UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO TRACK & FIELD

News - Archive 2004-2005

 

 

New era begins for Waterloo Track and Field

April 13, 2005

WATERLOO, Ont. - The Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Dockendorff as new head coach of the Warrior Track and Field program. Jason succeeds former Hall of Fame and world renowned sprint and hurdle coach Brent McFarlane, who has decided to retire from coaching after an illustrious career.

“We are indebted to Brent’s contribution for the past 16 years to the Track and Field program here at Waterloo”, commented Athletic Director Judy McCrae. “Brent has always put student-athletes first, and his track knowledge, background and passion for the sport are second to none. Brent was able to successfully build a solid tradition here at UW during his tenure and we thank him for all his hard work and contributions.”

McCrae added, “We are looking forward to Jason taking over as head coach. His background both in the sport and team administration will provide the framework for a successful program. Jason places a high value on hard work and will be a great fit for our student athletes."

Jason has been involved with University of Waterloo Track and Field program for the past eight seasons under the tutelage of coach McFarlane. Jason, a Warrior alumnus, competed for the varsity track team for five years (1997-2002), serving as team captain from 2000-2002. Upon graduation, Jason joined the coaching staff and has been acting as team manager for the past three years. Jason received his B.Sc. from the University of Waterloo in 2002 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in polymer chemistry at UW.

“I am thrilled and feel extremely privileged to have this opportunity,” mentioned Jason. “The excellent rapport I have with the student-athletes will contribute to the team’s cohesiveness and future success.”

 

Waterloo's distance duo, OUA 3000m bronze medalist
Mike Logue (L) and CIS 3000m silver medalist Scott Arnald (R).

 

 

 

2005 CIS Championships - University of Manitoba 
March 10-12
By: Jason Dockendorff

 

Nine male warriors qualified to this year's CIS Track and Field Championships which took place from March 10-12 at the Max Bell Centre on the campus of the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. The team had an outstanding competition finishing 12th place with 8 points. This doubled last year's point total and improved their placing by 6 spots.

NEW VARSITY RECORD (4x400m)

Looking to redeem themselves from a dropped baton in the 4x200m, the 4x400m team was ready to prove themselves as a sprinting power in the CIS. The order of the runners was changed for this race in hopes to get the team out near front of the pack on the first leg since passing on a 200m track during a sprint race is extremely difficult. This plan proved to work. Men's team co-captain Shane Ferth did just that placing the team in second after the first hand off. Second up, was Kirk Ewen who held the team's position for his leg of the race. Kirk handed off to the versatile Drew Haynes who ran a blazing 49.7 split. Davis Dowhaniuk brought the baton home in style, capping off the team's 4th place (6th overall) performance. The well-crafted race plan, extremely fast times by each of the runners, and clean crisp hand-offs were a winning combination as the team set a new UW varsity record, bettering their own record set earlier in the season by almost 1.5 seconds.

 

Men's 4x400m relay team relaxing after their record setting performance
(L to R) Shane Ferth, Drew Haynes, Davis Dowhaniuk, Kirk Ewen

GREAT SCOTT!

Scott "The Snake" Arnald, took charge in the 3000m on Friday evening at the CIS championships. Hiding in the pack for the initial portion of the race, Scott remained poised and patient. Nearing the final laps of the race, Scott slithered himself to the outside of the group, putting himself in the optimal position to make a strike on the field. With energy in reserves, Scott went with the leader on the second last lap, distancing themselves from the pack. Scott held off the chase effort of the rest of the field and claimed the silver medal in this extremely exciting race. Scott earns 2nd Team All-Canadian status with his outstanding performance.

 

NEW VARSITY RECORD (Pentathlon)

Andrew Sepic, UW's Ultimate Athlete, rewrote his own varsity record in the pentathlon on Thursday, finishing 5th in the process. Andrew had personal bests in the high jump and the 1000m. Andrew competes tomorrow (Friday) in the individual high jump.

60mH (8.83), Long Jump (5.56m), Shot Put (11.26m) High Jump (1.97m), 1000m (2:50.00)

Point Total = 3382 (5th)

 

 

OUA Championships - Dynamic Distance Duo Brings Home OUA Medals

February 26/26, 2005
By: Jason Dockendorff

 

For most of the UW athletes, the intense training, which began in September, was geared towards this weekend’s OUA Championships. All their hard work paid off in Windsor this weekend with a number of outstanding performances. In the exciting 1500m on Friday evening, Mike Logue led the pack for the initial laps closely followed by his UW teammate Scott Arnald. In the end, Scott took down the field bringing home the silver medal with Mike finishing close behind. Mike Logue did not have to wait long for his moment in the spotlight. On Saturday afternoon in the 3000m, Mike and Scott ran with the lead pack for the majority of the race. In the final laps, the pack stretched out with Mike near the front. In the end, Mike narrowly missed second place securing the bronze medal. Scott finished a close 6th. Both of these athletes will be competing in the 3000m at the CIS Championships in two weeks at the University of Manitoba. Scott has also qualified in the 1500m.

Waterloo's distance duo, Mike Logue (L) and Scott Arnald (R)

Click here for more info on these amazing athletes.

In the sprint events, 300m specialists Shane Ferth and Rebecca Murrant, both ran strong races each finishing 4th. Both athletes were a small fraction of a second from winning medals. Overall, the men’s and women’s teams both finished 7th overall.

 

 

Kane Invitational Summary

February 12, 2005
By: Jason Dockendorff

 

UW Track and Field traveled to the beautiful campus of Cornell University in Ithaca New York this weekend to compete in the Kane Invitational. The 8 lane track is a sprinters delight as running wide corners takes less effort. Fourth year veteran, Rebecca Murrant, extended her stellar season winning the 400m and recording the second fasted 400m time in UW history in the process. She was followed by Kate Bickle and Cindy Willits, placing second and fourth respectively. Fresh off third and fourth place finishes in the 200m, Shane Ferth and Drew Haynes, along with Davis Dowhaniuk and Kirk Ewen, destroyed the competition in the 4x400m wining by more than 20 meters. The other individual event winner of the day was Colin Lawrence, winning the grueling 1000m. Other notable performances were Rebecca Murrant in the 200m placing third, a second place finish by the women’s 4x400m (Kate Bickle, Nicole Grinstead, Sarah Snable, Cindy Willits), and Nicole Jenkins placing fourth it the high jump. The warriors travel to McGill this Friday for their final competition before the OUA championships.

 

 

22nd Annual York Track Classic / Meyo Invitational

February 5, 2005
By: Jason Dockendorff

 

Warriors track and field had an extremely successful competition at York University this past Saturday. Andrew Sepic, UW’s ultimate all-around athlete, won the pentathlon in style setting a new UW varsity record in the process improving the old mark by 126 points. This outstanding result places Andrew 4th in the country

Rebecca Murrant continued to inch up the CIS rankings in the 300m placing 2nd. Men’s co-captain Shane Ferth, easily won the 300m and was also a member of the 2nd and 1st place finishing 4x200m and 4x400m relay teams. Other members of the relay teams were Kirk Ewen and Emie Ukwuoma (4x200m, 4x400m), and Davis Dowhaniuk (4x400m). The women’s 4x200m and 4x400m relay’s also placed well finishing 1st and 3rd respectively. The teams consisted of women’s captains Kate Bickle and Sarah Snable (4x200m, 4x400m), Rebecca Murrant (4x200m, 4x400m), Karolina Zukowski (4x200m) and Cindy Willits (4x400m). The UW jumps squad also had great finishes with Nicole Jenkins and Ryan Wight placing 3rd in the high jump and Drew Haynes placing 3rd in the triple jump.

Lastly, two of UW’s finest were invited to the Meyo Invitational at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend Indiana this Saturday. Scott Arnald and Mike Logue took advantage of this great opportunity placing 1st and 3rd respectively in the morning session of the 3000m. Both Scott and Mike made the CIS standard with their performances ranking them 2nd and 3rd in the CIS. Making the CIS standard secures them a trip to the CIS Championships at the University of Manitoba in March.

 

 

 

Environment and Business students run the distance 
Faculty of Environment Studies, Newsletter, January 2005

 

With successful high school running careers in their home towns of Waterloo and Oshawa, Scott Arnald and Mike Logue were recruited by American universities offering athletic scholarships, but when it came time to choose, the pair chose to stay in Canada for their education.

What is interesting with Scott and Mike is that not only did they choose to attend the same university, but both enrolled in the Environment and Business program, which was being offered for the first time when they applied to university in 2001.

Since arriving at UW, Mike and Scott have established themselves as top athletes on the varsity cross-country and track & field teams. Mike is also taking on a leadership role as co-captain of the cross-country and track teams.

In addition to both being All-Canadians for their successes on the cross-country course, they have both twice been Academic All-Canadians for achieving an 80% average or better in a competing term. Mike received UW's Mike Moser award in 2004, which is awarded to an undergraduate student-athlete who displays exceptional athletic talent, contributions to their team, and academic success.

Having just completed third year, Mike reports that "Scott and I are both living and training in Newmarket while on a co-op work term with, you guessed it, the same employer (York Region). With cross-country season finished, our focus has turned to the indoor track season."

Both athletes are hoping to surpass last year's accomplishments of qualifying in their individual events for the CIS National Track and Field Championships, which will be hosted in 2005 by the University of Manitoba.

Scott and Mike placed an outstanding 2nd and 5th respectively in the 1500 metre race at the Windsor Can-Am held the weekend of January 15th. Scott's performance bettered the CIS standard and ranks him 3rd in the country. Achieving this standard means Scott has qualified himself to compete at the CIS Championships at the University of Manitoba in March.

Earlier in January, Scott and Mike continued their domination of the long-distance running events placing first and second respectively in a 3000 metre race at the University of Toronto.

Regarding his academics, Mike says that "I enjoy being part of the first class that will graduate from the Environment and Business program. This multidisciplinary degree provides a solid business background with environmental savvy, while exploring linkages and opportunities between the two."

 

 

22nd Annual Don Wright Team Challenge 

January 21, 2005

By: Jason Dockendorff

 

Warriors track and field competed in the Don Wright Team Challenge this weekend at UWO. The men’s and women’s teams finished 3rd overall against stiff competition, winning a total of 18 medals in the process. On the women’s side, event winners were Rebecca Murrant in the 300m, Laura Sardone in the 1000m, and Jodi Wendland in the 3000m. Other notable women’s performances were Nicole Jenkins placing 2nd in the high jump, Rebecca Murrant placing 3rd in the 60m, and Sarah Snable placing 3rd in the 60m hurdles. The men also had some amazing performances. Event winners were Emie Ukwuoma in the 60m and Justin Lutchin in the shot put. Other medalists were Kyle Raymond (3rd-60m), Mike Logue (2nd-3000m), Andrew Sepic (2nd-60mH), and Drew Haynes (2nd-TJ). The relay teams also had a very successful weekend with the men’s 4x200m and 4x800m, and the women’s 4x200m teams all taking home silver medals.

 

24th Annual Windsor Can Am Track Classic

January 15, 2005
By: Jason Dockendorff

 

Warriors track and field travelled to the lovely city of Windsor this past weekend to compete in the two day 24th Annual Can Am Track Classic. The women’s sprint squad posted some fast times this weekend with women’s co-captain and second year athlete, Kate Bickle, placing 5th in the 60m and 10th in the 300m. In her final year at Waterloo, Rebecca Murrant continued to her outstanding season placing 9th in the 300m. On the men’s side, co-captain Shane Ferth posted the 10th fastest 300m time in the country, giving him a third place finish. Second year sprinter Emie Ukwuoma, placed a very respectable 6th in the illustrious 60m event. I the field events, Andrew MacDonald leapt to a 2nd place finish in the triple jump creeping up the CIS rankings.

Last but not least, the dynamic distance duo of Scott Arnald and co-captain Mike Logue placed an outstanding 2nd and 5th respectively in the 1500m. Scott’s performance bettered the CIS standard and ranks him 3rd in the country. Achieving this standard means Scott has qualified himself to compete at the CIS Championships at the University of Manitoba in March.

 

 

U of T Nike Sharon Anderson Memorial Summary

January 9, 2004
By: Jason Dockendorff

 

Fresh off an intense training camp in Florida, the track and field competed at the U of T Nike Sharon Anderson Memorial on Saturday. After a highly successful the 2004 cross country season, Scott Arnald and Mike Logue continued their domination of the long distance running events placing first and second respectively in the 3000m. The Warriors will be competing at the Windsor Can-Am Classic next Friday and Saturday.

 

 

Warriors Start Fast 

December 6, 2004
By: Jason Dockendorff

 

After a long three months of intense training, the UW Track and Field team finally put their bodies to the test. The team traveled to UWO on Saturday to compete in the Western Season Opener. This meet serves the purpose of team selection for the UW squad. Continued sprint domination was evident as second year athletes Emie Ukwuoma and Kate Bickle both won their respective 60m events. First year optometry student from Saskatchewan Kirk Ewen gave the men’s sprint relays new hope for a CIS birth with outstanding performances in the 300m, 4x200m, and 4x400m. Kirk’s 4x400 relay performance coupled with a blistering leg from men’s co-captain Shane Ferth earned the team a victory in that event. In the women’s relay, Rebecca Murrant finally hits her form with outstanding relay legs in the 4x200m and 4x400m propelling the teams to first and second place finishes respectively. Other noteworthy performances include Colin Lawrence winning the 1500m, Justin Lutchin placing second in the shot put, and Joanna Fedy placing second in the 1500m. 

 

 

 

Athletes of the Week

March 14, 2005 - Scott Arnald, Track and Field
Scott, a fourth year Environment & Business student from Waterloo, Ontario,had a great race on Friday evening at the CIS Championships in Winnipeg. Taking charge in the 3000m race by holding off the chase effort of the rest of the field, Scott claimed the silver medal with a time of 8:23.05. Scott contributed 5 points to the team¹s 8 point finish, putting the Warriors in 12th place.

 

February 28, 2005 - Rebecca Murrant, Track and Field
Rebecca, a fourth year Political Science student from Orillia, Ontario, ran a life-time personal best 40.99s to finish 4th in the 300m at the OUA Championships this past weekend. The time also ranks Rebecca 16th in the CIS. She was also a member of the 4x200m (6th at OUA, 13th in CIS) and 4x400m (5th at OUA, 12th in CIS) for Waterloo at the Championships.