10 early-season jaw-dropping performances in U Sports

As we are approaching the midway point of the 2017-2018 U Sports (Canadian university) track and field season, here are a few standout performances from runners that have caught our attention, in no particular order.

The national university track championships are March 7-10 in Windsor, Ont.

Note: times are without U Sports conversions.

Jack Sheffar (Western University): 3,000m, 8:03.29 –  BU John Thomas Terrier Classic

An underwhelming cross-country season saw Sheffar finish 74th at the fall U Sports Championships. But, do not be fooled. The defending OUA (Ontario University Athletics) champion in the 1,500m and 3,000m has signalled his return to form in grand fashion. His new PB ranks him first in U Sports.

(Confirmation: This is indeed a 3,000m time, and not a 2,800m time.)

Kelsey Balkwill (University of Windsor): 400m, 53:15 – Clemson Invitational

The former NCAA athlete at the University of Miami burst onto the U Sports scene by running under the IAAF World Indoor Championship standard in the 400m, which converts to a U Sports-leading time over 600m. Her mark of 37.99 in the 300m at the Windsor Can-Am meet also ranks her first.

Jean-Simon Desgagnés (Laval): 3,000m, 8:14.52 – McGill Team Challenge

The rookie for the Rouge et Or took home first place in a deep 3,000m field in Montreal with the help of a devastating last lap. The one they call ‘Queen’ is the 2017 U Sports cross-country rookie of the year, and ranks first for best hair.

Regan Yee (Trinity Western University): 3,000m, 8:58.29 – University of Washington Invitational

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bee3c1-nEw-/
A force to be reckoned with on the track, Yee’s mark eclipses the U Sports standard by a staggering 26 seconds. Plus, she was pictured trailing Shalane Flanagan by just a few metres in the process.

Sebastian Saville (Carleton University): 600m, 1:17.45 – U Ottawa Winter National Invitational

Saville seems to improve with age. Last year’s fourth-place finisher in the 600m at the U Sports Championship should be in this year’s fight for gold.

Gabriela and Lucia Stafford (University of Toronto): Mile, 4:28.88 and 4:31.66 – Dr. Sander Invitational

The Stafford sisters are out to play, once again. Lucia comes off a sixth-place finish at the U Sports Cross-Country Championships, while Gabriela, a 2016 Olympian, was battling injury. A healthy Stafford duo will go a long way in carrying the third-ranked Toronto Varsity Blues women to victory in March.

Stefanie Smith (University of Windsor): 5,000m, 16:21 – BU (Boston University) John Thomas Terrier Classic

The fifth-year runner has been in great form since December, when she re-wrote her own Windsor Lancers 1,500m and 3,000m records. The U Sports XC All-Canadian and FISU team member has proven to be a threat across the board.

Angus Rawling (St. Francis Xavier University): 3,000m, 8:15.09 – McGill Team Challenge

Rawling tried to drop the field in Montreal with the help of his trademarked fearless front-running style. Only Desgagnés got the best of him. His PB was no fluke; the third year X-Man had run 8:16 on a flat track in Halifax the week prior. Word on the street is that he hired an Olympian (who will remain unnamed) for pacing duties.

Julie Labach and Courtney Hufsmith (University of Saskatchewan): 1,000m, 2:46.49 and 2:46.61, respectively – Downtown Lions Sled Dog Track & Field Meet

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd8nlu7j8L6/

The one-two Husky punch has made some noise early. As of Jan. 28, they currently rank first and second in U Sports in the 1,000m. While Labach also focuses on the 600m and has achieved a time of 1:30.19, Hufsmith comes to the 1,000m from the aerobic side, having run 4:26.38 in the 1,500m.

Tommy Land (University of Guelph): 1,000m, 2:24:66 – McGill Team Challenge

Three races, three wins for Tommy Land. The double-medallist from last year’s U Sports Track Championships also took home top spot in the 600m at the McGill team challenge in a time of 1:18.96. Prior to that weekend, he edged out a few of his teammates in the 1,000m at the Windsor Can-Am meet.

Honourable mention: John Gay (University of British Columbia): 3,000m, 7:59.80 – University of Washington Open

Though UBC competes in the NAIA, his stellar performance solicited a mention. His mark would rank him first in U Sports.