London, ON - The Mustangs Track & Field and Cross Country program is excited to welcome an outstanding group of student-athletes to London this fall. Representing cities and clubs across Canada and beyond, this recruiting class brings impressive athletic accomplishments, academic excellence, and the ability to contribute to one of the best programs in the country.

"This is the type of incoming class every coach dreams of for their program. While we added some depth in particular event groups such as distance and sprints, it was also a very well-rounded year.. nearly every event group will have a first year capable of having an immediate impact. Beyond their athletic talent, this is group of motivated, hard working and team-oriented individuals who are eager to represent everything our program stands for and when it comes to the buy in – it's already there. I'm excited for not only the year ahead, but for what this cohort can do within the next 5 years together. I believe they can do something very special"

-Caroline Ehrhardt, Head Coach, Track & Field  

"We're really excited about this group and the potential they bring to our program. They each bring a different combination of talent, experience and ambition, but what stands out most is their desire to develop, contribute to the team and become part of the Mustang family. We believe this is an exciting group of athletes who can make a significant impact on our cross country and track and field programs in the years ahead."

-Guy Schultz, Head Coach, Cross Country & Track and Field Distance Coach

From U SPORTS-calibre sprinters and middle-distance runners to elite field event athletes and national scholarship recipients, the future of Mustang Track & Field is brighter than ever! Get to know some of our incoming Mustangs below.
  2026-27 Mustangs Recruit Spotlight

Jimmy McLaren – Pole Vault
Hometown: Georgian Bay, Ontario
Personal Best: Pole Vault – 4.50m
Knowing that you saw major academic success in secondary school, why did you feel Western was a good athletic AND academic fit to continue both journeys?
"Throughout high school, I was always committed to giving my best both in the classroom and on the track. I never wanted to sacrifice one for the other, and Western was one of the few places where I felt I could continue pursuing both at the highest level. Learning about the success of student-athletes in engineering, the support available at Western, and receiving the Schulich Leadership Scholarship gave me confidence that Western was the right place to challenge myself academically while continuing to chase my athletic goals." Simone Gravesande – Sprints
Club: Hamilton Olympic
Personal Bests: 200m – 24.68 | 400m – 55.13
Knowing there are a few other athletes coming from your home club, what does it mean to you coming in and being able to share this experience together?
"It's really nice knowing I'll have some familiar faces with me when I start university. We've trained and competed together for a long time, and I hope we can continue to push each other to improve. Getting the chance to keep doing that at Western is really exciting, and I think having them there will make the transition to university a lot easier." Julie DeBoer – Middle Distance
Club: Laurel Creek Track Club
Personal Bests: 800m – 2:07 | 1500m – 4:25
What factors contributed to choosing Western?
"Western quickly stood out because of the strong connection I built with the coaching staff. Scott and Guy were incredibly supportive and gave me a genuine sense of what it means to be part of the Mustang family. Western's reputation in cross country and track and field, along with its outstanding nursing program, made it my top choice. Having already competed at Western throughout high school, I experienced the positive atmosphere firsthand and can't wait to continue my journey as a Mustang." Avery Norland – Middle Distance/Cross Country
School: St. Patrick's High School
Personal Bests: 800m – 2:10 | 1500m – 4:32 | 3000m – 9:42
As a cross country athlete, what excites/interests you about the jump to university XC and some of the longer distances?
 
"I've never had to run an 8K cross country race before, so I'm excited to experience the jump from the 6K in high school. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish over the longer distances." Elliot Nash – Sprints
Club: London Western Track and Field Club
Hometown: London, Ontario
Personal Bests: 100m: 11.99 | 200m: 24.87
What are you most looking forward to when it comes to your journey as a Mustang?
I am most looking forward to the new experiences that come with university and the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone.  Between joining a new team, taking new classes, I know there will be many opportunities to grow personally and academically.  Western is a chance to challenge myself. Victoria Zolariatuk – Sprints
Club: Hamilton Olympic
Personal Bests: 60m – 7.47 | 100m – 11.49 | 200m – 23.32
What made Western stand out to you among other schools?
"The team culture and facilities really stood out to me. I also loved how supportive the coaches were and that I could study Kinesiology while continuing to compete at a high level." Kirk Hallman – Middle Distance/Cross Country
Club: London Western Track & Field Club
Hometown: Dorchester, Ontario
Personal Bests: 800m – 1:53 | 1500m – 3:51
What are you most looking forward to in your journey as a Mustang?
 
"I am most looking forward to becoming part of Western's championship-winning tradition in track and field and cross country. I believe I am joining at an exciting time for the developing middle- and long-distance group, and I hope to make a meaningful contribution while continuing to grow as an athlete." Jonah Larivière – Middle Distance
Club: London Western Track & Field Club
School: St. Michael Catholic Secondary School
Personal Bests: 800m – 1:51 | 1500m – 3:54
In the end, what made you choose Western
"A big part of my decision was how it felt being part of the community. Everyone is so eager to help in any way they can, whether it be in sport or academics. Knowing that I have support every step of the way definitely helped solidify my choice."

Meet More of the 2026 Recruiting Class

• Ali Jasinskas (London Western Track & Field Club / Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School) – Pole Vault – 3.94m
• Avery Dickenson (London Western Track & Field Club / Oakridge Secondary School) – Pole Vault – 3.50m
• Breanna Sloetjes (Strathroy / St. Thomas Legion / Strathroy District Collegiate Institute) – High Jump – 1.60m | Triple Jump – 11.38m
• Audrey Welstead (Massachusetts, USA) – 400m: 57.19
• Lucy Stevenson (I.E. Weldon Secondary School) – 800m: 2:17 | 1500m: 4:42
• Cecil Jenkins (Toronto, ON / Neil McNeil High School) – 800m: 1:52 | 1500m: 3:58
• Kailer Jenney (London Western Track & Field Club / Medway Secondary School) – National Scholarship Recipient – 60m Hurdles: 8.16 | 110m Hurdles: 13.94 | 400m: 49.57
• Andrew Urquhart (Dorchester, ON) – Shot Put – 16.12m
• Justin Schulz (Sturgeon Composite School, Alberta) – Weight Throw – 17.94m | Hammer Throw – 47.73m
• Mathew Svacina (Boost Athletics Club) – Shot Put – 14.47m
• Megan Jaques (Graduate Transfer – Brock University) – Shot Put – 12.08m
• Luca Rosa – Sprints (Hamilton Olympic Club) - 100m – 10.69 | 200m – 21.93
• James Rideout (British Columbia / Kitsilano Secondary School) – Long Jump – 7.02m | Triple Jump – 14.14m
• Eamon Sheppard – 100m: 10.82 | 200m: 22.50
• Justin Schulz (Sturgeon Composite School, Alberta) – Weight Throw – 17.94m | Hammer Throw – 47.73m