Athletes of the Week X 2

Two TNOR runners were names SSSAA Athletes of the week. Congratulations to
Clarissa Elliott from Lo-Ellen and Zach Gallo from Notre Dame.

Proudfoot wins Western International XC Race

"Proudfoot wins Western International XC Race"

Track North Athletic Club's Ross Proudfoot, competing for the University of
Guelph won the prestigious 36th Annual Western International cross-country
running race today at the Thames Valley Golf Course in London, ON.

Competing against a star-studded field that included several All-Canadians from
14 universities in Ontario and a strong Central Michigan team, Proudfoot claimed
the gold medal by covering the men's rolling 10 kilometre course in a time of
was 31 minutes and 50 seconds.

A graduate of Lo-Ellen Park, Proudfoot ran with the large pack of lead runners
for the first 6 kilometres of the race before breaking away with a small lead
pack of three runners.  Proudfoot made a strong surge with just under a one
kilometre to the finish to distance himself from the eventual silver medallist,
Terefe Ejigu of Central Michigan University.

Proudfoot commented following the race:

"I felt really good. The first five kilometres felt relaxed and when the leaders
put in a surge at 6km I knew I could match it.  Once I caught them, the pace
actually slowed a bit and I knew I had a chance for the win so with a kilometre
to go I decided to push hard for home.  I'm extremely happy with my finish as
this is the first university race of my career and the first time I've race 10
kilometres in cross-country."

"We have a really deep team at Guelph and I feel I'm adjusting well to their
training program.  I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."

Proudfoot's Track North coach Darren Jermyn commented:

"Ross' performance today was simply incredible. I've seen him win a lot of big
races but he's never faced this type of competition in a cross-country race
before.  Not many rookies have ever won this race but he handled himself like a
seasoned veteran out there."

Proudfoot and his Guelph teammates, currently ranked number one in Canada, will
next compete at the Paul Short Invitational in Lehigh Pennsylvania on Oct 2nd.

Full results for the Western International can be found at:
http://www.westernmustangs.ca/documents/2010/9/25/western_intl_men2010.pdf?id=451

Track North Runner Meets U.S. President

Track North Runner Meets U.S. President

This article refers to the sister of current LU runner, Emma Tallman:

It has been quite a month for Track North distance runner, Kaitlyn Toohey (nee Tallman). In late August, she stood on the lawn of her Mindemoya home, taking her wedding vows. This Monday, she stood on the White House lawn, shaking hands with U.S. president, Barack Obama.

Toohey, a member of Villanova University's 2009 NCAA champion women's cross-country running team, was invited to the White House to participate in a reception for the all of the nation's collegiate championship teams.

With 650 athletes in attendance, face-time was minimal, but Toohey was able to get close enough to the president to shake his hand.

"I had to fight my way through the crowd and be especially careful since I was standing beside a football player with his arm in a sling, but Obama shook my hand and said, "Nice to meet you." He also told the football player beside me to take care of his arm. I am thankful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it was a special honour for our team, and the other championship winning teams, to be recognized by the president of the United States,"" said Toohey of her presidential encounter.

Toohey, now a Villanova graduate, is currently in the Occupational Therapy program at McMaster University, in Hamilton.

Photo attached: Kaitlyn Toohey - 3rd from Left.

Ellerton Wins Silver in Final Meet in Italy

Ellerton Wins Silver in Final Meet in Italy

Andrew Ellerton completed his 2010 track season with a silver medal in the 800m at the Città Di Padova meet in Padova, Italy. His time was 1:46.77.

Running mid-pack for most of the race, Ellerton, with 100m to go, found himself behind a pack of six runners, including Olympic silver 1500m medalist, Nick Willis and American record holder in the mile, Alan Webb. In an exciting finish, Ellerton made his move to the outside down the homestretch, making a final burst with 20m to go to pass all but the leader.

The race was won by former world championship 800m finalist,  Antonio Reina in 1:46.51

Coverage of this exciting race can be seen on the internet at the following site (Italian commentator). Ellerton, wearing dark purple top and black tights, in 6th place at the 400m mark.

http://www.runnerspace.com/video.php?do=view&member_id=3026&video_id=31394