The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack cross country team had a contingent in Vernon this weekend for a special event.
The WolfPack, along with the Kamloops Track and Field club, the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat and other clubs from the Okanagan held a meet at the new outdoor track overlooking Kal Lake where Williams Lake’s Conlan Sprickerhoff competed.
“Conditions were warm with no wind, perfect for running fast,” said WolfPack cross country head coach Carmin Mazzotta.
The WolfPack had athletes running in the 800 metre event on Sunday (April 17).
Sprickerhoff set a person best at 2:02. Teammate Tony Kriprop (Eldoret, Kenya) ran 2:08.
Andrew Paul-Morris, who is to join the TRU program in the fall was the top finisher. He ran a 1:58 in his first race of the year.
In the women’s event: Alison Burnett (Quadra Island, B.C.) ran the track in 2:38 while Christa Miller (Vernon) ran 2:43. Both were personal bests.
Mazzotta commented afterwards: “To see Andrew run so well was great. He will be a key addition to our cross country team this fall as will Kurt (Behnsen). With Conlan, Tony and Brennen (Smith, Victoria) all returning and possibly three other young talented runners we are in discussions with, this fall will be a big leap forward for our men’s program. The goal to bring a full men’s side to the 2016 CIS Nationals that will be competitive is very realistic.”