Quiet confidence: Cross Country Panthers poised for breakthrough season

By Thomas Becker

There's a new energy pulsing through the UPEI Panthers cross country program.

The team has steadily grown year after year, and head coach Mike Peterson believes this season's group is deeper, stronger, and hungrier than ever before. With an influx of new talent and veterans who are ready to take the next step, the Panthers enter the 2024 campaign with quiet confidence and a legitimate chance to make noise on both the men's and women's sides. 

"Depth," Peterson said without hesitation when asked what excites him most about this year's roster. "This is the deepest roster we've ever had on both sides. If everything comes together, we could see multiple AUS all-stars and even put ourselves in the mix for team podium finishes."

Blue-chip additions

That optimism stems in part from a recruiting class that Peterson calls the strongest in program history. Among the headline arrivals are Joel Gallant, Luc Doucette, and Bridget Keedwell—athletes with the pedigree to immediately elevate the Panthers to another level.

Gallant, a native of Mont Carmel, PEI, returns home after two decorated years at St. FX, where he was a two-time Atlantic University Sport (AUS) all-star and finished fourth at last year's AUS Championships. His presence alone signals a turning point for the men's team.

"This team is ready to put the work in," Gallant said. "My goal is to bring energy and confidence from my experience, and hopefully that helps us land on the podium this season."

Behind the headliners, UPEI also welcomes a rookie class full of promise. Mathew Young, Riley Webber, Jake Chapman, Lucy Power, and Sarah Irwin have impressed early, and Peterson expects them to make their presence felt right away.

Balancing youth and experience

The Panthers will lean on a strong mix of veterans and newcomers to reach their goals. On the men's side, Gallant, Doucette, and Jack Roberts form the core, with Peterson eager to see returning athletes like Benji Dueck, Baley Wolfe, Ryan MacDonald, Campbell Brown, and Jacob Dalton take steps forward. Injured runner Max MacIsaac could also be a factor by the championships if healthy.

For the women, the depth is equally exciting. Katie and Grace Richard, Stefania Angona, and Keedwell are already in prime shape, while Anna Harris and Katie Gautreau add even more strength. Gautreau in particular has made dramatic strides in training, while the talented rookie group only adds to the depth.

Angona, one of the team's vocal leaders, believes the program is on the cusp of something special.

"With the foundation we've built and the new additions this year, we have a real chance to make history and reach the podium on both the men's and women's sides," Angona said. "We've been patient in building this program, and now we're ready."

Podium ambitions

The Panthers' goals this year are as ambitious as they are attainable: multiple all-stars, team podium finishes, and strong showings at the U SPORTS Championships.

For Peterson, it all comes down to staying healthy, competing hard, and maintaining the steady cultural growth the program has built over the past five years.

"There's a humble mindset with this group," Angona added. "But behind it is a big dream." 

If early signs are any indication, that dream might not be so far away.

The Panthers begin their journey on Saturday, September 6 at the UNB Invitational.