REDS' Howse Named To Team Canada

(FREDERICTON, NB) Jared Howse of the UNB REDS men’s track and field and cross country teams has been named to the U SPORTS team that will represent Canada at the upcoming FISU World University Cross Country Championships, in Italy.

“It’s an incredible honour to represent both Canada and UNB at an international level event,” said Howse, the two-time defending Atlantic University Sport champion and 2024 U SPORTS silver medallist. “After competing for many years at UNB and in U SPORTS it is very exciting to get to compete on an even larger stage with some very talented student-athletes from other schools.”

The FISU championships will pit some of the world’s greatest cross country student-athletes in 10-kilometre individual events and three-kilometre team events.

Howse will run a leg in the men’s three-kilometre race.

“I have tons of high stakes races under my belt from both the cross country and track and field side, said Howse. “I have, historically, competed well in high pressure situations and with a team-oriented mindset even during days with multiple races.”

Howse won’t be the only RED in Italy. Chris Belof, head coach of UNB’s track & field and cross country teams, will lead the Canadian contingent at the FISU Championships.

“I’ve been running with Chris as my coach for a pretty significant amount of time,” said Howse. “He strives to coach his athletes to help them achieve success in the sport and I think seeing his athletes compete on the national stage or FISU is a huge success in his books. I’m extremely grateful to have had Chris as my coach for the last five years and look forward to having him be a part of my FISU experience.”

“Jared is a special student-athlete and person, and this selection speaks to his abilities and dedication to his sport,” said Coach Belof. “I’ve been fortunate to work with Jared over the past six years, and his talent and work ethic are certainly of international caliber. It’s fitting, with everything Jared has accomplished at UNB, that he is the first UNB student-athlete named to a FISU cross country team. His abilities make him a great fit for the short course team.”

Howse, using his final year of U SPORTS eligibility, wants to make the most of his Team Canada experience.

“Getting to cap this as a member of Team Canada is something I look forward to and will never forget,” he said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time thus far as a student athlete in U SPORTS.”

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

FILE PHOTO: Peter Oleskevich/for Acadia Athletics