The University of Victoria Vikes track team had the performances they were looking for to open their track season at the Bison Classic, Feb. 1-2, in Winnipeg, Man. First-year Vikes Caitlin Mann and Vaughn Taylor opened their season with personal bests.

FULL RESULTS

Mann, a Saskatchewan native, picked up two third-place finishes in both the 1500-m and 3000-m events. Not far behind her was Georgia Ginther who crossed in sixth place in the 1500-m and fourth place in the 3000-m.

” Caitlin had a great weekend with some good aggressive running in of both her races,” said Brent Fougner, Vikes Cross Country and Track head coach. “It’s good to see this from a rookie this early in the season.”

On the men’s side the veterans and rookie Taylor had strong performances. Third-year Vike Josh Kozelj topped the podium in the 3000-m and had his team mate Jonny Toombs right behind him with a bronze medal. Kozelj set the pace with a 8:45.48 finish. First year Gabe van Hezewijk was not far behind with a fourth place finish (9:00.87). Timothy Longley was second overall in the 1500-m and team mates Mirchell Basher (5th) and Jonny Toombs (7th) were closed behind.

“We had solid performances from veterans Josh Kozelj and Tim Longley with medal-earning races,” said Fougner. “With better competition, their times will definitely drop.”

Taylor didn’t top the podium but had a personal best in the 600-m event crossing in 1:21.91 for ninth place overall.

“Vaughn has all the potential dominate the 600 in the next few years as a Vike,” highlighted Fougner.  “This opener really shows me the potential he has going forward. I am looking forward to his next race.”

Up next the Vikes will head to the Gary Reed Open this weekend, Feb. 8-9, in Kamloops. This will be the last meet for preparation ahead of the Canada West Track and Field Championships hosted in Edmonton on Feb. 22-23. Qualified athletes will then prepare for the U SPORTS National Championship hosted Mar. 7-9 in Winnipeg.

WOMEN’S RESULTS

1000-m
5thSophie Sigfstead (3:04.38)

1500-m
3rdCaitlin Mann (4:53.13) BRONZE
6thGeorgia Ginther (4:59.85)

3000-m
3rdCaitlin Mann (10:18.58) BRONZE
4thGeorgia Ginther (10:47.87)

MEN’S RESULTS

600-m
9th – Taylor Vaughn (1:21.91)

1500-m
2nd Timothy Longley (3:56.66) SILVER
5thMitchell Basher (4:01.58)
7thJonny Toombs (4:05.53)

3000-m
1stJosh Kozelj (8:45.48)
3rdJonny Toombs (8:51.68)
4th – Gabe Van Hezewijk (9:00.87)