In the gruelling endurance competition of cross country running, it takes both stamina and perseverance to succeed. Luckily, University of Saskatchewan Huskies cross country runner Shayna Uhryn has both.

Uhryn is in her first year at the U of S, studying in the College of Arts and Science. She has a background in track and field, growing up in Saskatoon and starting cross country in the grade 11. This led to Uhryn finding her place among the Huskies’ cross country team this year, where her determination and genuine love for running solidified her success.

Shayna Uhryn was named the Canada West Female Rookie of the Year in cross country.

All the hard work Uhryn put into training and attending practices six times a week paid off when she was awarded with the title of Canada West Female Rookie of the Year in cross country.

“It’s pretty exciting because it’s for all western universities. It’s cool to be the top rookie in all of western Canada,” Uhryn said.

Uhryn finished 10th in the CanWest championship with a time of 23:00.8 and finished the season ranking 33rd, according to U Sports, the national governing body for university athletics in Canada. Each race for women’s cross country is six kilometres long and the CanWest, which is simultaneously the national championship, was held in Quebec City this year. Uhryn spoke on the diversity in the courses they visited over the duration of the season.

“Running in the different places, like Quebec City, we’ve never been there —  it’s not like we can train on it. So we kind of have to be ready for anything that can come your way,” Uhryn said.

However, this does not slow her down. Uhryn states that the variety is part of why she enjoys cross country running, compared to track and field.

“I like how each race is different. It’s not like running in a straight circular path like track. I like track too, but the different courses for the hills and running on grass is cool,” Uhryn said.

Uhryn also mentioned the difference between running cross country in high school in comparison to university in terms of the level of competition, noting that many of the girls she competes against are five years older than her. This does not deter Uhryn or her love of running though, as she says she intends to continue with cross country going forward.

“I definitely plan on joining again next year. I think I can take away that it definitely was an eye opener, just to see the different levels of [runners at] universities across Canada,” Uhryn said.

On observing the various skills levels across the country, Uhryn says she tries to take away different training methods, as well as finding areas to improve in.

Uhryn stated however, that her biggest challenge during the season was not to be found on the course. Instead, it was found in the classroom.

“I think the biggest challenge would’ve been trying to perform at such a high level while you’re still trying to maintain five classes and three labs. It’s a heavy workload,” Uhryn said.

Running is clearly a labour of love for Uhryn, as she lists it at the top in her favourite things to do in her free time.

“Definitely running. I actually love running but I also [am] heavily involved in all sports. So like volleyball, basketball, badminton, cross country, track [and] flag football. I’m kind of in everything,” Uhryn said.

While the cross country season may be over, Uhryn says she will be continue to run with the U of S track team during the off season. It seems that Uhryn can’t outrun her passion for the sport that has brought her so much success.

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Jack Thompson / Staff Writer

Photo: Josh Schaefer / Huskie Athletics / GetMyPhoto.ca / Supplied