The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Seven students will be representing Hapnot Collegiate at the upcoming Provincial Cross Country Running Championships in Kilarny later this month. At the Zone 11 Championships in Snow Lake recently, Hapnot's junior varsity boys team captured the Zone 11 banner, and two senior runners will accompany the five junior runners at the Provincial Championship. Cross country running is divided into male and female, senior and junior varsity categories. The boys run 5 kms, while the girls run 3 kms. "When they race, it's not flat-out like on a track, it's basically running through the bush," said coach Steve Lytwyn. "There are a lot of obstacles to overcome, things like slippery rocks and tree stumps." Teams consist of five to seven runners, and the times are averaged to come up with a team score. Making up the junior varsity team is Cody Goddard, Kale Nordic, Nick Hamilton, Lyle Leclair and Tyler Ricard. Senior runners that will be going are Andrea Stelnicki and Gordon French. "One of the important things about cross country running is that it gives you the chance to push yourself physically and mentally," explained Lytwyn. "It's not just about competing against other schools and other runners, it's also against yourself. You are always trying to improve on your best time and your personal fitness. It's a lifelong sport that promotes a healthy lifestyle." It also serves as a first rate conditioning for those athletes who play other sports. There are a number of hockey players who participate in cross country running in order to condition themselves for the upcoming hockey season. Next year, Lytwyn would like to build the program even bigger. "There are a couple of grade 8 students that are already looking ahead to next year and are excited about cross country running," he said. "I would also like to see more girls come out next year." Many of the girls from last year's cross country running team have since graduated, and the school did not have enough for a full girls team this year, making them ineligible for the girls Zone 11 banner. The team will be in Kilarny to compete in the Provincial Championships on October 15 and 16.
