Cross Country

Cross Country Awards

MIC:

• Ms T Voorendyk

Captain:

• Aidan Stuart

Team award:

• Matthew Rathbone

Full Colours:

• Keagan Loftie-Eaton • Jordan Nunes • James Purchase • Aidan Stuart

Cross country resumed in 2021 and the squad was certainly raring to go! After missing out on an entire season last year, runners were eager to test their mettle. Logistics remained a challenge, with restrictions on the number of participants allowed at fixtures, Covid-19 protocols, no opportunity for training sessions, other sporting codes’ demands … the list almost resembles a marathon itself.

We were able to attend three fixtures at Delta Park and two at St Stithians – both very challenging courses with long, slow climbs. The uphill finish at Delta made it virtually impossible to sprint across the line. Spectators were not allowed, and runners had to return to their buses as soon as they finished the race, so cheering teammates over the line was not an option. Despite the more subdued vibe, our runners remained enthusiastic, determined and positive. As is unfortunately always the case, there were some sprains, aches and pains which prevented targeted results for some.

Newcomers to the squad this year, the Arwidi brothers, showed that they are as formidable on foot as they are in the pool. Mark Ireland continued his winning streak, earning him the title of “Cross Country Runner of the Year”. Captain Aidan Stuart, Anton Arwidi, Mark Ireland and Erik Arwidi were selected for the Inter-District Individual Championships, based on their consistent ranking throughout the season. Selection for the InterLeague Championships (a team event) included Keagan Loftie-Eaton, Jordan Nunes, James Purchase, Aidan Stuart, Anton Arwidi and Mark Ireland.

To our great disappointment, the championships were postponed, then ultimately cancelled due to another round of Covid-19 restrictions. The runners can, however, reflect on their season with pride. Based on their Strava posts, they are still active and running up a storm – their overall commitment to fitness and hard work will stand them in good stead in their future endeavours.

Ms T Voorendyk MIC: Cross Country

Cross Country Team

Back row: Keagan Loftie-Eaton, Anton Arwidi, Matthew Rathbone, Mark Ireland Front row: Jordan Nunes, Michael Jervis, Alex Zarkov, Ms T Voorendyk, Aidan Stuart, Erik Arwidi, James Purchase