Dorchester Beavers junior boys cross country team, placed second at WOSSAA, qualifying for OFSAA, from left, River Neveu, Bennett Thomas, Kirk Hallman, Andrew Shoniker, Spencer Erb. Hallman won the junior boys' race.
Hallman WOSSAA X-C junior champ
Leads Dorchester Beavers team to second place and spot at OFSAA
October 28, 2023
By Rob J. Ross
CLINTON, Ont. - Kirk Hallman is returning to OFSAA as a WOSSAA cross country champion.
The Dorchester Beavers runner won the junior boys five kilometre race in 18 minutes flat, 30 seconds ahead of the field, at the WOSSAA championships, October 26 at St. Anne's high school.
"It feels great to win WOSSAA and see the hours of training this season start to pay off," Hallman said. "This season has been very different than last year. I have a new high school coach, Mrs. Ashby and an entire new club outside of school."
Hallman prevailed enduring wet, chilly and very muddy conditions along the course.
"(WOSSAA) was the worst conditions I have ever run in," Hallman said. "Before the race, I made myself realize that everyone in the race had to deal with the same conditions. I knew I was going to get very muddy, wet and cold. I made sure I got a good warm-up in so that I wouldn't get too cold during the race."
Hallman led the junior boys to second place, qualifying the team for OFSAA as well.
"I'm also excited that I'll get to share the OFSAA experience with my junior teammates," said Hallman. "At the start of the season, we made the goal of making it to OFSAA as a team, so we are excited that we managed to qualify. "They're proud of themselves and each other for all the dedication and commitment we've all put in."
River Neveu finished 21st, followed by Spencer Erb, 23rd, Bennett Thomas, 24th and their fifth runner, Andrew Shoniker, 30th.
Last year, Hallman finished ninth in novice boys, so this year can give feedback to his teammates.
"None of them have been to a race of this size before, so there are some nerves," Hallman said. "Some advice I would give, is just run your own race and don't worry about what other people are doing or what place they are in."
OFSAA is at Centennial Park, in Etobicoke, Saturday, November 4.
In novice boys, Alex Szuckso led the Beavers, placing 12th.
Aisha Medina was 13th in novice girls.
Megan McLachlin placed 26th in junior girls.
Ryan Johnson led the senior boys, finishing 23rd.
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