HAMILTON, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks turned in their strongest performances of the season at the Marauder Invitational cross-country races on Friday, competing in a field loaded with nationally ranked teams.
The meet featured five of the top 10 women's programs in Canada and six of the top 10 men's teams, making it one of the most competitive events on the schedule. With OUA championship roster spots on the line across the province, the race served as a key test for Laurier's developing squads.
Laurier's women's team placed 10th overall, finishing just one point behind York for ninth.
On the men's side, the Golden Hawks finished 12th, close behind Brock, Ottawa and Laurentian - teams they expect to challenge again at the OUA championships in two weeks.
Fifth-year runner Nicole Schindler led the women in 44th place, delivering her strongest outing of the season. Sabrina Arena was next across the line in 66th, followed by Alyssa Zinn in 91st and Tegan Cecanese in 93rd.
First-year athletes rounded out the top seven, with Casey Archer placing 106th, Alice Roy 118th and Avery Routheir 125th.
On the men's side, fifth-year veteran Ian Young paced Laurier with a 56th-place finish.
A young core made up largely of first- and second-year runners followed, including Nathan Lemire (92nd) and Simon Drolet (94th), who raced much of the course together.
Rookie runner Tyler Klazek finished 110th, while the top seven was completed by Om Nathwani (115th), Cohen Ledger (122nd) and Nolan Kuhlberg (124th).
The Golden Hawks now turn their attention to the OUA championships hosted by Queen's at the CFB Kingston Fort Henry Cross Country Trail, where both squads will look to continue their progress in a deep provincial field.
FULL RACE RESULTS
