Another track star from St. Tim's had a great experience at National XC Championships in Kingston, Ontario last Saturday (November 25).

It was Josh Novak's first time competing at a National level; competing for the UCAC youth men’s team, Novak, placed 7th overall out of 27 teams. Although he had a bit of a rough last lap he had a good first National Champs experience. "I think I placed about 127th out of the 220. I was happy with it afterwards. I wasn't crazy about it during the race; I kind of had high expectations but looking back I think I ran an okay race for the season I had. If anything it gives me motivation knowing the competition I am going to be up against next year."

Racing against roughly 220 runners Novak knew the competition would be tough and says it was a humbling experience seeing the runners from out east. "Seeing all the competition out in Ontario and Quebec, they have some amazing runners. It gives me a better idea what I'm going to be up against in university if I make varsity so it was definitely a learning experience."

Novak has been racing since grade 7 but says he started to get serious only a couple of years ago. "I am pretty happy with my season this year overall. I had a good showing at provincials and at nationals, while I wasn't super happy with my race, but overall I was pretty pumped. Leading into university next year, hopefully, I'll have a good base set up."

Already accepted to four schools, UBC, U of Vic,  Queen's, and Western, Novak is weighing out his options as he pursues engineering. "They all have a great education obviously and the running programs are pretty similar, so I'm thinking I can't really go wrong no matter who I choose."

Looking forward to hitting the track in spring, Novak will spend the winter training with his coach and playing hockey.