Historic Finish in PEI as DeBoer Claims National Silver for Conestoga
Dianne DeBoer ended her storied Condors career with a performance that will be remembered for years to come, capturing the national silver medal at the 2025 CCAA Cross Country Championships in Brookvale, Prince Edward Island. Her time of 23:00 secured the first CCAA individual medal ever won by a Conestoga cross country runner, and she becomes the first OCAA women’s athlete to earn a national cross country medal since 2015.
From the moment she previewed the course, DeBoer sensed something special. “Friday we checked out the course loop and although it was hilly and muddy, the loop felt really good. I could have easily raced right then and there.” Race morning delivered ideal conditions as well. “The weather was perfect. Cool, overcast with slight rain. Lining up at the start I was excited. Nervous, yes, although I felt way more in control then I did at the OCAA championships. Going into the race, my goal was to be top 10. I never expected to break top 5.”
When the gun went off, her instincts took over. “I got off the start well and was up near the front right off the gun within sights of the leaders. I picked the runners off faster than expected, and at the first hill, about 400m into the race I was already in second place. I thought 'why not just run how I feel?’ So, I moved into first place.” The move surprised both her and the pack, but she held firm through the opening loop. “The first lap went by quickly. I was feeling strong, the hills went up, up, up, and were good but I knew I couldn't let up.”
The second lap became a test of resolve. “Halfway through, the hills hurt and hurt bad. There were a few times I asked myself ‘how bad do you want it’, and the answer was always ‘bad’, so I pushed. The support up those hills was amazing.” Even as fatigue hit, she refused to ease off. “At one point on one of the hills I started feeling lightheaded, but I knew I couldn't back down or I’d feel disappointed at the finish.”
With 600 metres remaining, Dawson College’s Mia Simpson made her decisive move on the long downhill. “Honestly, I was disappointed, but I rallied hard as I had no clue how far 3rd place was behind me. That final downhill was fast, and I gave everything I had.” DeBoer crossed the line completely spent. “Crossing that line I've never been so exausted. I collapsed pretty quick and there was no way I'd be getting back up soon.” But the emotion that followed was unforgettable. “I was absolutely ecstatic over 2nd and never imagined I'd be leading the race for so long. It was the first time I led a race in my Condors career, and I must say I'd much rather be the one chasing than being chased!”
Her breakthrough in PEI reflected months of steady, confident training. “This year I had a solid build up to the season. I've never felt so confident in my training. This year I also had teammates to train with which also made a difference.”
Her OCAA Championship win helped shape her mindset heading into nationals. “Placing first at OCAA was a big boost in my mental aspect. At CCAA with the strong start and confidence in my ability for faster paces, I felt I had to take the lead or I would be too restless to hang back and waste the hunger I had to race to my limits.”
For DeBoer, the silver medal means setting a new standard for what is possible for Condors cross country. “As the first Condor to ever medal at CCAA, it's an honour I never dreamed of. I hope this can prove to be an inspiration for future Condors and hope that one day someone will better me and show everyone what the Conestoga Condors are capable of!”
Head Coach David Sharratt viewed her race as the culmination of a five-year investment in growth and trust. “Over the past five years, everything with Dianne was building toward this moment. Each season we added a little more, more mileage, tougher workouts, and higher expectations. By this final year, she was at her absolute peak, mentally tough, physically strong, and fully confident in her training. To see her execute like that, finishing 2nd overall and earning Conestoga’s first ever national individual medal, was incredible. It was the perfect culmination of five years of steady growth, trust, and hard work!”
With her silver medal, DeBoer cements herself as one of the most decorated runners in Condors cross country history! From a 26th-place OCAA finish in her rookie season to OCAA champion to national medallist, her progression is one of the great stories in Conestoga athletics. Her performance in PEI will serve as a foundation for future Condors, a reminder of what is possible through belief, resilience, and steady development!
Congratulations Dianne on a historic national silver and an unforgettable final chapter to your collegiate career!
