On Sunday, October 5, fourteen Georgian Bay Coyotes runners headed to Niagara Falls to take part in the Thorold Elite XC Prep Meet, held at Firemen’s Park. The weather was warm and dry—rather atypical for a cross-country meet—and the athletes were in good spirits. They enjoyed the walk-through portion of the morning, eyeing up the course and soaking up the sunshine with teammates.
The races began with the Coyotes participating in the Mite girls and boys combined race. Runners Ella Cleland and Edison Scholl were part of this 1-kilometre race. They cast aside their nerves and took off at the starting signal, showing good control of their speed over the first leg of the race. By the time they reached the portion of the course we nicknamed ‘Rainbow Road’—the last 400m or so, marked by rainbow flags—Ella was in a full-on sprint and held the lead position in the race. Edison was not far behind, leading the male athletes. Both of the Coyote Mites crossed the line and claimed first place in their respective categories. It was an exciting way to start the day.
Next, the Tyke girls warmed up to race the 1500m cross-country run. Evelyn Scholl and Madelyn Armstrong were among the twenty racers on the line. Evelyn pushed herself to stay close to the leader and earned a third-place finish, while Madelyn looked strong and calm throughout her finishing kick.
Tyke boy Alex Brown was the next Coyote to put his training to the test. He set out determined to cross in fifth position and did extremely well to stay within reach of his goal, narrowly missing it by one place.
The Atom girls’ category was the most competitive of the day, combining 35 MTA racers with 9 older Athletics Ontario runners. This made it difficult for the athletes to know exactly where they stood in the pack and caused them to focus on doing their best, waiting to see the results after crossing the line. The Coyotes’ group of five Atom girls set out looking like a force to be reckoned with—and they proved their strength on the course. Madelyn Moores was the first counter for the team, claiming 7th place, while Mila Dolan crossed the line just after her in 12th. Avery McPhatter fought hard to be the third counter, taking 20th place, with Eve Tudor and Iris Herman close on her heels. When the points were tallied, the Coyote girls were named the third-place team in the Atom division, earning all five girls a ribbon.
Atom boys Caleb Cleland and Casey Mothersell toed the line facing 25 MTA racers, along with 9 older Athletics Ontario runners. Caleb had a quick start, getting out with the leaders, while Casey was seen at the midway point making strategic passes and working his way up the pack. Both boys looked strong coming down ‘Rainbow Road’ to the finish line. Caleb snatched fourth place, and Casey was not far behind in seventh.
To finish the day, Senior boys Coby Robertson and Ian Matthews warmed up to race their lengthier 3km event. Ian started out hard, leading the group, while Coby took a more conservative approach. The route markings left both boys a bit uncertain of the course; however they showed great determination in making their way to the finish. Ian worked hard to close the gap between himself and the third-place finisher, while Coby turned up the gas and made a nice pass at the end. Ian finished in fourth and Coby took sixth place.
All in all, the 14 Coyote racers put on quite a show for the spectators. Nine athletes finished in the top eight, and the Atom girls’ team claimed third overall. It was an impressive display of talent and determination, and all are congratulated for their hard work.
To find out more about the team, please visit their website at: www.georgianbaycoyotes.com
