Ottawa Duo Joining REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s track and field team is naming a pair of Ottawa natives to their recruiting class of 2023.

Sprint and hurdle specialist Allison Dewar and pole vaulter Valerie Splinter, both members of the prestigious Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club, have signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023-2024 Atlantic University Sport season.

“Having both girls develop their skills with the coaching staff at the Ottawa Lions puts them in a great position to transition to the university team demands,” said Chris Belof, head coach of the REDS track and field and cross country teams. 

Dewar was the gold medallist at the most recent National Capital Secondary School Athletic Association eastern conference championships in the 400-meter hurdles, 200-meters and the triple jump. She earned a silver medal as a member of the 4-by-400m relay team at the Ontario U18 Outdoor Championships and was named senior track and field athlete of the year at Ottawa’s St. Francis Xavier High School.

Splinter, a multi-sport athlete, competed at the 2022 Ontario high school championship meet. 

“UNB has strong values,” said Dewar. “The atmosphere of the team was very welcoming, encouraging and hardworking, and they put the well-being of their teammates above all.” 

“I fell in love with the campus and the community,” said Splinter. “Coach Belof also played a big role in my decision, with his positive spirit and welcoming attitude. I know that I will enjoy being on a team led by a coach with those qualities.” 

17-year-old Dewar will be graduating from St. Francis Xavier High School in June.

18-year-old Splinter is coming off a gap year, having graduated from Ottawa’s École Secondaire Catholique Paul Desmarais in 2022.

Dewar is looking to hone her skills and make improvements to her athletic abilities, while Splinter has her sights set on clearing the four-meter mark in the pole vault as a RED. 

“Both Allison and Valerie will make an immediate impact on our women’s team, both in the culture of the team and as competitive athletes in their respective disciplines,” said Coach Belof. “We’re looking forward to their growth here.”

Dewar will study Arts while attending UNB, while Splinter will study Business Administration.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS: Submitted