It was wet and muddy as more than 250 athletes lined up for the boys provincial championships at Crescent Park in Surrey last weekend.

The competition from the Lower Mainland was fierce as coastal competitors have the advantage of a prolonged season due to optimal weather conditions as well as increased competition.

However, Correlieu secondary school athletes prevailed at the race, as senior boys Chris Dinsdale and Nicholas MacLean placed 29th and 35th respectively out of 272 competitors.

Cross-country running coach Pat Marsh was elated with the results.

“This is the best male performance at this school in more than 20 years,” she said.

“Their accomplishments were outstanding. Both boys peaked at provincials, running personal bests to finish first and second within our respective zone.”

Dinsdale is an all-round athlete; in addition to cross-country running he also plays volleyball and basketball while working part -time. Consequently, he has limited time to train for cross-country running. Despite this challenge, Dindale’s outstanding performance caught the eye of recruits from top universities such as University of Victoria, UBC and Simon Fraser.

He was also approached by head coach Wayne Phipps from the University of Idaho, a school where other top Quesnel runners such as Bevin Kennelly and Josh Guggenheimer have attended.

Racers Jagr McCall from CSS and Taylor Olson from QSS also did well in the race, placing in the top third of the field.

CSS competitor Brian Wattie faced adversity in the race as he was kicked in the leg at the beginning but managed to complete the race with a charlie horse.

At the girls provincial championship, Grade 8 CSS athlete Katrina McLean had an impressive performance, placing 55th out of 249 in her first-ever provincial race.

CSS racers Amy Wood and Shawna McIlvenna who battled injuries this season also competed in the race, gaining valuable experience for next season.

QSS competitor Emily Child faired well at provincials, finishing 72nd overall.

CSS runners triumph at provincials