Howse Earns Silver At U SPORTS Championships
(KELOWNA, BC) UNB's Jared Howse ran to a silver medal in the men's eight-kilometre race at the U SPORTS Cross Country Championships, in Kelowna, BC, on Saturday.
Howse, who covered the distance in 23:25, finished six seconds back of individual champion Philippe Morneau-Cartier of Laval.
"The course was flat and extremely fast," said Howse. "I'm so thankful for everyone who made this possible."
Howse and teammate William Boyle spent much of the early part of the race in close proximity to the leaders, never dropping too far back.
About the mid-way point, Howse began to move up, joining the top ten and eventually moving into the top three.
"My goal was to get out with the front and run with that group," said Howse. "As soon as someone made a move, I would go with them."
When Morneau-Cartier surged ahead, Howse went too.
"We broke off the front pack and I just stayed on the gas," he said.
Boyle ran to a 22nd place finish while first-year RED Silas Conlin-Morse finished 40th and was the sixth rookie across the finish line.
Mitchell Kean finished 45th, Brodie Pennie was 69th, Quinn Eberts ran 112th, and Elijah Bayne was 131st in the field of 152.
The REDS finished fifth in the men's team standings, just one point back of fourth place Guelph. Queen's won the team competition.
"What a strong run by our men's team," said REDS' head coach Chris Belof. "There's lots to learn from here, but it was an exciting step for our group."
"Jared is a special athlete," added Belof. "That was on full display today. A silver medal is a testament to his hard work and dedication to training."
In the women's race, Sierra Rodriques was the top RED, finishing 33rd in a field of 126.
"I'm pretty happy with my individual result today," said Rodrigues. "I'm glad I got to race alongside some of my teammates today and look forward to racing with the whole team at these championships next year."
Lauren McNeil, of host UBC-Okanagan, won the women's individual championship.
UNB's Ivy Bialowis was 60th and Hilary Bishop was 100th.
"Sierra had a strong run," said Coach Belof. "It was a solid performance and a positive way to cap off her cross country season."
As the team prepared for their long journey home, Howse beamed, a silvery smile on his face.
"A huge thanks to Coach Belof, Caitlin Marshall (team's therapy lead), my teammates, assistant coaches, friends, family, and my partner for supporting me every day."
This team still has a lot of room to grow in the years to come," he added.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: UBCO Athletics/for U SPORTS