Maddy Scrimger and the Rattlers cross country team warming up for the Conference finals in Lethbridge - Photo Courtesy Medicine Hat College Rattlers Facebook - 

By Lisa Parent

Rattlers women’s cross country team secures nationals ticket

Nov 2, 2023 | 4:35 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Seven weeks of running, five races and seven podium finishes later, the Rattlers women’s cross-country team have punched their ticket to Nationals. Qualification came after a 4th place finish at the ACAC Conference Chamionships in Lethbridge. In order to qualify for Nationals, they needed to finish top five.

4th year nursing student Becky Ross played a large part in that qualification.

“That weekend felt good. I’ve been kind of injured for like the last month and not feeling well for most of the season, but it was the best I felt for a race this year probably,” says Ross.

At conference finals, Ross placed second to Makenna Fitzgerald of SAIT, the two time defending CCAA XC Running Champion who joined competition partway through the season.

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“I knew in my head there’s no way I can keep up with her, that’s literally impossible,” explains Ross. “So it was just kind of like, ‘okay, I’ll just run my race and she’ll go off and lead us’ and she was like, ‘toodle-oo, bye.”

Ross received the Grand Prix Women’s title, for her overall performance this season. Coach Bill Corcoran, says he expected nothing less.

“She’s just solid the whole time, she’s been solid all year.” says Corcoran.

Rattlers Maddy Scrimger ignited further momentum for the team.

“Even though I finished on the podium every race this year, getting fifth, it hurt a little bit,” says Scrimger. “But at the same time it was okay, ’cause I’m like, ‘hey, I punched the ticket for Nationals, next weekend is the one that counts the most.”

The Rattler’s women’s cross country team will catch a red-eye flight Wednesday to Nova Scotia, and have the chance to explore the Maritimes.

“I don’t think anybody has been to the Maritimes before, so it’s always nice to go there because it’s great to see a different part of Canada,” mentions Corcoran.

Saturday is competition day.

“I’m so nervous because there’s so many people in that race. There’s a lot of talent and there’s teams that we haven’t seen at all this season, so you don’t really know what to expect, but I’m very excited. I’ve never been to the Maritimes before, so I think it’ll be a really good experience,” Scrimger says.

Also joining Scrimger and Ross on the trip will be Mizuki Iwata (21st) and Pyper Gill (29th). The men’s Rattlers cross country team did not qualify for Nationals.