For the first time in recent memory, a PECI cross country team is heading to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations meet in Ottawa November 4.

The Panthers Senior Boys squad made great strides this season, capturing the Central Ontario silver medal at the 6.1 km Jackson Park course in Peterborough Oct. 23. 

Josh McGill, Derek Quick, Rowan Colby, Ethan Thompson, Carter Kingsley, Declan Vincent and Jace MacDonald posted a score of 68 and average plus time of 23:55, finishing second to the juggernaut East Northumberland Blue Dragons.

PECI coach and Athletic Director Laurie Spencer said the team has been working and developing over their secondary school athletic careers and the dedication paid off, with tremendous times at the Bay of Quinte Invitational, Bay of Quinte and COSAA meets.

The team has been a pleasure to work with over the past four seasons,” said Ms. Spencer. “They are a great group of student-athletes who exhibit dedication to their training. What sets them apart is that they stay positive in any situation and remain humble.”

Mr. McGill has been PECI’s top runner all season, consistently posting top five finishes in the lead up to the All Ontario meet next month. Ms. Spencer explained that, in addition to being the squad’s top runner, Mr. McGill has taken the lead in recruiting others to create a full team over the past couple of years.

“Derek Quick has quietly climbed from being a new runner several years ago to being one of our strongest. He is quiet, consistent and hardworking,” she said. Meanwhile, track standout Rowan Colby is one of the division’s top cross-country runners.

“Rowan has effectively developed his long distance skills to be a key contributor to the team,” she noted.

Speaking as de facto captain, Mr. McGill said the team has shown razor sharp focus and resilience this season thanks to difficult workouts and instruction from Ms. Spencer and running coach Eric Chapman.

“We set our sights on OFSAA and we’ve been working hard on skills like pacing, surging on the downhills and building confidence to compete with the best in the Bay of Quinte,” Mr. McGill said. “Our skills were on display at COSSA and we are excited to run with Ontario’s best in Ottawa next week.”

Other top runners for PECI this season include Junior Girls runner Olivia Demianchuk.

Of note, Wellington native Theo Lavender won gold at the Senior Boys Bay of Quinte meet at Dunnett Orchards Oct. 16 running for Eastside Secondary out of Belleville with a time of 19:02.