Stanat takes U-Sports shot put silver 

   

 Captures his first medal at Canadian university track and field championships 

 while Basson helps Guelph win men's 4x800 relay gold

 

 March 12, 2024

 

 

  

 

By Rob J. Ross 

WINNIPEG, Man. - A.J. Stanat of St. Thomas is bringing home a silver medal in men's shot put, from the U-Sports Canadian track and field championships March 7-9 at the University of Manitoba.

A best effort of 16.85 metres put Stanat on the podium, with winner Samuel Bourque from the University of Moncton, who took gold with a best heave of 17.40 metres.

Stanat just missed the podium in men's weight throw, finishing fourth with a personal best effort of 17.04 metres.

"It felt great to stand on the podium. All in all, I'm content with the season that I've had. I made a lot of progress this year," Stanat said. "I felt as though I threw decently over the course of the (championships). PB'd in weight throw, so can't ask for much more. As for shot put, it would've been nice to hit 17 metres plus again, but I'm at ease knowing that I went after it on every throw."

At the Ontario championships (OUA), Stanat threw a PB of 17.11 metres to win shot put gold.

On the National stage, Stanat opened with 15.74m throw that placed him second, a position Stanat would hold for five of the six rounds. Stanat led the competition after two rounds with a 16.83m throw, before Bourque tossed a 16.94 in round three, followed by his 17.40 in round four.

Stanat had his 16.85 in round five, but fouled in the three other rounds.

"My placement eased my nerves slightly, but I was aware of that fact that my position wasn't solidified," Stanat said. "As for my fouls, I was trying to catch first place and wanted to put it all in the line. Second in Canada is good, but I still have more to give."

That could be next year in Windsor, when the Lancers host the 2025 U-Sports Canadian championships.

"I would certainly call this a break through season. I'm excited for what's to come. My results definitely motivate me to continue working hard," Stanat said. "My first experience was very fun overall. I thought the facility was nice and the Bisons did a good job of hosting."

Awards have followed, with Stanat named a 2024 U-Sports All-Canadian and the Lancers' male athlete of the week for the week ending March 10.

This summer Stanat plans to compete in shot put and hammer throw during the outdoor season with St. Thomas Legion Club.

 

  

Relay gold for Basson

Mason Basson from Sparta helped the Guelph Gryphons men's 4x800-metre relay team to a gold medal in school record time of in 7:28.99.

It's the second fastest 4x8 time ever at U-Sports and for the 2024 year ranks third best (World Athletics) in the world, behind Georgetown (7:26.90) and Bucknell (7:28.08).

"It feels amazing," expressed Basson. "No other team in the history of Guelph has been as good as this team."

Adam Schmidt, Alanzo Ryan and Max Davies, round out the team that knocked three seconds off the previous Guelph record time.

"I was second leg. During the race I could only think about not letting the team down. As soon as I caught my breath and saw Max get the baton in second place I knew we would win. That guy is an animal right now," Basson said. "We have a once in a lifetime team right now. We have two alternate runners that have both ran 1:53 that didn't make the team. Usually a 1:53 would be one of the fastest runners for a different relay team."

Davies set U-Sports records in both the men's 1000 (2:21.00) and 1500 (3:44.00) metres.

Basson also placed 12th in the men's 600-metre run (1:20.84), missing a top eight advancement to the final.

Guelph took both the men's and women's team titles after not winning either title at the Ontario (OUA) championships.

"We didn't have some people competing at OUAs, so they could stay healthy for U-Sports," Basson said. "We went crazy."

 

  

Hallee Knelsen of Malahide won a bronze medal with the Western Mustangs' women's 4x800 relay team (8:50.70). Knelsen finished eighth in the women's 1000 metres (2:51.62).

Brianna Rand from Dorchester, with the Western Mustangs, placed 11th in women's triple jump (11.54 metres).0.84).

 

Coles top 10 in 3000

St. Thomas brothers Aiden and Tristan Coles, placed fourth (7:58.25) and sixth (8:00.33), respectively in the men's 3000 metre run at the NCAA Eastern Conference Athletic Conference (IC4A/ECAC) indoor track and field championships, March 1-3 in Boston.