For the first time in school history, the Abbotsford Christian School Knights are Fraser Valley cross country champions.
The Knights junior boys cross country team, made up of 10 athletes, took home top prize and made history at the Fraser Valley cross country championships in Coquitlam on Oct. 26.
The win continues what has been a very successful season for the team.
The championship had a large field in the junior boys race, with 188 runners and 21 teams competing on the 4.7 kilometre course. The Knights had 10 boys lined up at the start, with the top four counting points in the standings.
Grade 10 runner Riley Hall continued his strong racing form to finish third, and won the bronze medal. Grade 8 Matthew Trent ran impressively against the older competition to finish 12th, Grade 8 James de Jager placed 24th, and Grade 8 Fred Wilson was not far behind in 35th to ensuring a top score for the team and the first -place team finish for the boys team.
The Knights junior girls team also had a good day on course, and finished in third place out of sixteen teams.
Leading the way for the girls wer Grade 10 runner Jessica Kampman (seventh), Grade 9 Abby Minderhoud (21st), Grade 8 Rachel Atsma (24th), and Grade 8 Hazel Van Dyk (41st).
The team’s coaching staff praised the team’s dedication, as many had been training in the summer. They also said the team atmosphere of the program, with such a large number of students participating for a smaller school, has also helped contribute to the Knights success.
In total, the Knights are sending 16 students to the provincial championships in Kelowna on Saturday.
