Morgan Andrew – STEMIA High School

The Sparkans senior cross country runners have wrapped up their most successful season to date, with over 40 athletes across grades 10-12 competing for STEM IA. Athletes participated in two “regular season” races, which included a 4 km race hosted by Calgary Academy and a 5 km race hosted by Gobind Sarvar. Sparkans runners demonstrated exceptional grit as they pushed through these tough running courses.

Between these two races, seventeen top ten finishes were secured by Sparkans runners. All racers deserve commendation for their efforts, especially the following podium finishers:

Oakley S. – 1st, intermediate boys (Calgary Academy race)
Max U. – 2nd, senior boys (Calgary Academy AND Gobind Sarvar races)
Lily J. – 2nd, junior girls (Gobind Sarvar race)
Toby L. – 3rd, junior boys (Calgary Academy AND Gobind Sarvar races)

Based on the results of these races, coaches selected 15 runners to represent the Sparkans at City Championships on October 9. In a dominant performance on the St. Mary’s University course, Oakley S. took home a gold medal in the intermediate boys 5 km race. Oakley and two other athletes qualified to represent STEM IA at Senior Cross Country Provincials: Lily J. qualified in the junior girls 4 km race and Toby L. qualified in the junior boys 4 km race.

These three athletes made the nearly 800 km journey north to Grande Prairie to compete in Provincials on October 19. Rainy, cold weather added an extra challenge to the already demanding race course. In an exciting photo-finish in the intermediate boys race, Oakley earned a silver medal.

Congratulations on your success, and thank you to Oakley and all other runners who proudly represented the STEM IA High School cross country team this season!