Run like the wind
For the first time ever at Trinity Western University there will be a different type of sport on campus and it’s not for the faint of heart. Cross country has landed at TWU under the Spartan brand and they are already hitting the ground running.
The cross-country team was added in combination with track and field and swimming during last winter, and with all the technical work done during the summer, it’s now time to tie the laces and run. Susan Northey will lead the Spartans into their first season as head coach that brings along a team of all “walk on” athletes with one simple goal: “This is a new team so we are focusing on commitment and improvement” stated Northey, who likes the team they have assembled over the summer and early fall to start the season.
Northey is excited about being the first Spartan cross-country coach at TWU, but as she notes there are difficulties that come with the position. “I have found it especially challenging to have 14 athletes that I have never coached before under my wing. The athletes must believe in the program and that belief takes time to build.” The Spartans have already started competing, and their schedule will see them travel throughout Canada and in the USA. Northey added, “It is hard to find competitive cross country races for university athletes in BC so we are heading to Washington for a few races. We will be racing in the Club Provincial Championships on October 30th and that is in Aldergrove.”
Most of the male athletes, like Dave Kostelyk, are returning to a sport they participated in at other universities and are relishing in the opportunity to get another chance to do what they love. On the women’s side there is no experience to draw upon, as the team starts to lay the groundwork for future seasons. “Marissa Ratzlaff is an ex-soccer player with a lot of running talent but her competitive, tough, never say quit attitude is what is going to allow her to continue to improve throughout the season” states Northey.
The Spartans will also have a very demanding training schedule. Northey says, “we have formal practices three times a week and each practice lasts approximately two hours. They are expected to do runs on three of their off days and they have one day of rest. We are also working towards meeting in the weight room twice a week for 45 minute light lifting sessions.”
In their first event, Ratzlaff led the entire Spartans team with a third place finish at the Whistler Spirit Run, with a time of 20.48.54. Jason Carwhile led the men’s team coming in sixth place with a time of 27.06.58. The Spartans next event is October 9th in Washington.
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