The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is pleased to announce the participation of fifteen OCAA cross-country teams representing Ontario at this weekend’s CCAA Cross Country Running Nationals hosted by Fleming College in Peterborough, ON. The opening ceremonies are slated for Friday, November 11th while the women’s 5 KM race begins at 12:30pm on Saturday and the men’s 8 KM race starting at 1:30 pm.

The country’s best collegiate cross-country runners will take to the starting line of the 3rd annual CCAA Cross Country Running Open Championships, presented by The Running Room. Sir Sandford Fleming College are in the final stages as they prepare to host the 2005 CCAA Cross Country Running Open Championships in Peterborough.

“Final preparations are well underway for the 2005 CCAA Cross Country Open Championships. With over 28 participating institutions and a total of 185 runners (71 women and 114 men), it looks to be the biggest CCAA Cross Country Open yet,” stated Fred Batley, Tournament Chair and Sir Sandford Fleming College Athletic Director. “We are looking forward to receiving the nation’s best runners for what will surely be an exciting competition. The Organizing Committee has been working hard to make this an exceptional and memorable experience for all the participants.”

Two first-year runners, Colin Murray-Lawson (Humber) and John Mason (Fanshawe), lead a strong OCAA contingent followed by Jakob VanDorp (Redeemer), Darl Sutherland (Fleming-P) and Bernie Hogan (Fleming-P) who were 4th, 3rd and 8th respectively in the 2004 CCAA Open Championships. Joe Groeneveld (Redeemer) and Ian Westra (Seneca) complete the OCAA Conference Team.

In the women’s division, the OCAA Conference Team will be led by OCAA Champion, Amanda Kosmerly (Cambrian) along with Tiia Dolson (Georgian), Rachel Lavallée (Fleming-P), Leah Kellar (Loyalist), Amanda Seed (Cambrian), Tama Stainton (Mohawk) and Carrie VanDorp (Redeemer) round out the OCAA Conference Team.

The following OCAA teams will be competing at the 2005 CCAA Cross Country Running Championships:
Loyalist College – Belleville
Redeemer University College – Ancaster
Seneca College – North York
Humber College – Etobicoke
St. Lawrence College – Kingston
St. Lawrence College – Cornwall
Sir Sandford Fleming College – Peterborough
St. Clair College – Windsor
Mohawk College – Hamilton
Cambrian College – Sudbury
Fanshawe College – London
Georgian College – Barrie
George Brown College – Toronto
Lambton College – Sarnia
Collège Boréal – Sudbury

Sir Sandford Fleming College is pleased to bring you the latest news, results and developments within the 2005 CCAA Cross Country Running Open Championships on their official Championship Website. Click here to visit the site.

The OCAA governs intercollegiate sports and promotes physical activity in its member institutions through quality athletic and campus recreation programs. It offers 16 varsity sports to 30 member institutions throughout Ontario.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michelle Waddick
OCAA Marketing & Communications
P: (416) 426-7043
W: www.ocaa.com