REDS Golden At U SPORTS
(WINNPEG, MB) UNB’s men’s 4-by-800-metre relay team won the gold medal at the U SPORTS Track & Field Championships, in Winnipeg, on Friday evening.
The team of Jared Howse, Hayden McKinnon, Brodie Pennie, and Silas Conlin-Morse held off Laval and Windsor for the historic win.
The REDS finished in 7:29.41, just over half a second ahead of the Rouge et Or. The Windsor foursome ran 8/10ths of a second back of UNB.
"Winning a national championship for the REDS was one of the most special moments of my life," said Conlin-Morse, who ran the anchor leg for the REDS. "Being surrounded by such a supportive team and coaching staff was remarkable. I'm truly honoured to have been a part of it and I have no doubt that we'll be pursuing the same results for the rest of my time here."
"The guys were all very confident in our ability going into the race and we executed perfectly," said Conlin-Morse.
The medal is the first gold medal in UNB history at a national university track and field championship meet.
“This was a special moment with a special group of young men,” said Chris Belof, head coach of the REDS’ track and field team. “The first gold medal in our men’s track and field program history and, fittingly, it’s a relay medal. There were excellent legs from all four guys, and they executed our race strategy very well.”
"Having a group of guys that truly commit to something shows on race day," said Howse. "I'm honoured to be finishing my last year at UNB with a U SPORTS gold medal."
"Shout out to Hayden, Brodie, and Silas for running phenomenal legs," added Howse. "As a team we stepped up and executed before giving it to Silas for a perfect closing 800. Thanks to Coach Belof for always being there for us. This medal is his as much as it is ours."
Elsewhere on Friday, the second day of the three-day event, Christopher Grant finished 8th in the men’s weight throw and Sierra Rodrigues ran 6th in the women’s 1000-metres.
The national championships conclude Saturday when Howse and Conlin-Morse will be back on the track in the men’s 1500-metres. Both are considered medal contenders.
The men’s 4-by-400-metre relay team will compete as well.
On the women’s side, Haley Angus and Hannah Barnhard will compete in the triple jump and high jump respectively.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTO BY: Zachary Peter/for Univ. of Manitoba Athletics