Travaglini, Mann run to podium finishes at Grand Prix No. 2

CALGARY, ALTA., (Sept. 15, 2018) — The SAIT Trojans men’s and women’s cross-country running teams showed well at the season’s second Grand Prix event of the year, Saturday afternoon.

The Trojan men earned the team title at the event hosted by St. Mary’s University, thanks to a first-place effort from Matthew Travaglini (4^th year, London, Ont., Geomatics Engineering Technology). He finished the 8km event with a time of 25:31, just five seconds ahead of Red Deer College runner, Matt Hope.

“This week, I was aware that the competition was going to be a lot tougher, so we just worked hard in practice on some things that would benefit us on this course today,” said Travaglini. “Ryan (Edgar) and Bre (MacEachern) are great coaches, and they do a great job of preparing us.”

Teammates Jacques Saayman (3^rd year, Fort McMurray, Alta., Bachelor of Business Administration) placed fourth (27.44), Daryl Ross (3^rd year, Calgary, Business Administration) took fifth spot (27:54) and Brant Lauweryssen (2^nd year, Calgary, Business Administration finished in seventh spot in a time of 28:14.

On the women’s side, Emilie Mann (2^nd year, Fernie, BC, Respiratory Therapy) paced the women’s side with her second-place finish in the 6km race with a time of 23:32.

Mann talked a bit about course, which was a 2km loop that the women circled three times.

“When we were warming up, we did the full loop, and just knowing it was going to be that three times, we didn’t have to think that hard about it or worry about forgetting anything,” she said with a laugh. “For my first race of the season, I’m pleased with the result.”

Ann Danard (2^nd year, Calgary, Civil Engineering Technology) placed 13^th in a time of 26:20, while Mandy Vocke (2^nd year, Calgary, Radio Television Broadcast News) crossed the tape in 22^nd spot with a time of 28:44.

The Trojans will compete next on Saturday, Sept. 22 in an ACAC South Division Grand Prix event hosted by the Lethbridge College Kodiaks.