ASSIGINACK—Despite a soggy start at the Rainbow Ridge Golf Course, the Wiikwemkoong Pontiac School held its annual cross-country meet. The picturesque yet rain-soaked course showcased the steady spirit of these young athletes.
At 10:30 am, the first of many races began. They began with nine-year-old boys and girls and continued all the way to 13-year-old boys and girls, their faces adorned with determination, at the starting line. The rain tapered off as the races progressed, making for perfect running conditions.
The difficult course at Rainbow Ridge Golf Course featured a variety of terrains, from rolling hills to rocky cart paths. Despite the course conditions, all schools managed to have at least one team member place. All the runners demonstrated their resilience and teamwork. The cheering spectators added an extra layer of motivation to the event.
The runners pushed through a challenging course, battling fatigue and mud-splattered running shoes. Their dedication to the sport was evident in every step they took. As they approached the finish line, their faces lit up with exhilaration, and the crowd made up of staff, students, and parents erupted in cheers for every runner who crossed the finish line.
Wiikwemkoong Pontiac School Principal Nicole Peltier expressed her pride in her staff and students’ performance, saying, “Our staff and students have demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and determination today. Rain or shine, they continue to inspire us with their dedication to the sport and to each other. The event ran smoothly, and we received many comments on how well the event was organized.”
As the runners celebrated their triumph, it was clear that all the participants not only conquered the challenging course but also the elements, leaving a lasting mark on this year’s event.
The following is a list of runners who placed first, second and third: 13-year-old girls: first place, Rowyn Kasunich (Lakeview), second place, Mila Odjig (Pontiac), third place, Amber Brizuelun (CMPS); 13-year-old boys: first place, Collin Goodfellow (LCPS), second place, Rowen Deschenes (LCPS), third place, Sean Zembal (CMPS); 12-year-old girls: first place, Lily Simon (LCPS, second place, Ava Hartley (Assiginack), third place, Nova Debassige (CMPS); 12-year-old boys: first place, Casey Bowerman (LCPS), second place, David Joyce (C.C McLean), third place, Gregory Wells (Biidaabin); 11-year-old girls: first place, Sydney Cunningham (C.C. McLean), second place, Kailyn Inglis (LCPS), third place, Emma Chaytor (C.C. McLean); 11-year-old boys: first place, Boston Abottossaway (LCPS), second place, Ryan Mularickal (CMPS), third place, Knox Sheppard (CMPS); 10-year-old girls: first place, Rowyn Pfeifer (C.C. McLean), second place, Ayleana McDermid (Assiginack), third place, Daisy Gaiashk (Pontiac); 10-year-old boys: first place, Brody King (C.C. McLean), second place, Everest Symnons (CMPS), third place, Landon Nicksson (CMPS); 9-year-old girls: first place, Addison Page (Assiginack), second place, Sulla Sheppard (CMPS), third place, Ashylyn Peglo (LCPS); 9-year-old boys: first place, Memphis Gaiashk (Pontiac), second place, Tate Abotossaway (LCPS), and third place, Gus Spry (Assiginack). Congratulations to all the runners.
