[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/varsity.jpg” caption=”Varsity runners”]McMaster academic leaders and administrators joined in a friendly five-kilometer run Thursday in support of McMaster's varsity cross country team.

Head coach Brad Young commented, “This is a terrific opportunity for some of the finest student athletes on campus – individuals who aspire to be civic and business leaders down the road – to make a connection with our current campus leaders. It gives my runners a chance to talk to campus leaders about a passion that we all share, running.”

Among those working out with the team were associate vice-president of university advancement, Mary Williams; dean of social sciences, Susan Elliott; dean of science, Peter Sutherland; and assistant registrar of graduate studies, Peter Self.

After the run, Susan Elliott commented: “It's a privilege and a pleasure to be able to work out with over a dozen varsity runners from my own faculty and chat about wellness, competition and leadership.”

Mary Williams commented, “As a proud McMaster kinesiology grad, I'm glad to see that there are many kin' students on the cross country team. I wish the team great success in the upcoming season.”

The 20-member varsity team was pleased with the number of McMaster professors and leaders in attendance. Phil Boley (X-C team alumnus) who had a hand in organizing this year's event said: “This is the second year we have done a social run like this, and we hope to do more. It's great that so many academic leaders and administrators here at McMaster are able to take some time and meet our student athletes and see what we as a team do. Our runners were pretty impressed with the level of fitness of our guests.”

The second annual event was sponsored and organized by the McMaster University cross country team in conjunction with Working at McMaster. The McMaster men's and women's teams are both ranked #10 in the CIS pre-season polls and open their schedule on Saturday, Sept. 20 at McGill University. The team will race at home on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Churchill Park in Westdale. Those seeking more information about McMaster cross country should contact Coach Brad Young at ext. 24625.

Photo caption: Participants of the “Leaders and Future Leaders Run” gather for a group picture. Photo credit: Anthony Celani