UPEI Cross Country heads into AUS championship full of optimism

The UPEI Cross Country team heads to the Université de Moncton this weekend for the 2021 Subway AUS Cross Country Championships. The Panthers head into the race full of optimism, coming off one of their most successful seasons in years.

Head coach Mike Peterson says that the team’s success is no accident.

“The main reason we have improved so much is the buy-in from the athletes,” said Peterson. “Despite the pandemic, they have been working very hard for two years. It has been a lot of fun, watching them work out and push themselves. We have also had some solid recruiting classes over the last three years.”

Paige Chisholm has had an exceptional season for the women’s team, capped off with a third-place finish in her last race. Peterson said the entire team is feeling confident but understands there is still work to be done.

“I’m just trying to focus on doing things the right way,” he said. “Right now, we are trying to hit that perfect taper where everyone is rested yet sharp. We are also putting a lot of thought into coming up with the best race plan for everyone, so every athlete, and subsequently both teams, can have the best race possible. There are still a lot of established teams who are very, very good. On the men's side, any one of four teams could win this weekend, and on the women’s side, it’s anyone’s guess who could podium. The important thing will be to stay relaxed, focus on our plans, and just trust our training.

Both races are 8 kilometres long over a 2 kilometre looped course at the Université de Moncton. The women’s race begins on Saturday at noon, and the men’s at 1 pm.

Go Panthers Go!