The Lethbridge College Kodiaks indoor track team begins its 2019 season this weekend at an ACAC Grand Prix event in Edmonton. The event begins a new era for the Kodiaks as Simon Schaerz officially takes over as the team’s head coach.
“I have been looking forward to the start of the season for quite some time,” says Schaerz. “We have a small group of runners that are determined to better their personal best performances. I’m excited to see what they are capable of this weekend.”
This weekend’s meet, hosted by MacEwan University, is the first of two official ACAC events for the Kodiaks ahead of March’s conference championships. The Kodiaks will also take part in the non-conference Pandas Open next month in Edmonton.
This is a rebuilding season for the Kodiaks as the team tries to follow up on last season’s results when it earned four individual women’s medals and one men’s 4x400 metre relay medal at the ACAC championships.
Cross country national gold medallist Sophia Nowicki, who won three medals at last year’s ACAC indoor track championships, is running at the University of Lethbridge this semester. Her absence leaves plenty of opportunity for the young Kodiaks to carve their own way and Schaerz is focused on steady improvements throughout the season on both the men’s and women’s teams.
Schaerz takes over the program from Bertil Johansson, who coached the past 32 seasons as Kodiaks cross country coach, as well as each of the five years that Lethbridge College has competed in indoor track. Schaerz has served as assistant and co-coach with the Kodiaks over the past four seasons.
This weekend’s meet begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Edmonton’s Kinsmen Field House. Results can be found on the ACAC website.
Learn more about the Kodiaks at gokodiaks.ca and follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Kodiaks indoor track season preview 2019
Lethbridge College Kodiaks women’s indoor track team
2018 results: Kodiaks team finished third in conference standings. Sophia Nowicki – silver in 1,500 and 3,000 metres, bronze in 1,000 metres. Kayla Enders – bronze in 600 metres.
Coaches: Simon Schaerz (first year), Caylee Vogel
Head coach in his own words: “I have been looking forward to the start of the season for quite some time. We have a small group of runners that are determined to better their personal best performances. I’m excited to see what they are capable of this weekend.”
Runners to watch: Brooklyn Vogel 600 metres and 1,000 metres. Brooklyn is in her second year with the team. She was injured for most of last year’s indoor season so she will be looking to start the season with a strong performance.
What to keep an eye out for this season: Emily Spencer is returning for her last season with the Kodiaks. She stands a good chance to win the 3000 metres. She is not running this weekend as her nursing preceptorship is keeping her busy.
Danna DeGagne is a new edition to the team. Look out for her in the 300 metres and 600 metres events.
Kodiaks indoor track season preview 2019
Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s indoor track team
2018 results: Kodiaks team finished fourth in conference standings. 4x400 metres relay team won a bronze medal.
Coaches: Simon Schaerz (first year), Caylee Vogel
Head coach in his own words: “The men’s team should once again be ready to contend for a 4x400 metres relay title at the ACAC championships. We have a strong and determined group of individuals eager to start the season. Danny Robdrup is back the helm as the team’s captain.”
Runners to watch: Foster Isiche is a new recruit from the Criminal Justice-Policing program. He will be looking to contend in the 300 metres and 600 metres events. He will also be running in the 60 metres race, which was added to the ACAC calendar as an exhibition event.
Tanner Rent will certainly be exciting to watch during the indoor track season. He was a CCAA cross country national qualifier but he insists that indoor track is his stronger sport. Look for him in the 1,000 metres and 600 metres events.
What to keep an eye out for this season: The Kodiaks have medalled in the 4x400 metres relay event in each of the first five seasons of ACAC indoor track competition and intend on once again challenging for a medal in that event.