(SAINT JOHN, NB) Lexie Shannon wrote a significant chapter in UNB REDS track and field history on Saturday.
With a leap of 12.16 metres, the Fredericton native won the women's triple jump at the 2022 U SPORTS Track and Field Championship, presented by Saint John LNG, the first national title for a UNB track and field athlete.
"It's so exciting, especially since I did it here at my home track," said Shannon. "All my family was here, and friends, so exciting."
With the final jump of the competition, Shannon flew past the mark of 12.08 metres, established minutes before by silver medalist Kristen Schulz, of the University of Toronto.
"That definitely amped me up even more to jump farther," said Shannon. "I just had to take a few deep breaths and focus on what I knew I could do. I've been really consistent the whole meet, and it just happened."
"Lexie is a performer in every aspect of the word, she's an elite athlete who responds in the moment," said REDS head coach Chris Belof. "She and her coach Carl McIntosh have worked so hard for this moment. She's supremely talented. When we recruited her four years ago, we knew she was a supreme talent and it's really nice to see that all pay off."
Shannon's medal was the only one of the meet for the REDS, but not the only points-scoring finish.
Jared Howse ran to a 6th place finish in the men's 1500 metres.
"It went out a little bit slow and it was hard to get a position," said Howse. "I was patient with it and made a move later on. It was good to race in a bigger field, with more aggressive guys. Next time I'll be a little bit more prepared and know how to put myself in a better spot, to maybe medal."
The REDS also ran teams in both the women's 4-by-400 metre relay and men's 4-by-400 metre relay, with both teams finishing 10th.
"We've seen some tremendous performances from our athletes at this championship," said Coach Belof. "Our REDS program is becoming one that performs at a high level regionally and is starting to show that same level nationally. We're looking forward to continuing that progress."
Happy with her own success, Shannon hopes the team's performance opens the eyes of potential recruits.
"Hopefully, it'll motivate some to come to UNB."
RECAP BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics