Lethbridge Collegiate Institute made history at the Cross Country Provincial Meet in Grande Prairie on Oct. 19 by bringing home the 4A Provincial Banner - a first for a school from the South Zone.
The 20 determined athletes faced tough conditions cold rain, mud and incredibly-slippery terrain, to rise to the challenge and exemplify the grit and spirit of the team.
In Cross Country, every runner's effort counts, as each athlete earns points based on their race performance. The Provincial Banner is awarded to the team with the highest total points, regardless of the number of runners. Points are awarded based on finish positions: first place receives 144 points, with subsequent runners earning a fraction of that based on the number of competitors in the event. This scoring system illustrates how every single runner plays a crucial role in achieving victory.
LCI showed up with 20 determined athletes who battled the elements and supported each other every step of the way. Through teamwork, grit and dedication, the team accumulated enough points to secure the banner, reflecting the hard work and resilience that represent LCI's spirit.
The runners who represented LCI at the provincial meet had to place high enough in the zone meet to qualify for Grande Prairie.
These runners included Emma Martineau-Henry, Olivia Laing, Taiya Zgurski, Zoey Stephan, Bailey Hill, Aubree Jubber, Ilario Tata, Wilson McKee, Tait Low, Noah Sparklingeyes, Rawley Heggie, Lainey Jubber, Sadie Sheen, Neveah Mangal, Luke Low, Sara Kozub, Liv Swift, Bria Good, Reggie Pollock and Steven Chatterton.
LCI runners who placed in the top 25 at provincials included Luke Low in eighth place, Emma Martineau-Henry in 18th place, and Sara Kozub in 21st place.
Prior to Provincials, LCI also took all 80 athletes to the zone meet in Echo Dale, where they made LCI history by winning the both the 4A Zone Championship and the 4A Provincial Championship in the same year.
Standout performances at zones included Anna Chatterton (first place), Dryden Platt (first place), Luke Low (first place), Lainey Jubber (second place) and Sara Kozub (third place).
The path to provincial victory was not without challenges. Shortly after being awarded the championship, LCI learned that the event faced technical issues that brought the results into question, which created uncertainty for the team. The reviewed results after the event had Strathcona High School winning the team championship.
However, with work from administration and coaches at LCI, and the support of Strathcona High School's coaches, who demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship and a commitment to fairness, the two schools were able to share the provincial championship.
Ultimately, LCI and Strathcona High School were recognized by the ASAA as co-champions of the 4A Provincial Cross Country Championship. This outcome showcased LCI's hard work and the inherent spirit of sportsmanship in the sport.
Coaching a competitive cross country team requires dedication, resilience and teamwork. The support from fellow schools, like Strathcona, is invaluable, as they understand the challenges of nurturing a successful program. It is hoped that this collaboration serves as an excellent example for schools across the province and fosters a greater spirit in cross country throughout Alberta. LCI is thrilled to celebrate this historic achievement, marking the first time the school has secured both the Zone and Provincial Cross Country Championships in the same season.
Gratitude is extended to the athletes, coaches, and the entire LCI community for their unwavering support, and there is optimism for the continued growth and success of the LCI Cross Country program.
