T&F: CGY, SSK runners unbeatable in distance
CGY runner nips at record-setters' heels, SSK athlete cruises to victories to earn Athlete of the Week honours
WINNIPEG - Calgary's Eric Lutz and Saskatchewan's Kaitlyn Harrison were named the Canada West Track and Field Athletes of the Week by the conference Tuesday.
Lutz placed first among all male track and field athletes at the 49th Annual Golden Bear Open (GBO) over the weekend with 20 points.
The reigning 1000m and 1500m U SPORTS champion earned 20 points for first place finishes in those races this weekend. In the shorter of the races, the fourth-year track star was less than half a second from beating a 38-year-old GBO record (set in 1984 by UBC’s Simon Hoogwerf). He also chased down Calgary alumni Scott Jensen’s provincial indoor record, setting a time just .79 seconds off Jensen’s mark.
The distance runner had the GBO Open record within his sights in the 1500m event as well, crossing the line in just 3:50.57. That was a full three seconds ahead of his closest competitor, and .45 seconds off the meet record set by University of Victoria’s Doug Beckman back in 1979.
Event log: Golden Bear Open, Jan. 21 & 22
20 points: First place in 1500m, first place in 1000m
Meanwhile, Kaitlyn Harrison finished tied for first among female track and field athletes at the 49th Annual Golden Bear Open over the weekend with 20 points.
Harrison cruised to gold in both the 3000m and 1500m races, helping her University of Saskatchewan Huskies capture the meet's team title on the women's side.
This weekend is the latest success for the Lumsden product, who placed placed fifth at both the CW Cross Country Championships and U SPORTS National Championships in the fall, earning first-team all-Canadian honours.
Event log: Golden Bear Open, Jan. 21 & 22
20 points: First place in 3000m, first place in 1500m