Varsity runners, University leaders set the pace

[img_inline align=”” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/lim.jpg” caption=”University leaders and members of the McMaster men’s and women’s cross country team. Credit: Lorraine Redford”]

For the third consecutive year, McMaster academic leaders and administrators
joined in a friendly five-kilometer run and 2-kilometre walk Thursday in support
of McMaster's varsity cross-country team.

Head coach Brad Young commented, “There's a very strong connection
between leadership and sport, and this event allows our varsity runners to connect
with University leaders around an activity that we all feel passionately about
– running. I can't think of a better way to kick start our season.

Among those working out with the team were dean
of social sciences, Susan Elliott; assistant registrar of graduate
studies, Peter Self, and the 2004 Honorary Chair of the event, dean
of science, Peter Sutherland.

After the run, Susan Elliott commented: “This is my second year attending
Leaders in Motion'. I found last year's run very rewarding
by connecting with so many varsity runners from my own faculty. As impressive
as these varsity runners are athletically, they're even better people.

Peter Self commented, “As a former coach of the cross-country team here
at McMaster, I'm glad to see so many of my colleagues out in support of
the program. We have a very strong team this year, and I wish them great success
in the upcoming season.”

Peter Sutherland added, This event started two years ago with only a
handful of us. I'm glad that we've been able to grow the event from
year to year, and I look forward to an even bigger and better run in 2005.

Co-captain Shawn Benninger, a first year medical student, remarked, “As
a new member of the McMaster community, it is terrific to see so much interest
in our team. I'm learning very quickly that there is a real running culture
at McMaster, which is extremely rewarding for all of us.

The third annual event was sponsored by the McMaster University cross-country
team in partnership with the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Science and Working
at McMaster. Pre-season CIS polls have both the McMaster men's
and women's
teams ranked in the top-ten nationally as they open their schedule on Saturday,
Sept. 18 at the University of Waterloo.
Those seeking more information about McMaster cross-country should contact Head
Coach Brad Young at ext. 24625 or youngb2@mcmaster.ca.