan.ca.

Photo Credit: Chris Piggott, Griffins Athletics