The Trinity Western cross country teams were led by Marissa Ratzlaff and Blair Johnston on Oct. 22 as both teams finished third out of four schools at the UBC Invitational at Jericho Beach.
Ratzlaff ran arguably her best race as a Spartan as she finished 21st in a time of 18:52 over the the five kilometre distance. Ratzlaff was followed by Alison Jackson, who finished 25th in 19:08, Fiona Benson, who finished 26th in 19:09, Nikki Bell, who finished 38th in 20:30 and April Van Woerden, who finished 47th in 23:08.
This was the first five kilometre race the Spartans women have run all season as they start gearing up for the CIS national championship in two weeks, which is also a five kilometre race. Trintiy Western’s Katelynn Ramage did not race Saturday.
On the men’s side, it was another solid eight kilometrre race for the Spartans scoring finishers.
Johnston led the way as he finished 25th in a time of 26:55 while Jason Carwile was 31st in 27:26, Mihai Prajea was 37th in 27:56, Alex Pchenitchnikov was 39thd in 28:01, Chris Voth was 42nd in 28:12 and Christian Culp was 48th in 30:27.
Trinity Western’s Andrew Ott did not race.
The University of Victoria finished first in both men’s and women’s races while UBC was second and Douglas College was fourth in both competitions.
The Spartans Jackson, Benson and Johnston will race Oct. 29 at the B.C. Provincial Championships at Aldergrove Lake Park. Following that, Trinity Western will then compete in the CIS national championships Nov. 12 at Laval.
