The SAIT cross-country team finishes off the season in fine form, placing 12th overall. MARK UNIAT PHOTO

After a solid bronze medal finish at this year’s ACAC cross-country championship, the women Trojans were ready to impress once again.

This past weekend the women’s Trojans cross-country team sent six members to the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) national championship in Kamloops, BC. It marked the first time since 2006 that SAIT has sent that many female runners. What the team might have lacked in experience at the event, they made up for with dedication and hard work.

“They worked hard all year and gelled as a team,” said head coach Jamie Grant. “All season they continued to improve.”

The five-kilometre course at MacArthur Island Park was flat and built for speed, something the Trojans planned for coming into the race.

“The plan was to have the women run with the pack they can stick with and to stay close, especially off the start,” said Grant. “Each athlete had to play to their strengths.”

Rebecca Britton, a second-year runner, led the Trojans with a 30th overall finish. She credits her strong race to her coaches.

“Coach Grant, coach Zimmerman and coach Wrightson are all so knowledgeable,” said Britton. “Their support was unreal.”

The Trojans finished 12th overall at the national championship, an event that featured 27 CCAA schools and 225 athletes. The solid finish should help pave the way for another successful season next year.

“Although three of our top four women are graduating, we’re going to gain some serious momentum from that strong finish,” said Grant. “I’m confident we’re going to be able to recruit well and put together a great team for next year.”