Brantford: ON - It's been a season to remember for Ryan Johnston, who's clinched a ticket to nationals, as well as earning a boatload of other awards despite competing in just one race as a member of the Laurier Brantford Golden Hawks.

"I love Laurier in general, I completed my undergrad at Laurier Brantford and came back for my Masters, [and] I have nothing but positive things to say about the XC team," Johnston said about her time on the Cross Country team so far.

Johnston was able to punch her ticket to nationals in her one and only race of the season, the OCAA Provincial race hosted on October 25th by Mohawk College, finishing in 6th place out of 52 runners on the 6K course.

"It was FAST," Johnston said about the race, "when I crossed the finish line I was fairly certain I had qualified but i didn't know what spot i held because i purposely didn't keep track on the course so i wouldn't psych myself out...seeing my coaches and family at the finish line and hearing them say "sixth!!!" was a great feeling," she added.

Johnston's strong performance earned her a spot on the OCAA All-Ontario First -Team, becoming the first Golden Hawk to be recognized since Faith Nieson in 2022. On top of this, Johnston was also named OCAA XC Rookie of the Year.

Despite this being her first season on Laurier Brantford's XC team, Johnston brings a wealth of experience to the course. First taking running seriously near the end of 2023, Johnston has since competed in the Ottawa Race Weekend half marathon, as well as the recent Prince Edward County Marathon, earning 1st place in the women's 20-29 age group and 3rd in the overall women's category.

With nationals just around the corner, Johnston thanks her parents, boyfriend, and Laurier's XC staff and fellow runners for helping her get this far in the season.

Johnston looks to take home even more hardware and make Laurier proud once again at the CCAA Cross Country Nationals on November 8th in PEI, hosted by Holland College.