M’CHIGEENG – Led by an amazing performance by runner Maren Kasunich, the Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Mustangs girls’ novice cross-country team took first place in its division at the Sudbury District Secondary School Athletic Association (SDSSAA) cross-country championships held on Wednesday of last week at Kivi Park in Sudbury.
“Our team did a great job. At the last minute we had put a school team together to take part, with 16 runners going over to Sudbury to compete,” said MSS teacher and coach Jordan Smith on Friday of last week. “And our novice girls’ Grade 9 team did phenomenal.”
Mr. Smith pointed out Maren, who is in Grade 9, posted a time of 5:10 to finish first in the girls’ division overall, including senior runners. “Mackenzie Green also did very well, finishing third in the novice girls’ division. Honourable mention goes to Annie Balfe, who was 11th, Morgan Green (14th) and Brooke Gibeault (32nd), whose times helped our team finish first overall (in the 4.3 kilometre race).”
Brodie Pennie finished sixth in the novice boys 4.3-kilometre race, Andrew Rose 14th and TJ Green 17th.
In the junior girls’ division, Katie Chapman placed 16th, while in the junior boys’ division, Alan Wilkin finished a strong fifth and with a time of 3:44 he finished in the top 25 overall in the boys’ division. Keaton Gauthier was 21st, Jack Pennie 22nd, Ben Willis 24th and Rhys Allison was 27th.
The MSS junior boys’ team finished fourth in its division.
In the senior boys’ division, Julian Wemigwans of MSS finished in 21st.
Mr. Smith said that unfortunately, this was the last competition the MSS cross-country team will take part in this year. “No, the all-Ontario competition has been cancelled completely, as has the Northern Ontario secondary school championships.”
