BDWK RC at OFSAA XC

If you’ve ever had the chance to ask an Olympian from Ontario what race they got most nervous for, there is a good chance that they would say it was their experience at OFSAA cross country. Cross country can be a difficult endeavour in most scenarios, but in Ontario in November and in a northern part of the province you get a little extra dose of difficult. Snow was on the ground covering a layer of mud, with cold temperatures and a smattering of hills and narrow running paths, along with over 260 of the best high school runners in the province per race.

​Boardwalks 6 athletes showed up enthusiastic to take on the challenge. Each of them was a rookie to the event, and used this opportunity to see where they fit in. Results from this year will set the bar, as each is looking to develop into the best runner they can be. 

Emma Molloy was in the Novice girls race and had the best result of our crew by finishing in an incredible 17th place. Not only was that a great result, after a year of safely battling her way back from injury, including pulling out of the MTA Championships right before the start of the race just a week ago, Emma has continued to show improvement in each race. Out of all the competitors in her race from the TDSB Emma was 2nd. That is an improvement from 5th at the City Finals against the same girls. Emma and Mary MacDonald represented Malvern and Finished 11th of 33 teams. 

Similarly, showing improvement in each of his contested races, Charlie Mills was 30th in the Novice boys race, and when compared to the rest of the competition from TDSB, he was 3rd, a place ahead of one of the runners he faced at the City Finals. His Malvern team was 10th of 34 teams. Also, in the race were Illix Machado (154) and Charlie Pilz (161), who’s team had a great result finishing in 5th place.

In the Junior Girls race, Lucy Carpenter finished in 34th and like Charlie and Emma improved upon her standing within the TDSB as she was the 4th athlete from the City of Toronto to cross the line.

Now that our Boardwalk athletes have had a taste, I know they will be inspired to work hard, set new goals, and make an appearance at next years event.