CCI runners lead the pack at provincial championships

Collingwood Collegiate Institute's (CCI) cross-country running team persevered through cold, wind, rain and hail at a recent provincial championship to mark a school first and bring home two medals.

CCI's Fighting Owls team qualified six teams for the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Cross Country Championship held at Mooney's Bay Park in Ottawa Nov. 4.

Alistair Wark brought home a bronze medal in the novice boys (Grade 9), race among a field of approximately 250 runners in a mass start.

"I was aiming for the top 20, so it was fun," Wark said.

It was the first medal by a CCI male since Jay Morrell in 2002, according to CCI staff.

The senior girls' team won gold in a field approaching 300 runners.

Elly Moore, Grade 11, has been running cross country with CCI since Grade 9. While in Grade 9, the team placed first at provincials. Last year, her team placed second and this year, the team won gold.

"It was really cold and raining. The start was chaotic and the path narrowed quickly and the hill (path) was narrow, so it was chaotic all the time," Moore said.

CCI team members wore cleats which proved beneficial because the path was slippery and many runners fell, Moore added. 

Sabine Cornell had the best individual placing at 15th. Last year, Cornell placed fifth at OFSAA.

Alice Yates, has also been running with the CCI team since Grade 9.

"A lot of people say they don't like running because it's a tough sport but I find it therapeutic, especially when you see yourself getting better. It gives you a sense of accomplishment. The fun part about running is seeing yourself get faster," Yates said.

Teammate Sofia Mundle said the team is a great group.

"Everybody is positive and uplifting. When one girl is down, we all help. We really try to work together," she said.

Runner Ruby File said she is the most competitive runner on the team. She is able to pace herself through the race and save something for the finish.

"At the end is when I get really competitive. I sprint at the end,"  File said.

Team member Sadie Johnson runs with the South Simcoe Dufferin Track and Field Team as do Cornell and Mundle. Everyone on the girls' senior team also runs track with CCI in the spring except Moore, who is a cyclist.

This year, for the first time, CCI won the girls' overall championship and brought home a banner. CCI came second in the boys' overall championship. CCI also won the overall combined team title for the third consecutive year.

"CCI has a strong team because of the coaches," Moore said. "Our training is really good. They motivate us and they are passionate about running. We have fun Fridays and we go run in the trails. We have so many runners on our team because it's so fun," Moore said.

The team wants to thank head coach Todd Hammond and assistant coaches including Jordan Cascaganette.