Calgary, AB – The University of Victoria cross country program continued its dominance on Oct. 31, sweeping the men's and women's team championships at the 2026 Canada West Cross Country Championships. The Vikes successfully defended both conference titles, marking the second consecutive year Victoria has claimed both team banners.
Madelyn Eybergen led the women's team with a championship performance.
- Madelyn Eybergen captured the individual Canada West title in a time of 29:16. The victory completed an impressive progression for Eybergen, who finished second at the Canada West Championships in 2025 before going on to win the U SPORTS national championship.
- Marisha Thompson joined Eybergen atop the podium with a second-place finish in 29:57.
- Elissa Frielink added a fourth-place finish as Victoria claimed three of the top four individual positions.
- Brooke Lawlor (12th) and Emily Robertson (16th) rounded out the Vikes' scoring runners.
Victoria's depth secured another women's conference crown.
- The Vikes finished with 35 points, holding off UBC (39) to win the Harold Wright Trophy. The women had seven Victoria runners finish inside the top 19, with Colette Reimer (17th) and Christobel Chapman-Pich (19th) also earning top-20 results.
The men's team showcased its depth with another championship-winning performance.
- In dominant fashion, the Vikes' men defended their Canada West title, defeating the field by 24 points.
- Daniel Damian led the Vikes with a third-place finish in 26:14. Tyler Browne followed in fourth place, crossing the line just two seconds later. Reigning Canada West individual champion Jaxon Kuchar rounded out Victoria's lead trio with a fifth-place finish.
- Jacob Webster and Nico Stockwell completed the scoring five, placing 13th and 14th overall.
The Vikes' pack-running proved decisive.
- Victoria placed three runners inside the top five and five runners inside the top 14.
- Mitchell Erickson (15th) and Rhys Beaudoin (17th) added strong depth performances.
- The Vikes tallied 39 points to win the P.S. Warren Trophy, finishing ahead of Regina (63) and UBC (66).
Awards and honours
The Vikes will next turn their attention to the U SPORTS Cross Country Championships as they look to carry their championship momentum onto the national stage. The national championships will take place on Nov. 14 in Hamilton, ON.
Results
Women's Team Standings
- Victoria – 35 points
- UBC – 39 points
- Alberta – 82 points
- Calgary – 110 points
- UBC Okanagan – 123 points
- Saskatchewan – 144 points
Women's Victoria Results
1.
Madelyn Eybergen – 29:16
2.
Marisha Thompson – 29:57
4.
Elissa Frielink – 31:03
12.
Brooke Lawlor – 31:21
16.
Emily Robertson – 31:37
17.
Colette Reimer – 31:39
19. Christobel Chapman-Pich – 31:44
20.
Hailie Robertson – 31:50
23.
Rory O'Brien – 32:10
27.
Ella Ballard – 32:30
Men's Team Standings
- Victoria – 39 points
- Regina – 63 points
- UBC – 66 points
- Calgary – 115 points
- T-5. Manitoba – 140 points
T-5. Saskatchewan – 140 points
- Alberta – 151 points
- UBC Okanagan – 241 points
Men's Victoria Results
3.
Daniel Damian – 26:14
4.
Tyler Browne – 26:16
5.
Jaxon Kuchar – 26:33
13.
Jacob Webster – 27:11
14.
Nico Stockwell – 27:14
15.
Mitchell Erickson – 27:17
17.
Rhys Beaudoin – 27:22
24.
Nolan Galloway – 27:40
28.
Jack Screen – 27:58
