The York University cross country teams are heading to Waterloo on Saturday for the 2023 OUA Championships, hosted by the Waterloo Warriors at Columbia Ice Fields.
Five women and nine men are set to represent the red and white Lions at the conference race.
For the men's side, Head Coach
Raymond Rudder is hopeful for the Lions to complete a top 10 finish. A competitive side lead by Lions top runner,
Abdullahi Abdullahi, who was at the front of the Lion pack at both the Bayfront open and Don Mills open this season. Rookie
David Akerman has followed closely behind Abdullahi and will be a key runner to a top finish.
Marek Bialkowski,
Marco Volpi and
Oliver Waddington are the other three rookies running their first OUA Championship meet.
The Lions will utilize their experienced runners to drive the pack in
Philip Costa and
Brandon Cidade, and joining them will be
Arthur Fernandes and
Nicholas Campese.
For the women's team, after a rebuilding season Rudder is excited to see his team compete at the Championships.
Three rookies look to lead the way in
Iva Balcheva,
Laura Peters and
Ava Sparkes. Balcheva was the second runner for the Lions at the Bayfront open and Don Mills open, and looks to make a good mark in hr first OUA Championships.
Joining the rookies are Lions top runner
Laura Peters, and
Teresa Muggeridge.
After this weekend's OUA Championships, the season will wrap up in London, Ont., at the U SPORTS Championships on Sunday, Nov. 12, hosted by the Western Mustangs.
