Saints look to build on running success
Paul Boots has worked diligently to create one of the top college cross-country programs in the country with the St. Clair Saints.
With the announcement of four new local recruits for the 2020 season, Boots hopes to continue to build on that success after adding Massey’s Samantha Marchenkowsky on the girls’ side along with Massey’s Gary Mcguiness and Ethan Power joining on the boys’ side with Vista Academy’s Jacob Fitzpatrick.
“As far as the guys go, that’s three pretty good guys,” Boots said. “Our guys are going to be strong again and our girls are just going to be better with Samantha.”
St. Clair won the men’s national cross-country title in 2018 and took silver in 2019 and now add two runners in Mcguinness and Power who helped Massey take the WECSSAA senior boys’ title last year and finish sixth at OFSAA.
“It did have a bit of an impact in my choice to go to St. Clair,” the 18-year-old Power said of joining the Saints. “I was excited about the cross-country team.
“I have heard many good things about St. Clair cross-country, including their championship win two years ago and the second-place finish last year. I hope to be able to contribute to the team by running my personal best and to do everything I can to help the team succeed in the future.”
The 17-year-old Fitzpatrick’s Vista Academy team was second to Massey at WECSSAA last year. He was seventh overall and has qualified for OFSAA on three occasions.
“Jake is very good,” Boots said. “Kind of under the radar good and I think he’ll be a standout.”
Saints’ assistant coach Jim Stewart was Fitzpatrick’s coach in high school, which helped him make the decision.
“I figured if I kept the same coach I could maintain the same relationship and I know his training work,” Fitzpatrick said. “I’m just excited to run with guys that are really faster than me and hopefully it will help me improve. I’m definitely excited for the challenge.”
Marchenkowsky is also a standout in track and field, but finds herself pulled towards cross-country running.
“I love the team aspect of the sport,” the 17-year-old Marchenkowsky said. “I also really enjoy the challenge of new courses as well as running a longer distance.”
The St. Clair women’s team was a top-10 performer nationally last year and a top-five team in the conference.
“I know St. Clair has a very successful cross-country team and I’m hoping I can improve and gain more experience in the sport,” Marchenkowsky said. “I think running for years at Massey will greatly help me at the collegiate level.”