Every team has that one athlete. The one whose energy radiates, whose spirit lifts others on tough training days, and whose presence seems to bring, for lack of a better word, good vibes.

Jack Boden is that athlete for the University of Victoria men's cross country and track team. But Boden's journey has been anything but ordinary.

The Oak Bay High School graduate joined the Vikes program straight out of high school and was almost immediately met by the COVID lockdown.

He spent the next two seasons of his athletic career steadily improving, and in 2022, he earned two Canada West All-Stars and won a conference gold medal in the 4x800m relay and a silver medal in the 1000m.

A step away from the track

Following his most successful year athletically, Boden felt burned out on school and needed a change.

When a former teammate and friend announced they were moving to Australia, he jumped at the opportunity to try something new, trading his daily routine for the spontaneity of life down under.

Boden spent the last two years living abroad and exploring Australia, travelling in the Philippines, and later working a season at Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna before returning to Victoria. It was an unconventional break from a university athlete's typical path, but exactly what he needed.

While living on Australia's sunshine coast, Boden didn't completely give up running—but he certainly wasn't training the way he'd become accustomed to most of his life.

"It was tough to see the boys keep training and to not be with them, but I kept running and ran a few half marathons while I was there—I like to stay active," said Boden. "I was working landscape construction, and I was on my feet all day, so I figured, if I could run well while doing that, I could return to uni and be a student-athlete. It made me really appreciate life as a full-time student-athlete."

The time off wasn't a loss. It was a recharge. In an era where student-athletes are often expected to constantly grind, Boden's break became a critical part of his development—not just as a runner but as a person. Upon returning to the team this season, Boden isn't the same person who left two years earlier. He is more mature, grounded, and, according to his coach, even more of a positive presence.

"I really love running, especially on the team; it's such a good environment. It took me about two months to really get back into it, but once I started hitting the paces with the boys, it got me pretty fired up. I think being older and more mature has helped me, and I'm super excited for what this season has to bring," continued Boden.

Now in his third year of eligibility, Boden is gearing up for a big year. His performances are sharper, and his mindset is more focused. And his impact on the team? Immeasurable.

With the men's cross country and track team at its strongest this season, Boden is eyeing not only individual success but a collective one.

"The team is so solid this year; it's the strongest team I've been a part of during my time here. We haven't had a team this deep and this strong. I think a Canada West gold is definitely in the realm of possibility."

In a world where athletes are often defined by their results, Boden stands out for something else. He's the guy who brings balance—both in life and to his team. His unconventional journey, from a high school standout to a two-year globetrotter and now back at UVic, underscores the value of taking the road less travelled.

The Vikes cross country team will face its first big test of the season going head to head with Canada West's top teams at the Stewart Cup, Oct. 12, in Calgary AB.