[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/leadersinmotion.jpg” caption=”McMaster academic leaders and administrators joined forces last week in support of the University’s varsity cross-country team. Click here for FULL Size“]For the fourth consecutive year, McMaster academic leaders and administrators joined in a friendly five-kilometer run and two-kilometre walk last week in support of McMaster's varsity cross-country team.

Newly appointed head coach Chris Moulton commented, “This unique event is a fantastic opportunity for the student-athletes of the cross-country team to be able to interact with members of the McMaster community. It's also a great way to lead into our season.”

Among those working out with the team were director of the Centre for Continuing Education, Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly; adjunct professor of accounting at the Degroote School of Business, David Hiscock; manager of Recreation Services, Debbie Marinoff-Shupe; and the 2005 honorary chair of the event, dean of social sciences, Susan Elliot.

After the run, Elliott commented: “The 'Leaders in Motion' run was the first event I ever participated in as dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and it's always one of the most fun. I look forward to it and can't wait for it to happen again next year.”

Debbie Marinoff-Shupe added, “I'm not able to interact with students as much as I would like, so I really enjoyed this opportunity to meet and run with these impressive student-athletes from the cross-country team.”

The varsity team members were just as happy to have the opportunity to meet and interact with some academic and administrative leaders on campus, and were especially pleased to do so around an activity they all feel passionately about: running. Co-captain Nathan Reiter, a third-year commerce student, remarked, “I love running because it helps me deal with stress. Running as a member of the cross-country team has also allowed me to network with other students, and through events like 'Leaders in Motion', with faculty as well.”

The fourth annual event was sponsored by the McMaster University cross-country team in partnership with the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Working at McMaster. The men's and women's cross country teams kicked off their season with an exciting intrasquad race last Friday. Their first OUA meet of the season takes place on September 24 as McMaster travels to the Western Invitational. Those seeking more information about McMaster cross-country should contact head coach Chris Moulton at moultocj@mcmaster.ca.