LONDON, Ont. - In just over a week, Bob Vigars will lead Team Canada as the head coach of the national university squad at the 2010 FISU World University Championship held in Kingston, Ont., on Sunday April 11.

But Vigars, the coach of the Mustangs cross-country team for 42 years, is not the only Western connection.

Kyle O'Neill (Vienna, Ont.) of the Mustangs will participate on the team. The junior distance runner is one of 11 team members and is a two-time CIS All-Canadian (2008, 2009).

"Obviously for any athlete, when you have an achievement like this, it gives you a great boost of confidence and it's a great reward for all the hard work you put in," Vigars said. "With any all-star, national or international honour like this, it is other people's recognition of your athleticism and the level that you have achieved."

Vigars credits a strong indoor track season with aiding O'Neill's selection to the national team and what will be his first international competition.

"At the national (track and field) championships, Kyle separated himself," Vigars added. "It's a great accomplishment for him, showing everybody in the CIS he was deserving to be on this team."

O'Neill is studying political science at Western and will depart for Kingston on April 8.

"To represent your country as an athlete or coach is an honour that few experience," said Western's director of sports and recreation services, Therese Quigley. "To do so at home, here in Canada, is very special as we saw at the Vancouver Olympics."

"We are indeed proud of the lifetime achievements of coach Bob Vigars and the outstanding performances of Mustangs great Kyle O'Neill."

Another Western connection is that Shane Lakins, a Western kinesiology grad, is the president of the organizing committee for the championships and is also the former Queen's Gaels head coach.

More details on the race and event and full Team Canada profiles can also be found at: www.xc2010.com - you can also view profiles here

Read about the history of the event here.

Team Canada Roster
WOMEN
Name   Elig Year  Hometown  University
Valerie Belanger  1  Jonquiere, Que.  Sherbrooke
Megan Brown  5  Puslinch, Ont.  Toronto
Lindsay Carson  3  Cambridge, Ont.  Guelph
Rachel Cliff  4  Vancouver, B.C. Guelph
Jessica Pearo  3  Richmond Hill, Ont. McMaster

MEN
Name   Elig Year Hometown  University
Kyle Boorsma  4  Guelph, Ont.  Guelph
Allan Brett  4  Ottawa, Ont.  Guelph
Matt Brunsting  5  Stirling, Ont.  Guelph
Kyle O'Neill  3  Vienna, Ont.  Western
Kelly Weibe  3  Swift Current, Sask. Regina
Dave Weston  4  Windsor, Ont.  Windsor

COACHING STAFF
Head Coach: 
Bob Vigars (Western Mustangs, 42nd season)

Assistant Coaches: 
Chris Moulton (Guelph Gryphons, 2nd season), Rory Sneyd (McMaster Marauders, 5th season)