Kites/ McInnes Report: Info Required

[Matt]

Lads, Lasses, harriers, harriettes,

Labour day weekend is here and XC teams are beginning to form all over the country. Some nice surprises and upsetting out of shapers will likely be popping up after summers of asceticism or sloth respectively.

Mr Kiteley and I are making our annual call for information. Please post or send us info on your XC team. Specifically, we would like to know who is back from last year, and who is new to the team (pbs if available are helpful). Any significant results/ improvements of the returning athletes would be great.

Please send any info to:
[e-mail]

Remember, our pre-season reports rely heavily on info from all of you, as the official season outlooks and rosters are few and far between.

[Stan Pactoni]

That new university in Oshawa, University of Ontario Institute of Technology should have a decent team this year. This is a new school and thus a new program that is just underway with one of the better coaches from the Durham-area in charge. Their bumper crop of mostly local talent may not quite challenge for medals this year, but they'll be up there. They should contend in upcoming years.

Go UOIT!

[madm]

who is the coach of the team at durham college. also, what local talent do they have?

[Durham]

they have Kevin Dunbar

[JAGGER]

Yo Dunbar...wheres your head at?

[Dunbar]

When I'm running, really running, my head is empty - the pain drives out all the other thoughts and only room remains for this single thought - one more step.
Yesterday I placed 3rd twice and 2nd twice at the Queen's team 4X6minute interval cross country meet.

After the third one I claimed as the fourth was about to start (3 minutes recovery)"I've got two thirds and a second, this time I'm going for the win" and they laughed and said "You'll be lucky to stay on the podium this one."

When are they going to change cross country to a sensible racing distance like 800m ?

Where's your head at.. where's your head at....

[moveit]

finish the report already! we're all waiting anxiously!

[just read]

the report on cis men is on www.sportingcanada.com

[U of T]

Wow, we're number 7. Impressive.

[Tyler]

If you are impressed by what Kitely thinks about a CIS season that hasn't even happened, then you should check out of UofT now. Head down to Devryerson.

[kitest]

minor correction with the preview-Blouin and Nadeau are both done, but Laval still has Mathieu Gingras.

Sherbrooke has 15 min 5k guy Francois Menard and then the well runs dry in the QSSF unless Rimouski starts producing

[reporter]

Kiteley-McInnes Report: Men

20 Sep, 2004 --


Men’s Preview: by Mark Kiteley


Another year, another promising season of CIS cross-country. While the team favourites generally are following to form from 2003, many of the dominant individuals of past years have moved on. Should be interesting to see what individuals emerge. Pre-season talk has surrounded Queens talented recruit Braden Novakowski. But many a participant, coach or fan knows that 10k cross on a rolling course is often a daunting challenge for many a rookie-I wish him luck. We could discuss favourites all day (Windsors Brandon Young, James Gosselin, Jonny Bordilau), Dalhousies Paul Chafe and Stanley Chiassion, Guelphs AP Baillargeon-Smith and Steve Koziarski, or Manitobas Kristjan Hunter or Walker Brothers, but we cant and shouldn’t-we all know it’s the 3rd, 4th, 5th guys slugging it out between 20th and 50th place that are the keys to any team being competitive. And thats the beauty of CIS cross - the team component – once a precarious entity (at least in the eyes of CIS administrators!), but now so perfectly shaped over the years by the coaches from Coast to Coast who care about keeping this entity known as Canadian Interuniversity Cross-Country together.



1. Windsor – This is one of the more dangerous teams to have emerged in the CIS in the last ten years. Losing perernnial All-Canadian track and cross-country ace Ryan McKenzie might slightly reduce the intimidation factor that the Lancers present, but this solid top to bottom lineup should take care of business when the time comes to roll the dice. The 2003 3000m indoor champion Brandon Young is back and likely looking to take the individual title as well. Fortunately, he will also have former steeplechaser James Gosselin and cross-ace Johnny Bordilau not too far behind. Andrew Coates comes off a remarkable rookie season, just missing CIS All-Canadian status himself over 10k cross, but showing range by helping the Lancers 4x800 team win indoor nationals. Thunder Bay’s finest Dave DePiero is a great fifth, but will also have company in transfer (and former Cdn XC team member) Christiano Mauricio as well as the reigning Canadian Colleges XC champ and St.Lawrence College transfer (1:10 half-marathon) Deng Luol. They also have insurance in the form of newcomer Jonathon Favre who was fifth in Canadian Juniors 10k (34:30). The eyes will be on the Lancers this season.



2. Guelph – With returning all-Canadian Andre-Paul Baillargeon Smith (and a recent 2nd place finish at the 2004 National Triathlon Champs) anchoring the squad, the Gryphs are positioned once again to be medal contenders and potential spoilers at the Nationals, this year being held in Guelph. Steve Koziarski (24th at 2003 CIS’s) had a win at the first Guelph meet, closely followed by Greg Hutchinson (55th at the 2003 CIS Champs). Guelph is well stocked with any number of pieces to make them a threat with the likes of Angus Macauley, Kevin Coupland, Zac Wolochatiuk and newcomer and sub 4:00 1500m runner Gareth Miller. This team needs an All-Canadian performance from Chris Moulton (25th at 2003 CIS’s) or Kyle Jones (10th at OUs in 2003) to retain a medal position. This season could unfold in any number of ways for the Gryphs-look for them to send a strong team to Seattle for a pre-OUA test.



3. Manitoba – I was high, I mean high on the Bisons last year, predicting a 2nd or 3rd place team finish at CIS’s, but had problems in that their #’s 2 and 3 men couldn’t produce. I confidently predict that this year, the Bisons have a medal garnering team. Coach Berube has got 9 minute steeplechaser and world cross runner Kristjan Hunter eligible after transferring back from the USA. Although the maniacal midget Mikey Booth has completed his years, ‘Toba has Brad Keefe (15:17 for 5k this summer) and the Walker brothers (Brian-8:27 indoors last year and Jeremy –15:15 5k this summer) to produce an excellent 2, 3 and 4. Jason Loutitt (31:24 at National Capital 10k) who apparently was the top Canadian at the World Mountain Racing Championships is a guaranteed top 30 pick. Sam Jerema’s fourth place finish at the 2004 CIS 1500m and newcomer Paul Carr (2004 OFSSA 1500m 7th place) should accentuate the strengths. Returnee Sheldon Kilcullen (61st at the 2003 CIS’s and 2004 CIS 600m finalist), Jacques Marcoux (2003 Canadian Junior Duathlon Champion) and Manitoba High School Cross Country Champion Pablo Batista are also considered to be in the mix.



4. Dalhousie – Coach Hennigar is doing a fine job in Halifax with the Tiger men in the last few years. Strong off the heels of a 4th place team performance at the 2003 CIS’s, The Dalhousie men’s squad will be returning six of eight from last year’s AUS and CIS championship teams. The Tigers lose #3 man Curtis Archibald (26th at CIS’s) but return All-Canadians Stanley Chaisson and Paul Chafe (who won the first AUS meet this week running 7.5km in 25:30) to lead the squad into medal contention. Matt Sheffield (33rd at CIS’s) and Nicky McBride combined with newcomer Dave Eaton (formerly of Trent) will likely round out the scoring 5. Mihira Lakshman adds character to the top seven and top rookie recruit Toby Hennigar brings some excellent track credentials and bloodlines to the Tigers.



5. Queens – The Gaels look like they have a strong team in their midst. As hesitant as I am to give credit to Queen’s, newcomer and odds one favourite for CIS rookie of the year Braden Novakowki’s (sub 8:30 3km/ 3:50 1500m) appearance on the CIS scene has catapulted the Gaels into top 5 or 6 territory. Along with sub 15:00 minute 5k runner Spencer Morrison (31st at 2003 CIS’s), Queens has two lock All-Canadians. Josh Smith (39th as a rookie at CIS’s) is back for another tour of duty, as is Travis Cummings (51st at 2003 CIS’s). Ryan Ouckama, Chris Nagle or Chris Thompson or Darryl Blackport (who both ran 19:20 at McGill this weekend) will be required to up their ante’s to be serviceable 4th and 5ths to keep Queens in the running.

[Report]

6. Victoria – Quietly finished 6th last year at Cross nationals. Coach Fougner knows how to prime his cross team for the final prize, but does not know how to reward pundits who consistently give him praise for pointing that out. Last year, UVics highest finisher was 19th (Nick Walker who ran 8:32 indoors), but had their five all within a minute of each other. I assume Josh Henderson (1;19 600m), Craig Babiuk (sub 3:50 1500m) , Eric Findlay (3:57) and Glenn Saqui (4:10 mile & 1:52 800m) are returning, providing a good core, with excellent track credentials.



7. Toronto – I know coach Rustuccia’s team well and I predict good things from this workmanlike team. Veteran Gregor Kranjc is captaining the team and will no doubt rely on brute Slovenian willpower to steer this team. Nathan Jowett had a strong summer of track running and will likely be the number one runner and potential All-Canadian choice. Three Cheese Campanelli (33:00 minute 10k), Waterloo transfer Jose Carvalho (3:53 1500m) and 33:00 minute 10k runner Gabriel Jarquin combine to make this team a threat, as the scoring spread between these 5 should not be significant and will work to their advantage in larger fields. Yet another national level triathlete (we might have to start giving these guys love) Chris Van Beurden ran 31:30 over 10km last Spring and is fit now so he is another weapon at the Blues disposal.



8. UWO – Bob Vigars restocked the shelves and delivers a Mustang squad that is destined for a mid-top-ten finish. They did not compete at the CIS champs last year, but returnees Tim Hain (15:45 5km), Steve (London Runner) Weiler (15:37 5km and 33:30 10km) and Chris D’Esterre (33:40 at 2003 OUA Champs) have a year of experience under their belt, a summer of mileage and a trio of newcomers destined to bring the Stangs back into the Mix. OFSAA Silver medalist Steepler Russell Christie (18:57 over 6km), Scott Strikwerda (19:07) and Nathan De Witt (19:14 over 6km and a 3:58 1500m runner) all performed well at McGill (helping UWO to the team crown).



9. Calgary – The Dinos return 5 men from its 8th place team in 2003 but loses individual silver medallist Nathan Kendrick. Fortunately for Coach Doug Lamont, Geoff Kerr (13th at the 2002 CIS XC Champs and Rookie of the year) returns from injury during the 2003-04 season to take Nathan’s position as the go-to-guy. Add in former All-Canadian James Davison (transfer from Uvic-returning to school) and the Dinos should have two low scorers up front. Brad Hove (23rd at CIS’s and 3:56 1500m outdoor), Stewart Aune (52nd at CIS’s) and newcomer Dan Sperber (Alberta HS 1500m and 3000m bronze medallist) round out a solid top 5.



9. Waterloo – The Big 3 is back at it again and stronger than ever. Scotty Arnald (22nd at CIS in 2003; 3:53 1500m, 8:30 3k), Mike Logue (2nd team All-Canadian in 03, 8:30 3k) and Kevin Smith (32:35 over 10km at 2003 OUA Champs) return for another year to put the Warriors back on the map. No doubt 2 of the 3 will be all-Canadians, and I have to admit these guys make me a first-time Warrior booster.



10. Alberta – Last years CIS Silver medal team lost Dallas Raudebaugh, Kelsey Kelemen and Chad Kozak to eligibility limits. These losses look to tip the scales to the Dinos in the battle of Alberta. New leadership on the men’s side is expected to come from veteran Robbie Nissen, named CIS Rookie of the Year in 2001. Adrian Lambert (15:14 5km/31:43 10km), took home Bronze at the summer 2004 Junior Nationals 5000m event in Saskatoon. Second year runner Geoff Ulrich, 30th in the U of S Open and 34th at the Stewart Cup, is also looking for a top 20 finish at the finals in Guelph, ON in November. New recruits. Chris Payne (33 :58 10k), has shown good early potential and should make the Bears’ roster this year.



Other teams that I consider to be in the mix:



McMaster – McMaster had a strong showing at this weekend’s Don Mills Invitational, defeating last year’s 7th place CIS team, Waterloo. Fourth-year Jon Little (50th at OUAs in 35:29) finished a strong 10th (25:43 over 8km) at the Don Mills meet and looks to be the number one runner as the Marauders enter the season. Add to that, Jay MacDonald’s 20th place finish formerly of the UNB Varsity Reds (51st at CIS in 34:46), incoming medical student Shawn Benninger, formerly of UWO and Daniel Wojcik (5km, 15:52), Brad Young’s Mac squad could make some inroads into the top ten.



McGill – Coach Barrett is a little short of talent on paper to compete against the CIS mid top ten teams, but a solid four of Jeff McCabe (4th at 1000m @ CIS track), former Canadian national XC member Adrian Walton, Former Ontario Espoir team member Marty Fox and sub 9 3k runner Pat McAuliffe provide a serviceable foursome. Stephen Douglas ran 19:20 at McGill open and was 4th at Junior Nationals in the 1500m (3:59).



Trent Exclaibur – I do not consider them to be in the mix, but Coaches Steve Hoggett and Richard Borek are building a program and I thought I would profile one of the non-mix schools once in awhile. Lee Appleby returns 4th place finish at waterloo last year in 24:01. They have a rookie from Thunder Bay named Mike Minor who apparently looks good in practise and has run a sub 35 10K and a 9;30 3K. Brad "ofsaa" Flynn ran 8:53 this past summer in a 3K is rounding into shape to help make the EXcalibur a formidible opponent. Add to that Scott Takala, a triathlete and a runner by the name of Justin who mountain bikes a lot and you have a team.



Individuals to Watch:



Jordon Cober York – consistent cross guy, will be locked in as All-Canadian
Johnny Tramble –hot off the heels of a third behind Chafe and Sheffield at AUS meet #1

Charles Nadeau – Laval – 2003 QSSF XC Champ; 17th at CIS

Daniel Blouin – Laval- 3 :53 & 8 :27 indoors

Sandy Bain – Regina Cougars - 16th at 2003 CIS; 2nd and 4th in the Canada West 3000 and 1500 indoors.

Chad Friel- Saskatchewan - 15:30 for 5k and was the 2003 Saskatchewan high school boys XC champ

Matt Scobie –Saskatchewan - 2nd at CIS track in 1000m

[for notice]

obviously Trent must be devastated by the recent retirement by Brad OFsaa

[Dog Pound]

Huskies Update

- Chad Friel is yet to finish a work out, and is still really out of shape.
- Matt Scobie is still battling his stress fracture and shin problems.

[I-Ballz]

Huskies Update:

Scobie is fully healthy and ready to go. Shin problems went away a long time ago.

Friel, well you are right. He is fat and out of shape.

Don't forget about me! I am ready to rumble.

Just wait until the Calvry arrives.

[Bears Den]

Wow, it look's like we are all head for a great season of some intense cross racing on both coasts; powerhouses of Guelph and Windsor out east and the classic Alberta match up is shaping up to be another heated battle on the hills and in the mud of cross season. Just afew thing that should be noted form the report.
First,Craig Babiuk is currently running with the Bears but appears that he is out of eligiblity and thus will have only a training impact with the Bears. Second, Paul Tishelaar proved is strength with a gold at Tri Nationals this past weekend( by the way Congrats to all in an amazing finish) but was not mentioned in the report. Finally, I would like to note that the Bears may have lost some big names but the depth of the team remains, with all of the top ten Bears running sub 33:30 in their 10km time trail. And like the Kites/ McInnes Reports, the heart of Cross Country is in the 3rd,4th and 5th place runners.
I wish the best to all teams in the races to come.
GO BEARS!!

[Concerned Bear]

Please do not refer to Adam Wellstead for info on the Alberta team. He does not have the respect of anybody within the program and seems bitter since not being invited back.

The Bears will let their fitness do the talking and will be on the podium come november.

[McCabe]

kitest said:

minor correction with the preview-Blouin and Nadeau are both done, but Laval still has Mathieu Gingras.

Sherbrooke has 15 min 5k guy Francois Menard and then the well runs dry in the QSSF unless Rimouski starts producing

The Quebec guys told me that Nadeau and Blouin have one more year. Apparently so does Gill (4x800).

[ONCE BITTEN TWICE SHY]

Why would you mention Moulton in the Guelph preview? Don't you have to be top 7 to run?
I don't think DST is into giving out free passes especially to somoene who dissapointed so many last season.

FOOL ME ONCE SHAME ON YOU
FOOL ME TWICE SHAME ON ME

[Top 25]

I believe moulton was in the top 25 at ci's last year. If you ask me or many others, thats not very disapointing at all, its very respectable and a solid performance.

[RUNNING HARD]

I heard LAVAL has a good team this year...

Take a look at the full team:

DANIEL BLOUIN is back this year (5th and final year) (8:59 steeple - 3:50 1500m)
CHARLES NADEAU is also back this year (he needed to be a full-time student so he picked up another course and everything's okay)
TWO FRENCHMEN : Louis RADIUS (31:40 10 km runner)
and Laurent VANTHYGEM (8:30 3k - presently getting back to form after an injury)
David SAVARD-GAGNON (31:35 10k - better on tha road but still a good fifth runner)
David GILL (could be fourth or fifth guy if...)
Mathieu GINGRAS (3:53 1500m - 25:15 hilly 8 km cross last year - 19:00 at McGill (6 km) in 04)

LAVAL is definitely looking for a top 6 at CIS...

[this weekend]

the well run western invitational will feature 34 (at last count) teams between men and women this coming weekend.

at this beautiful course many decent teams will be running and starting to get a barometer this weekend for at least where they seem to be in ontario.

[quebecaus]

In terms of teams, with McGill and Dalhousie also coming it really gives a good picture of any team contenders (with the exception of the West), there will obviously strong individual contenders from other QSSF and AUS schools, but with the exception of possibly the Laval mens team, all the top teams will be there.

[Dietch]

I heard Henderson and Babiuk are out of Eligibility this year for UVIC, is this true?