Written by Tyler Bennett, Sports Information & Marketing Coordinator
MEDICINE HAT, Alta. – Lambton Lions runner Owen Wrigley made the 'cross-country' journey to Medicine Hat, Alberta for the 2022 CCAA Cross Country National Championships, hosted by the Medicine Hat Rattlers.
In wintery conditions, which included a snowy course around the campus of Medicine Hat College and negative temperatures that hovered around double-digits, Wrigley lined up with the nation’s top runners from across the CCAA for the season’s final race.
Wrigley qualified for the National Championships after a strong showing at the OCAA Championships in Thunder Bay just two weeks ago. An 18th-place finish in the province earned Wrigley, a first-year student-athlete from St. Mary’s, a spot in the field in Medicine Hat.
Heading into the final race of his rookie season, Wrigley had no expectations of himself. Given the unpredictability of the weather and course conditions, Wrigley entered the competition simply looking to run his own race. Having been consistent with his times through the three previous races, he was looking to post a time comparable to his other showings on similar courses.
Aside from that, Wrigley just wanted to take in the full experience.
Wrigley would go on to post a time of 29:44, which was his second-best time of the season. He finished in 60th position in a field of 114 runners.
“Owen should be extremely proud of what he’s accomplished this season,” said Tyler Bennett, who served as the team’s Head of Delegation for the National Championships. “Wrigley represented himself and Lambton College extremely well all season long, both in and out of competition, and for him to qualify and experience a National Championship as a first-year student-athlete is a true testament to his work ethic and character.”
Wrigley, who is affectionately known as ‘Big Wrig’ thanks to his 6’5” stature, is a first-year student-athlete in the Pre-Service Fire program.
For a full list of results from the championships, click here.
The province of Alberta has become friendly confines for Lambton student-athletes this semester. Back in September, the Lambton College FireFit Team advanced to the 2022 FireFit Worlds and Canadian Nationals in Calgary, Alberta.