On Thursday, May 29 and Friday, May 30, two students from Georgian Bay Community School took part in the OFSAA West Track and Field competitions held at Western Alumni Stadium in London, Ontario. There were over 1,000 participants in attendance and the competition was fierce as athletes fought hard to claim the top four places and advance to the final stage of OFSAA Track and Field.
Junior girl Isabel Spence qualified to race in both the 1500m and the 800m races at this prestigious event, having placed 3rd and 4th in these events at the CWOSSA round of competition. All the girls went out hard in the 1500m and stayed as a tight pack of runners. Isabel worked her way forward in the crowd. The lead group managed to put a bit of a gap between themselves by the end and Isabel didn’t quite have the kick to catch them, but she had an incredibly strong race and took 6th overall. The following day, she laced up again to race the 800m. Feeling a bit fatigued from her hard work in the 1500m, Isabel dug deep and showed amazing determination as she fought hard right to the end, passing another racer in the last 20 meters and taking 9th place overall. While Isabel’s placement was not quite enough to see her through to the last stage of OFSAA, she gained some valuable racing experience and showed that she was able to compete with some of the best in Ontario.
Junior boy Emmett Leary qualified to race the 3000m, having placed third in this event at CWOSSA. The 3000m race ended up being quite a tactical race. The boys got off to a quick start and Emmett parked himself in 8th place for the first two and a half laps. When the pace began to slow a touch, Emmett played to his strengths and took the lead, aiming to create a gap between himself and the rest of the pack while maintaining a consistent pace. He was successful in breaking away and led the pack for four laps. In the end, Liam Ruddock from John F. Ross CVI in Guelph was able to sprint past Emmett and take the victory. Emmett was pleased to secure himself a strong second-place finish and advance to the final stage of OFSAA Track and Field.
“Teachers, coaches and parents are all very proud of the hard work and dedication that have allowed these young athletes the successes they have seen. Isabel and Emmett are both wished the very best in their continued athletic achievements,” said team coaches.
