Toeing the line

STFX cross country ready to race for conference supremacy

By Corey LeBlanc

ANTIGONISH – The STFX X-Women and X-Men – perennial contenders for conference supremacy – will start the race for Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championships in 2024 this weekend in Wolfville.

The Acadia Invitational will feature the women's race at 12 p.m. ADT, followed by the men's competition (1 p.m. ADT).

"We are ready to go," STFX head coach Eric Gillis said during training camp heading into the opening meet.

On the women's side, the White and Blue will be chasing their fourth consecutive AUS banner. Last season, the conference three-peat served as a springboard to a program-best bronze-medal performance at the USPORTS championship.

"Everyone is excited," Gillis, who captured his third straight AUS women's coach of the year award in 2023, said, noting that the X-Women program has been "elevating their game" in recent seasons.

He added. "We want to continue that trend."

The bulk of last season's championship roster returns, one featuring the dynamic trio of Eileen Benoit (Windsor, NS), Mairin Canning (Antigonish, NS) and Allie Sandluck (Thorburn, NS).

"They are exceptional runners, but it's their character that truly sets them up for success. They lead a team of remarkable individuals who excel, both on and off the track," said Gillis.

They – and their X-Women teammates – are in "high spirits," as they come off "great summer seasons."

The Antigonish native added, "They can't wait to get back as an entire team."

Last season, Sandluck – the 2022 conference individual champion – finished in the silver position with a time of 31:12, while Benoit – with the same clocking – garnered bronze. Canning, in fourth, finished one step from the podium. After leading the X-Women to the 2023 AUS crown, the threesome piloted the program to its historic podium finish at nationals. Canning and Benoit raced to 1^st-team All-Canadian nods, while Sandluck secured a spot on the second team.

Gillis anticipates another pair of White-and-Blue runners who made important contributions to last season's magical run – Caroline Ash (Newmarket, ON) and Caden Lee (Richmond Hill, ON) – to continue to build on their AUS 1^st-team all-star performances.

"They made a huge jump last season," he said of how their freshman years unfolded.

Gillis added, "They are now veteran athletes who we expect to make a big impact this season."

The newcomers joining the X-Women line-up include Rebecca Heaney (Sarnia, ON), a transfer student-athlete from the University of Windsor.

"She brings experience and adds depth," Gillis said.

Describing it as "unique," the X mentor noted the addition of a pair of student-athletes with the same first name: Poppy.

Poppy Moon (Halifax, NS), according to Gillis, was "one of the elite" high school cross country and track and field athletes in Nova Scotia last season.

"She brings a lot of championship experience," he added of Poppy Thomson (Kawartha Lake, ON), who qualified for the prestigious Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) year-end track and field championships in 2024.

Gillis said Eden Hildebrand (Toronto, ON) "just missed" making the same provincial meet, one that welcomes the top-three finishers from each region. He noted that the X-Women freshman finished fourth in a "highly-competitive" race.

When it comes to the outlook for 2024, the three-time Canadian Olympian said that he and his coaches – former X-Women standouts Gina MacInnis and Melissa Hardy – had "high expectations" heading into last season.

"We did even better," he said of the White and Blue's performance, particularly the third-place podium finish at nationals.

This season, Gillis explained that they will have the "challenge" of "managing expectations," while stressing the depth and experience of the 2024 line-up.

"And, reminding them that it is a different year," he said, noting that they will also have to deal with "no longer being the underdog."

Gillis added, "We need to build off [last season]; take that experience and results and use it to help us reach our goals."

'Eventful off-season'

As for the X-Men, who raced to an AUS silver and 11^th place at nationals in 2023, Gillis said the program had an "eventful off-season," which included the transfer of Jack O'Connell – a 1^st-team AUS all-star – to Iona University in New York State.

On the heels of that "big blow," he added, Brett King (Hansport, NS) contacted him, expressing an interest in transferring to STFX from UNB.

"Brett had a strong summer track season," Gillis said, noting that the newcomer is expected to "replace that quality" created by the loss of O'Connell.

At last month's Canadian U20 championships, he noted, King garnered top-10 finishes in the 3K (fifth) and 5K (sixth).

When it comes to last season's performance, Gillis suggested it left his student-athletes "hungry for more."

He added returning runners – who were a key to success in 2023, along with others trying to breakthrough – have "added mileage," which bodes well for the program.

Although his older brother, Luc, has graduated from the program, Joel Gallant (Wellington, PE) is back for his junior season. He topped the X-Men team in 2023 with a fourth-place finish at the AUS championship meet.

"He's setting himself up for another excellent season with more breakthroughs ahead," Gillis said.

Another junior – Luke MacDonald (Pictou, NS) – came into camp "really strong."

The X-Men coaching staff also anticipates high-end performances from the Liam's – McCullagh and Patterson; the junior student-athletes from Toronto are training partners; not to mention former teammates in high school and with the Blue Devils Athletic Club.

"They both enjoyed breakthrough seasons," Gillis said of that duo's move into the X-Men's top-seven runners in 2023.

Sophomore Griffin Gamble (Shad Bay, NS) is coming off a freshman campaign that garnered the student-athlete an AUS rookie of the year selection.

The 2024 X-Men have also added Antigonish product Conlan McKenzie – a graduate of Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School – who Gillis said was one of the top runners in the province in 2023. He not only brings provincial experience to the table, but also exposure on the Canadian stage at the Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships.

'Special' race

STFX Athletics, once again, will continue its tradition of hosting a cross-country meet on its campus course. The 2024 STFX Invitational is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, with the women's race at 12 p.m. ADT, followed by the men's side at 1 p.m. ADT.

"It is a special time of year at StFX," Gillis offered, noting the start of classes and the kick-off of the fall sport season for varsity teams coincides with the popular race for not only AUS competitors, but also open athletes.

Pointing to the "home-course advantage," he added, "Our team is really looking forward to it."

That edge, of course, includes tremendous fan support; not only from members of the STFX family, but also the broader Antigonish community.

"It means a lot," Gillis said, noting the program is always receiving well-wishes from supporters, including STFX alumni.

Noting that STFX cross country recently launched a program newsletter, he described the response as "great."

"People are really enjoying them," Gillis added.

Noting it is usually the first AUS meet of the season, Gillis explained that his STFX student-athletes usually "tone down the intensity." But, this year, with the race scheduled second, he said, "They will be able to dial it up a bit more."

Gillis added the STFX Invitational will serve as a "great stepping stone" for championship races later in the season, including the 2024 AUS Championship, which will be hosted by Memorial University in St. John's, Newfoundland.

"We want to be peaking at that time of the year, and our athletes are up for the challenge," he said.

For more information on everything StFX X-Women and X-Men cross country, including the 2024 schedule, visit www.goxgo.ca.

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