Even though the season is over, the Laurentian University cross-country running team is still kicking it into high gear by landing a top recruit.
Stephanie Flieler has committed to run for the Lady Vees
cross-country and indoor track teams starting in September
2006.
A native of Trenton, Ont., Flieler is a former competitive swimmer who has turned into one of the top distance runners at the OFSAA track and field and cross-country championships.  As a member of the Trenton High School track team, Flieler qualified for the 1,500 and 3,000-metre races at OFSAA in each year, finishing 17th and ninth as a Grade 9 student, 11th and fifth as a Grade 10 student and 10th in the 3,000-metres as a Grade 11 student. 
At the OFSAA cross-country championships, Flieler placed 39th
as a Grade 9 student, 10th as a Grade 10, and 19th as a Grade
11.  Unfortunately, during her Grade 12 championships, she
was unable to finish the race due to an injury; however, in a
pre-OFSAA race she finished in eighth place in the
five-kilometre race with a best time of 18:49.  This
injury also kept her out of the track and field season.
"It's good news for our program that Stephanie has committed
to Laurentian, especially since she turned down a United States
athletic scholarship to come here," said head coach Dick
Moss.  "Stephanie has already posted some excellent times,
but I'm most excited about her potential to improve over the
next five years."
Flieler's best times include a 4:49.84 in the 1,500-m,
10:20.39 in the 3,000-m and 18:49 in the five-km, all of which
will make her extremely competitive at the Canadian university
level. 
Starting in September, Flieler will be able to be found
training hard with the Lady Vees on the trails of the
Laurentian campus and competing in OUA races across the
province.  She will also be working hard in the classroom
on her concurrent education and health promotion programs.
"I chose Laurentian because of the high recommendations from coaches and teachers that I know. Laurentian is highly respected and has a cross country and track team that are rapidly developing and are small and family-like, which were key factors for me." said Flieler.  "I am really looking forward to competing in the OUA and CIS next year and running a personal best time."
