Athletics Ontario realized the 2009 Quest For Gold Ontario Carding lists today. The University of Guelph lead the way among Canadian Universities with eight current members of the Gryphons receiving Ontario cards as well as two recent alumni. The University of Windsor had the second most among Ontario schools with six active athletes.
Leading the Gryphons named to the list were veterans Lindsay Carson, Dustin Gamble and Sarah Peirce. Giving further evidence to the incredible strength of the Gryphons recruiting class five first year athletes were awarded cards. Guelph’s own Rob Jackson as well as female rookies Shauna Malek, Rachel Aubry, Miana Griffths and Meghan Harris.
“We are just getting a different calibre of athlete staying in Canada then we used to. We are proud of the fact that we have more of those here than just about any other place in Ontario. It is a demonstration of the direction our team is heading and is great to see a large number of the best Ontario athletes staying Ontario and coming to Guelph and competing for the University of Guelph. “ Commented University of Guelph and Speed River Track and Field Club Head Coach Dave Scott-Thomas.
In addition to the eight current Gryphons, 2008 CIS High Jump Champion Michelle Moody and OUA Weight Throw record holder Owen Willems were both awarded cards. Moody and Willems each of whom has exhausted their eligibility last year but continue to train with the Speed River Track and Field Club. Fellow Speed River athlete and Olympic Trials Champion Robin Watson also received an Ontario Card giving the Guelph track and field community a stunning eleven cards the most of any area in the province.
Fellow Gryphons Shantelle Novak and Rachel Cliff also received provincial level carding, Novak from Saskatchewan and Cliff from British Columbia.
In addition to the provincial carding awards, current Gryphon Kyle Boorsma received a National Card from Sport Canada. While Gryphon alumnus Reid Coolsaet also was awarded a National Card as were Olympians Taylor Milne and Eric Gillis. Olympic Trials winner Hilary Stellingwerff and Tim Konoval also received national cards. All are members of the Speed River Track and Field Club, with six nationally carded athletes, Speed River has the most carded athletes of any club in Canada.
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
