The UVic Vikes men's and women's cross-country teams are hoping to recapture the Canada West conference banners when they compete in this year's CIS Championship. The Vikes have won more conference titles than any other Canada West school, but have not won the conference crown since the men's team victory in 2006.
"Our goal is to win the Canada West conference title this year," said head coach Brent Fougner, who enters his 22nd season as head coach. "The conference is going to be really close, and I think whoever does win the Canada West will finish in the medals for the national title."
2008 CW women's placing: 2nd
2008 CIS women's placing: 6th
Last CW women's title: 2005
Last CIS women's title: 2001
The women's team will be in pursuit of their 18th Canada West title and first since 2005. The Vikes field a deep line-up that features four runners who earned conference All-star status a year ago. Shauna Skinner and Claire Jean are both two-time All-stars, with Jean also earning All-Canadian honours at the 2007 meet. Julia Tschanz was Canada West Rookie of the year and All-star in 2008, while McGill transfer Brittany Therrien placed 4th at the Quebec conference meet a year ago to earn All-star status.
The Vikes also have big expectations for Deidre Moran, who placed 55th at the 2008 championship but has been UVic's top runner during the fall season. Since ditching her skis as a member of Alberta's downhill program, the sophomore from Calgary has improved with every race and shows top 20 potential.
"The strength has been our depth, as we have a really strong women's team that will challenge each other for top position," said Fougner. "Our one through seven is really close, and that could be a key advantage for us in the scoring."
2008 CW men's placing: 2nd
2008 CIS men's placing: 6th
Last CW men's title: 2006
Last CIS men's title: 1997
Daniel Mallie will be running in his final CIS championship for the men. Mallie is a three-time Canada West All-Star and two-time All-Canadian. The Delta native, who is set to graduate with a degree in Engineering, placed 9th at the 2008 CIS meet. Mallie will be complemented up front by UNB transfer Matt Pieterson, who was a bronze medalist at the 2008 Atlantic conference championship. Pieterson, a native of Ottawa, is also a member of Canada's duathlon team and placed 26th at the recent World Championship.
"Matt's been running really well and he should challenge for an All-Canadian spot, along with Dan," said Fougner. "Both those guys are mature students who have brought stability to a young team."
Cliff Childs and Tom Fleming also return for their third CIS race. Childs is a two-time conference All-Star, highlighted by a 25th place showing in last year's meet. For the rest of the Vikes roster it will be their first CIS championship, as a talented freshman class offers plenty of potential for the program's sustained success.
The CIS Championships take place in Kingston, Ont. this year - future site of the 2010 FISU World University Championship - on November 14th. The Vikes men's and women's team have combined for 13 CIS championships, 19 Canada West championships and 64 CIS All-Canadians.
