University of Saskatchewan cross-country athletes put up some impressive times Oct. 6 at the 2012 U of S Open in Saskatoon’s Lakewood Park.

The Dogs invited athletes from the universities of Regina, Calgary, Manitoba and Alberta.

Huskies runners Brittany Elliott and Davis Guenther had top results for the club at the meet. Elliott finished ninth among university athletes in the women’s 4,500-metre run with a time of 16:40. Guenther finished seventh among male university athletes in a time of 23:21 in the 7,500-metre race.

This is Elliott’s first year with the cross-country team, but she has competed on the Huskies track and field squad for two years prior — though didn’t run more than 3,000 metres in a single race as a track athlete.

Joanne McTaggart, the coach of the cross-country team, is impressed with Elliott’s transition.

“Because it’s her first year, she is just learning the right way to pace herself for the longer distances,” McTaggart said.

During the race, Huskies Emmett and Graeme Harrison caused more than a few spectators confusion as the two are identical twins. Emmett is in his second year with the club, while Graeme transferred to the U of S from the University of Regina this year to study education and run alongside his brother.

Emmett crossed the finish line 27 seconds ahead of his brother Graeme.

“I think I may have got some cheers for Graeme,” Emmett said. He also added that by beating his brother he earned bragging rights until the next race.

Emmett finished in 39th place among university male athletes with a time of 26:41 while Graeme placed 44th.

The Regina Cougars had the two fastest athletes on the day. Fourth-year kinesiology student Karissa LePage placed first in the women’s race with a time of 15:40. On the men’s side the Cougars’ Kelly Wiebe clocked in at 21:48 for the top spot.

The Huskies race next at the Stewart Cup hosted by the University of Calgary on Oct. 27. It is the final race before the Canada West/Canadian Interuniversity Sport Championship on Nov. 10 at Western University.

—
Photo: Raisa Pezderic/The Sheaf