Running all over Vancouver Island: The Cross Country ‘23 Season

From running “Hill Day, Mill Bay”s, gruelling intervals in the forest, breathtaking destination runs, friendly local meets and, ultimately, Provincials, the Cross Country team this year has been successful in its endeavours.

This year, we welcomed many new faces and came up with several new “trail names”, each accompanied by a handshake customized by Mr. Skardal. The team has grown this year, with 18 runners (or occasionally bikers) ready to take on the trails. As usual, our Grade 8s brought the spirit, making them competitive contestants for Katie’s “Fan of the Month”. Each day, we started with our fire ab workouts (sometimes with Mrs Reynolds’ elevator music) and ran a local trail of approximately six kilometres. Of course, when the coaches feel generous—which is pretty often—we stop for some ice cream at the farmer’s market on the way back to reward ourselves (for what, we’re still not sure yet). 

The competitive season began with the Cowichan Valley XC Series. This year, there has also been a new addition of student reporters, where students’ writing about the races are featured in local newspapers. From Bright Angel Park to the Brentwood-hosted Cobble Hill Race, Brentwood runners consistently placed in the top eight, with Nika L placing an impressive first place in the Senior Girls category for every run she’s been on. Runners were then sent to the Vancouver Island Cross Country Championships at Elk Lake, and each team took off. The result? Lots of muddy shoes and pants (the Laundry staff were most likely unhappy with us) and Brentwood students Nika L, Layla R, and Hamish G each qualifying individually for BC Provincials in Surrey. 

As the cross-country competitive season wraps up, we reflect back on the team’s successes this fall. Sure, we got tired of running and Braxton sometimes got lost, but each of our runners had improved and made Brentwood proud; the grit and resilience demonstrated this season by our runners is unmatched. 

We would like to express our appreciation to our coaches Mr Skardal and Mrs Reynolds, for without them the program would not be as exceptional as it is. 

Edith W, Allard ’24