The Mohawk Mountaineers women's cross country team had one of their most impressive races of the year at the CCAA Championships in Medicine Hat, AB, finishing 13^th overall and as the second best OCAA school.

"What impressed me about the women this season was their consistency," said head coach David Hopton.

At the OCAA Championships a couple weeks ago the women earned a provincial bronze medal, the programs first podium finish since 1996.

"To be at the top of your game and perform at both provincials and nationals is not an easy task," said Hopton. "For all five women to nail it is huge. That is what led to the ladies being the second-best Ontario team at nationals."

Ava Snyder (Burlington, ON) placed 37^th, Ashley Lof (Beamsville, ON) finished 48^th, Stefania Salzer (Hamilton, ON) placed 88^th, Brooklyn Skoog (Brantford, ON) placed 101st and Emily Chant (Waterdown, ON) placed 106^th.

The Mohawk men's team had three runners qualify for nationals and all three finished in the top-80 out of 114 runners.

Will Summers (Hamilton, ON) led the way with a 59^th place finish.

"We had vintage Will out there today," said Hopton. "He moved up from 98^th after the first lap to finish in the top-60 against the top runners in the CCAA."

Matias Tessel (Guelph, ON) finished 77^th and teammate Cody Beggs (Belmont, ON) placed 78^th.

The Mountaineers cross country program has seen lots of success over the last two seasons under the helm of Hopton. In 2021 the men earned a provincial medal and this year the women did the same.

"The last time Mohawk cross country got medals from the men and women's team within a year with the same core was 1988," Hopton said. "We are trying to create something special here for years to come."

Hopton hopes the team can look back and feel like they were the start of something special.

"Both our men's and women's team are almost entirely walk-ons," Hopton said. "Hard work goes a long way in this sport. We train hard 12 months a year, and if you are thinking of joining cross country next year, reach out to the coaches now and we can help you get started."

The coach added that a lot of the first-year athletes improved significantly being a part of the team for only two months, so Hopton encourages any runners hoping to join the Mohawk team to reach out as soon as possible to have the ability to train with the team year-round.

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