Thunder Cross Country 2024: Season Preview

The Thunder Cross Country season is here and the team is looking to build off a season that saw newest alumni Leonard Chesoo capture a CCAA championship in his final year with the program. 

On the men’s team, they are filled with a group of runners looking to make a name for themselves this season, led by second year Markus Boland and fifth year Dominic Marchese. The rookie group for this year is excellent with Joshua Gillard and Given Designi coming to the school along with soccer player turned runner Noah McCutcheon. 

For the women's team, they are still early in their rebuild. Returning to the team are multi-sport athletes Jaycee May, Laurel van der Giessen, Makkayla Agar, as well as third year runner MJ MacDougall. All four look to bring a competitive work ethic and drive to win. Joining them this year is top recruit Ashlee Walker, who placed third at the Alberta High School XC champs and also medaled on the track at the high school provincials.

“We have quite a few new additions for this year's cross country team and I am super excited to see how the rookies do out there” head coach Matt Norminton commented. “It's going to be a fun season watching them improve and make their mark on the ACAC conference this year.”

The goal for Thunder Cross Country in 2024 is a top 3 finish at the ACAC championships. CUE hosts the first Running Room Grand Prix of the year on Saturday September 7th.

“I’m excited to see where this season takes our returning athletes and rookies.” MacDougall added. “Looking forward to watching the team grow as individuals and as athletes.”