(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS men’s track and field and cross-country teams are naming Port Sydney, Ontario, native and distance runner Sam Richter to their recruiting class of 2023.
Richter has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023-2024 Atlantic University Sport season.
“Sam is a high character young man with great values and is incredibly hard working,” said Chris Belof, head coach of the REDS’ teams. “Sam comes from a great development program and coach in Huntsville. We’re incredibly excited to be a part of Sam’s next chapter, both academically and athletically.”
“The team culture and training environment is unmatched,” said Richter. “The opportunities for success and the relationship I developed with Coach Chris are what really drew me to UNB and the REDS.”
The 17-year-old is finishing his Grade 12 year at Huntsville High School.
In 2022, Richter capped off his high school cross-country career with an impressive seventh place finish at the Ontario high school championships.
At the 2022 Athletics Canada Cross Country Championships, Richter finished 18th overall in the U20 race and was part of Team Ontario’s gold-medal winning team. He also recorded a ninth place finish at the Athletics Ontario Cross Country Championships.
“I will dedicate myself to my training and to helping my teammates achieve their goals,” says Richter.
“Sam has demonstrated that he can be successful on the biggest stages, “ said Coach Belof. “He has produced results on the provincial, regional and national stage over the past year. We see Sam as a key part of our men’s cross country and distance group, and expect him to contribute immediately to both at the U SPORTS and AUS levels.”
Richter says his short-term goal with the REDS is to have a top performance at the national championship meet in 2023. Long term, he’s looking for a team medal at the U SPORTS Championships.
Richter will study Business while attending UNB.
PHOTOS: Submitted