Kelowna, BC – The Mustangs Women's Cross Country team are 2024 U SPORTS Champions after a dominant performance in the national championship at Mission Recreation Park in Kelowna.

Western finished in the top spot of the team standings after scoring 60 points from their top five finishers, this included Ashley Maguire (5), Olivia Roussel (8), Sandra Guga (14), Sophie Coutts (16) & Anna Carruthers (17).

"We're very proud of this group because it has always been about the team. They all wanted to run well individually, but the ultimate goal was the team title and they did it!" said Mustangs Head Coach Guy Schultz.

Maguire, who is a 1^st Team All-Canadian with her 7^th place individual finish, ran a final time of 27:31.


Credit: Aaron Rempel 

"We stayed positive all year and kept our eyes on November. I knew this team was capable of greatness from the moment I came to Western." said Maguire "I remember talking to Sophie (Coutts) and Chloe (Coutts) over the summer about the potential for this year and meeting all those goals makes all the years of hard work individually and over the year as a team worth it."

Roussel is a 2^nd Team All-Canadian with her results.
  Credit: Aaron Rempel 

It's the eighth team title in program history and the first since 1990.

Schultz also received a major honour after the event when he was named Coach of the Year.

"He truly cares about us as not only athletes but people, supporting us both physically and mentally." said Maguire "His dedication to this team and his true love for the sport is what sets him apart. I am so honoured to be coached by him."

On the men's side, they finished in 8^th place in the team standings with a point total of 254.

Ben Fox's final time was 24:03, the top individual finisher for the Mustangs.

The Mustangs top 5 finishers were Fox (20), Marcel Scheele (44), Tom Boers (57), Satveer Gill (62) & Rory McGarvey (71).

Congratulations to all Mustangs on a great season.