St. Lawrence College is set to host Ontario’s top collegiate cross country runners at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) 2005 Cross Country Championships on October 29 at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area in Kingston, ON.

College runners from across Ontario will compete during the one-day championship that will see a total of 169 runners compete in the individual event, while 17 male and female teams will participate in the team competition. The event will be off and running with the women’s 5 km race commencing at 10:30am and the men’s 8 km at 11:45am.

On the men’s side, the individual race will be an exciting one. Defending champion Darl Sutherland of Fleming College has the most experience and impressive resume in the competition with an OCAA gold and silver medal and two CCAA bronze medals. Darl has struggled this season to get to the top of the medal podium in OCAA invitational meets earning second, fourth and fifth place finishes, but hopes his past experience will lead him to back-to-back titles. Challenging Darl will be teammate Bernie Hogan of Fleming College. Bernie has had a breakout season this year winning two meets and finishing third in the three invitationals he’s entered this season. Other dangerous competitors to watch out for include 2003 and 2004 silver medallist Jakob Van Dorp of Redeemer College and first-year standout John Mason of Fanshawe College who has had a tremendous first season finishing second twice and third once in invitational races this season.

One year removed from the men’s title, the Fleming Knights certainly look like the clear favourite in the men’s team race. The Knights have made the biggest statement this season with three commanding invitational wins under their belt. Sutherland and Hogan give the Knights plenty of depth as they attempt to bring the championship title back to Fleming. Looking to challenge the Knights at the starting line will be the defending champion Cambrian Golden Shield, Fanshawe Falcons and Redeemer Royals.

The departure of defending back-to-back OCAA champion and 2004 CCAA silver medallist, Jutta Merilainen of Loyalist College opens up the women’s individual race to a number of contenders. Cambrian’s Amanda Kosmerly has had a successful year finishing first at three invitationals, including the St.Lawrence Kingston meet which was ran on the same course as this weekend’s championship. Right behind Kosmerly and enjoying much of the same success is Loyalist runner Leah Keller, who has consistently placed second in the same three invitationals this year and picked up a gold medal at the Loyalist invitational. Also look for Mohawk’s Tama Stainton to make a run for the title as she’s held a steady course all year finishing third twice and second once.

In the women’s team competition it’s anyone’s race. The defending champion Loyalist Lancers have been challenged by the loss of Jutta Merilainen but have been competitive all year with the presence of Leah Kellar. The Redeemer Royals have positioned themselves for an expected strong finish after two invitional wins this season. Also looking to make a charge will be 2004 silver medallist Cambrian College who have enjoyed a successful season this year picking up the gold medal at the St. Lawrence Kingston meet.

Championship results will be posted immediately after the here at on the OCAA website www.ocaa.com

For more information on the OCAA Cross Country Championships please contact convenor Joe Cannon at Lambton College (519) 542-7751 or Tournament Host Convenor, Arthur Wong at (613) 544-5532 X: 1284.

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