Rand taking triple jump to U Sports

 The Western Mustang from Dorchester is top 12 in the nation

    March 3, 2023

   Brianna Rand, of Dorchester, in women's triple jump, with the Western Mustangs, at the OUA track and field championships, February 25 in Windsor. Rand placed seventh with a PB effort of 11.82 meters. (photo / Mundo Sports Images)

By Rob J. Ross 

DORCHESTER, Ont. - Brianna Rand is heading to her first National championship.

The freshman with the University of Western Mustangs track and field team will be competing in women's triple jump at the U-Sports championships, March 9-11, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

"I'm feeling very optimistic for Nationals and very excited, said Rand, from Dorchester. "I feel like I've been working hard so I'm excited to see what can happen."

At the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships, February 23-24 in Windsor, Rand set a personal best (PB) distance of 11.82 meters.

The top 12 in each event nation wide qualify for the U Sports championships and Rand ranks 12th in triple jump.

"Going into OUAs I was already sitting in 12th, so I knew I had to have a pretty good performance to keep that spot or move up," Rand said. "So when I jumped a new PB it was really exciting and I was feeling very happy with my performance."

The Kinesiology student has increased her distance throughout her first year.

At last year's OFSAA West regional meet in late May with Lord Dorchester secondary school, Rand won triple jump gold with a PB of 11.37 meters. Rand placed sixth a week later at OFSAA, the high school provincial championships (11.19m).

"I think I've improved a lot in this event since coming to Western. My form in my hop and step have definitely come a long way, but there is definitely still more to improve," said Rand.

"My approach has also become more consistent allowing me to hit the board. My coach Caroline (Ehrhardt) and my teammates have definitely been the reason for my improvement. They've all taught me so much being around them and learning from them."

Hallee Knelsen, of Malahide, will join Rand in Saskatoon, competing in the women's 600 and 1000 meter runs and on the Mustangs' women's 4x400-meter and 4x800-meter relay teams., in the men's 1000 metres (2:34.8).