SPORTS
Purple Pipe: Shannon Gerrie
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Matt Prince/Gazette |
| LOOKING TOUGH FOR
X-COUNTRY: Purple Pipe winner Shannon Gerrie admits having
a soft spot for chocolate. |
Per tradition here at The Gazette, we have awarded yet another
outstanding athlete this week with the Purple Pipe. Shannon
Gerrie, a runner with the women's cross country team for four
years, has been honoured with the title of Athlete of the Week.
Gerrie was selected as a 1st Team All-Canadian last year.
She also leads the team this year as captain, being one of
the few who has been on the team for a total of four years.
This year she placed first in the Annual Purple and White Intersquad
4 km. run with a time of 13:58, also described as her best
competition time.
In the McGill Open on Sat., Sep. 20, the Mustangs achieved
four personal best times. Shannon's time of 14:01 stood out
though, being her personal best, also placing her first.
This first place finish is the first gold medal Western has
ever received at the McGill Open.
-Alison Stolz
Jock talk with Shannon Gerrie
What program are you in and what do you want to do with your
degree?
I'm in fourth-year nutrition and third-year kinesiology and
hopefully I can become a registered dietitian and work with
athletes.
What are your feelings about being captain and what are your
responsibilities?
I love it - it's not much different because all the girls
on the team are great, so I don't take much of a controlling
leadership role. The whole team is pretty much one big happy
family - I'm pretty lucky because of that.
I take care of organizational things for the team such as
parties, getting T-shirts and other clothing made - things
like that. Also, I help the rookies find good places for practice
running and show them a few tips.
What types of things would you like to improve on this year?
Personally, it's always nice to get a personal best time and
run your best. Team wise, I just hope we do well, even if we
don't win we just want to have fun.
Are there any upcoming meets you are particularly excited
for?
This weekend, it's the Western International at Thames Valley
Golf Course. There are even teams from the States coming, so
it should be good. Also, the meet in Chicago is always fun
and good competition.
How do you feel about winning the Purple Pipe?
Oh, it's an honour! I really didn't expect it, so it was kind
of a surprise. Thanks!
-Alison Stolz
