REDS Grow At U SPORTS Championships
(WINDSOR, ON) There were no medals for the UNB REDS at the 2025 U SPORTS Track & Field Championships, in Windsor, Ontario, but there was growth for a young team.
“It was a small step for the program, scoring athletes in jumps, throws, and on the track,” said REDS’ head coach Chris Belof. “I’m excited for both our men’s and women’s groups and their results from this past weekend.”
Among the REDS results were Lexie Shannon’s fourth place finish in the women’s triple jump and 5th place finishes by Jared Howse, in the men’s 3000 metres, and Christopher Grant, in the men’s weight throw.
Shannon leapt 12.19 metres, just six centimetres off the bronze medal and only 27 centimetres short of the winner’s jump.
Howse ran his 3000 in 8:23.57 and Grant’s throw of 17.61 metres was a personal best, a new UNB record in the event, a new provincial record, and was a mere 30 centimetres off the medal podium.
“Christopher and Lexie were outstanding in their respective weight throw and triple jump competitions,” said Coach Belof.
Grant’s 5th place is the best finish by a UNB student-athlete in men’s weight throw at a national championship.
“Jared’s fifth in the 3000 was a great run in a competitive field,” said Belof. “He executed really well. We were certainly looking for more, but it was a strong performance.”
Howse also ran to an 8th place finish in the men’s 1500 metres, finishing just behind teammate Silas Conlin-Morse.
“What a great run, especially for a first-year student-athlete,” said Belof, of Conlin-Morse. “He showed maturity in both the 1500 and his relay event.”
Conlin-Morse and Howse teamed with Hayden McKinnon and Brodie Pennie to finish 10th in the men’s 4-by-800-metre relay.
“Not exactly what we were looking for, but it was a tough run,” said Belof. “With a young team and in a chaotic race, they managed the situation and ran well.”
The women’s 4-by-400-metre relay team of Anna Somers, Jillian Langille, Sierra Rodrigues, and Shelby MacIsaac ran to a 9th place finish, posting the second fastest event time in UNB history.
“Across the weekend our student-athletes stepped up and competed at a high level,” said Coach Belof. “It capped off the indoor season and indicated a great start to the outdoor campaign.”
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS BY: U SPORTS