Amazing 5th Place Finish for Ben Weir at Provincial Cross Country

Grade 11 student Ben Weir finished a tremendous cross country running season with a 5th Provincial finish, an impressive improvement from his 20th place finish at the 2010 Provincials. The 6.5 km Provincial race was held outside of Kelowna on rough and hilly telemark ski trails. Over 286 runners participated. Though Ben placed fifth overall, he was in fact second out of the Grade 11 runners, losing only to another student from Victoria who finished in 1st place. Since the race, Ben has already been contacted by UBC, SFU, and Trinity Western, each asking him to consider running with them. And he’s only in Grade 11! Imagine what he’ll do with another year in a GNS bib! Ben’s father credits GNS Cross Country Coach Paul O’Callaghan for his success; until Coach O’Callaghan encouraged him to try running, Ben had no idea he had any aptitude for the sport. With cross country finished for the year, Ben will turn his attention to train for track and field, in which he excels in the 1500 m, 3000 m, and steeplechase, last year winning three gold medals at Lower Islands and finishing in 10th place in the 3000 m at Provincials.Congratulations on another exceptional season, Ben. We look forward to cheering you on at track and field.