The Mohawk Mountaineers women's cross country team captured a bronze medal at the 2022 OCAA Championships – the first medal for the program since 1996. The podium finish also means the team has qualified for the CCAA Championships.

"These ladies have helped put Mohawk running on the map and I could not be prouder of them," said head coach David Hopton. "The team really gelled as a unit, making each other better, building each other up daily, becoming fast friends and it has been pretty special to watch."

It was a strong showing for the Mountaineers men's team as well, who finished fifth out of 15 teams, 16-points shy of a bronze medal. Three of the Mohawk runners finished in the top-25, meaning they have individually qualified for nationals.

"We knew a bronze was going to be a tall task with Humber and Sheridan getting really strong this year, and Fanshawe and St. Clair being perennial favourites," said the second-year coach. "Our guys executed the race plan really well and moved up throughout the race."

Four of the six the Mountaineers men's runners are in their first-year and have only been with the team for six to eight weeks.

Ava Snyder (Burlington, ON) led the women's team, placing fourth overall and being named to the OCAA All-Ontario First Team. Ashley Lof (Beamsville, ON) finished ninth and was named to the OCAA All-Ontario Second Team.

Stefania Salzer (Hamilton, ON) finished 19^th, Brooklyn Skoog (Brantford, ON) placed 31^st and Emily Chant (Waterdown, ON) finished 34^th.

"I've coached Emily and Ava in triathlon for a long-time so it's special to get to this medal with them," Hopton said. "Ashley and Stefania were both on the team when I started at Mohawk 15 months ago and have both been a huge part of what our team culture has become."

Hopton added that Skoog joined the Mountaineers in the final tryout and had only been running with the team for just over a month.

"She went from someone who ran for fun and health to 31^st in the province in six weeks," Hopton said. "I hope Brooklyn can be an inspiration to future Mountaineer women to give cross country a try, seeing just how much can change in six weeks."

On the men's side, Matias Tessel (Guelph, ON) placed 12^th, Will Summers (Hamilton, ON) finished 19^th and Cody Beggs (Belmont, ON) placed 24^th. All three individually qualified for the CCAA Championships.

Tessel was also named to the OCAA All-Ontario Second Team.

Tyler Karl (Collingwood, ON) finished 29^th and only seconds away from having the chance to compete nationally. Daniel Espindola (Bogota, Colombia) placed 41^st and Gary McGuiness (Windsor, ON) finished 44^th.

"Daniel and Gary blew their expectations out of the water, which is all you can ask for," Hopton said. "With lots of returning guys next year, you can bet we're coming for a medal in 2023, and Matias, Will and Cody will wear the orange with pride and race their hearts out in Alberta."

The CCAA Championships take place Nov. 12 hosted by Medicine Hat College in Alberta.

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