Celebrating Excellence: RunSport's Prestigious Award Honours Outstanding Achievements
At RunSport, we believe in celebrating the spirit of determination, dedication, and achievement. This year's recipients of the RunSport Victoria Award have exemplified these qualities, inspiring us all with their remarkable journeys in both academics and athletics.
Introducing the Winners:
Jaxon Kuchar: A True Inspiration in Endurance
Jaxon Kuchar, a standout member of the UVIC Vikes Track and Field team, continues to leave his mark in the realm of athletics. In the 2023 track season, Kuchar showcased his prowess, competing at the UW Invite and securing 58th place in the 3000m event with a time of 8:23.53. Notably, his achievements extend to the 2022 XC season, where he earned recognition as a Canada West Second Team All-Star and a Canada West All-Rookie Team selection. Kuchar's unwavering dedication and impressive performances, including his notable 12th place finish at the Canada West Championships and a solid 29th place at the U SPORTS Championships, emphasize his growing influence as a key contender in the Vikes' track and field endeavors.
Delaney Chan: A Trailblazer in Pursuit of Passion
Delaney Chan's journey with the UVIC Vikes Track and Field team showcases her unwavering dedication and steady growth. In the 2023 track season, Chan's efforts earned her a well-deserved Canada West bronze medal in the 1500m event, clocking an impressive 4:32.54 at the championships. Her consistent performances were highlighted by a season-best 4:28.79 split in the 1500m en route to a strong 22nd place finish in the mile run at the UW Invite. Throughout her history with the program, Chan's commitment and competitive spirit have been evident, solidifying her as a key player in the Vikes' track and field endeavours.
Gabe Van Hezewijk: Bridging the Gap Between Sports and Academics
Gabe Van Hezewijk continues to make his mark as a pivotal member of the UVIC Vikes Track and Field team. In the 2023 track season, Van Hezewijk's impressive performances garnered him the Canada West bronze medal in the 3000m event, clocking an impressive 8:36.18 at the Championships. Throughout the season, he consistently displayed his prowess, achieving a season-best time of 8:27.19 in the 3000m at the Husky Classic. With a track record of resilience and dedication, Van Hezewijk remains a force to be reckoned with on the field, showcasing his commitment to excellence year after year.
Jennifer Erickson: A Scholar Athlete's Odyssey
Jennifer Erickson of the UVIC Vikes Track and Field team has consistently proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of athletics. In a remarkable journey, Erickson's accolades include a U SPORTS Championship in the 3000m event and recognition as a Canada West First Team All-Star. Throughout her history with the program, Erickson's prowess has shone brightly, from her gold and bronze medals in the 1500m and 3000m at the conference championships, to her personal best times at prestigious events. Her dedication and exceptional performances have undoubtedly solidified her as a standout competitor, leaving an indelible mark on the track.
Ben Seshadri: Striving for Excellence
Ben Seshadri's commitment to both academics and athletics shines brightly as a recipient of the RunSport Victoria Award. His dedication to representing the university with respect and honor is evident in his pursuits. As he navigates through Kinesiology studies, Ben's passion for research and high-performance sport are on full display. With dreams of medical or physiotherapy school, Ben's journey is marked by determination and promise.
Tion McLeish: Running Towards Success
Tion McLeish, a standout member of the UVIC Vikes Track and Field team, continues to etch his name in the program's history. With a promising journey, McLeish demonstrated his potential in the 2023 track season, securing a commendable seventh place in the 1500m event at the Golden Bears Open, clocking an impressive 4:03.39. His achievements extend to the 2022 XC season, where his dedication earned him a spot in the Canada West All-Rookie team selection. McLeish's remarkable performances, including a strong 11th place finish at the Bill Roe Classic and a season-best 8k time of 24:45.4 at the Canada West Championships, highlight his bright future in the world of track and field.
A Legacy of Support:
The RunSport Victoria Award not only celebrates the achievements of these exceptional individuals but also underscores our commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of scholars and athletes. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, and we are immensely proud to have played a part in their inspiring journeys.
As we continue to champion excellence and celebrate the achievements of our athletes, we invite you to join us in recognizing these remarkable individuals and their remarkable stories. The RunSport Victoria Award is more than just an accolade; it's a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of greatness.
