Trio of Vikes to represent Canada at Pan-Am Juniors

VICTORIA - Three University of Victoria Vikes middle-distance runners have earned spots on Canada's national junior track and field team.

The trio of Vikes qualified by virtue of their top two finishes at the national junior track and field championships held July 8-10 in Winnipeg, and they will compete at the Pan American Junior Championships, July 22-24 in Florida.

Jenna Van Vliet of Calgary won silver in the women's 1500-metre with a new personal best of 4:31.98. Incoming freshman Ryan Cassidy of Grande-Digue, N.B., who recently represented Canada at the World Junior Championships in 2010, won silver in the men's 3000-metre steeplechase. Another incoming rookie, Rachel Francois of Edmonton won silver in the women's 800-metre.

Van Vliet just completed her rookie year at UVic while both Cassidy and Francois join the team this coming September.

A total of 12 Vikes competed at the national junior championships. Thomas Riva finished fourth in the men's 800-metre, while fellow rookie Jackson Bocksnick was 10th in the men's 1500-metre. Three other recruits fared well - Cody Therrien was eighth in the men's 1500-metre, Patrick Psotka was eighth in the men's 3000-metre steeplechase and Grace Annear finished eighth in the women's 800-metre.

Source:

Victoria Sports Info