The University of Guelph Track and Field and Cross Country programs are pleased to announce that Moncton's Genevieve Lalonde will be joining the Gryphon program this fall.
Lalonde, the 2009 North American and Central American Cross Country champion, is arguably one of the top five distance recruits in North America. "I am very excited to come to Guelph, the atmosphere, the close knit nature of the team and the education were major factors in my decision to come to Guelph" commented Lalonde on joining the Gryphons.
Lalonde will give the four time defending National Champion Gryphon Cross Country program a major boost as they aim for their record breaking fifth consecutive title. Along with current Gryphon Lindsay Carson, Lalonde will
give the team arguably one of the best one-two punches in not only Canada but all of North America. "I am very excited to be on the same team as Lindsay, I know that I will be pushed and that it will improve my training
and that we will be able to push each other in competition and training. Lindsay is a great leader and a great athlete."
The chance to work with 14 time CIS Coach of the Year Dave Scott-Thomas was also a major drawing point for Lalonde. "Dave Scott-Thomas and my current coach Joel Bourgeios have very similar programs and approaches and that
should certainly make for a very easy transition. Dave is a great person and I believe is one of the best coaches in Canada, in addition to Dave, Guelph offers me a tremendous support team."
Scott-Thomas is equally complimentary of Lalonde, "I'm thrilled that Gen has decided to come to Guelph. It's clear she's a big impact athlete because of her talent, but I was also hugely impressed by her quality as a person. It
was obvious from the moment she set foot on campus that she'd be a great fit; she combines a focus and toughness that are exceptional with a strong team sense and fun loving approach to life. Her coach Joel Bourgeois has
also played a key role and I'm looking forward to working together as Gen chases her running and life dreams."
Lalonde will be studying Environmental Science, "I wasn't quite sure which academic program I was looking for but I knew I was looking for the sciences. Guelph offers great sciences program and the Science Complex is
an outstanding learning facility. The flexibility that the school offers me was an important factor in my decision. Being reassured by the students of the Environmental Science program that there is a great deal of
collaboration in the program was something I found particularly impressive. The schools environmental ways reflects well on the environmental sciences program."
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Gen Lalonde's Bio
Born September 5th, 1991
Hometown: Moncton, New Brunswick
Program: Environmental Science
Personal Bests 800 meters- 2:12.07
1500 meters- 4:26.38
3000 meters- 9:36.77
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North American, Central American and Caribbean Junior Cross Country Champions 2009- First Place
Canadian Junior Cross Country Championships 2008- Fourth Place
World Junior Cross Country Championships 2008- 36th Place
North American, Central American and Caribbean Junior Cross Country Champions 2008- Sixth Place
Canadian Junior Cross Country Championships 2007- Fourth Place
Commonwealth Youth (under 18) Games 2008 (1500 meters)- Sixth Place
Commonwealth Youth (under 18) Games 2008 (3000 meters)- Fifth Place
Canadian Youth (under 18) Track and Field Championships 2008 (1500 meters)- First Place
Canadian Youth (under 18) Track and Field Championships 2008 (3000 meters)- First Place
World Youth (under 18) Track and Field Championships 2007 (1500 meters)- Tenth Place
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From:
Chris Moulton
Director of Communications
Speed River Track and Field
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