Distance Duo Commit To REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS men’s track and field and cross country teams are adding distance runners Graham Sauer and Steph Snyman to their recruiting class of 2025.

Both have signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2025-2026 Atlantic University Sport season.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming another two talented young men to our distance program,” said Chris Belof, the head coach of the REDS’ track and field and cross country teams. “We’re bringing in one of Nova Scotia’s top distance runners out of high school, and a strong Albertan in the distance events and cross country. We’re really looking forward to working with both to help develop them further.”

The 17-year-old Sauer, from Halifax, is finishing his Grade 12 year at Halifax West High School.

“UNB’s cross country and track and field programs are winning programs made up of great people,” said Sauer. “The guys I’ve met are friendly and supportive, and Coach Belof is a great high-level coach.” 

Sauer spent the last few years climbing the Nova Scotia ranks in his events.

The School Sport Nova Scotia boys cross country champion in 2024, he was the silver medalist in 2023.

On the track, indoors, Sauer won Nova Scotia titles in both the U18 800-metres and 1500-metres. Outdoors, he was the silver medalist in the 1500-metres and bronze medalist in the 3000.

Sauer was also named Halifax West’s Cross Country and Track and Field MVP.

He’ll study Science while attending UNB.

Snyman, also 17, is from St. Albert, Alberta, and is finishing his Grade 12 year at St. Albert Catholic High School. 

On the track in 2024, while participating in the Alberta School Athletic Association provincial championship meet, Snyman won bronze medals in the 1500 and 3000 metres. He also represented Alberta at the Western Canada Team Challenge where he logged personal bests in his events.

The 2024 cross country season was a breakout one for Snyman.

He won the individual provincial title and finished seventh at the national championships. Outside of his athletic pursuits, Snyman has been an honour roll student for the past three years.

“The closeness of the team and positive team culture created by the coaches and athletes is what set UNB apart from other schools,” said Snyman. “This was also reflected in the results they’ve been able to achieve.”

“Academically, the Bachelor of.Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership program is the only leadership undergrad in Canada and is a program that will challenge me but also a program that will develop my personal skill set in addition to providing me with amazing opportunities,” said Snyman.

STORY: UNB Athletics

PHOTOS: Submitted