Dianne DeBoer Wins First-Ever OCAA Women’s Cross Country Title for Conestoga

It was a historic weekend for the Conestoga Condors at the 2025 OCAA Cross Country Championships, as fifth-year runner Dianne DeBoer became the first Condor in program history to capture the OCAA Women’s Champion title! 

The event, hosted by Mohawk College at Marydale Park, marked the pinnacle of DeBoer’s outstanding five-year career. Running the race of her life, she crossed the line in 21 minutes and 56 seconds, breaking the 22-minute barrier for the first time and earning her long-awaited spot atop the OCAA podium.

“Before the race, I was nervous. Normally I'm not as nervous although this year I believed I had a chance at medaling and would have been extremely happy with bronze. I was worried about Mette Siemens (2024 OCAA champion) from Sheridan as she normally improves race to race and often has a fast start at OCAA Championship. I also had Taylor Kampen from Seneca, and Catherine Irwin from Humber as competition. Coach Dave (Sharratt) was amazing! He knows when to talk to you before the race and when to leave you alone and was really good about not putting any of his expectations on me.”

As the race began, DeBoer settled into a strong position early on.

“I started how I usually do, quick off the start to get out and once I was settling in I realized I was with my top 3 competition. I was quite happy and a bit surprised to already be in the position I wanted so early on. Around 1 km, I normally settle into my pace, although for this race I was feeling comfortable and wanted to stick with the lead group and not create any gaps.”

The race unfolded according to plan, and DeBoer’s confidence began to grow.

“After starting the second lap (kilometer 3), Siemens was dropping off and it was at that point that I thought I had a real chance at bronze if nothing drastic happened.

I kept tight to Taylor and Catherine for the next 2km still feeling quite strong. Starting the last loop, Taylor was putting a small gap on Catherine and I, so I made the decision to pass Catherine on a small hill, moving into second and closing the gap on Taylor.

As I got close to the last km, I knew we had built a gap on Catherine and this was when I thought winning was a possibility. The last km I was starting to hurt although mentally I was only thinking of holding on and not allowing a gap to form and I knew this was my last chance to show what I am capable of. There were a few times where I felt I could have passed Taylor into first place on that last km, although I wasn't sure how much she had left and didn't want to burn any bridges too early. I knew I had a strong kick from workouts and my 800m race background and so held back a bit longer. Just turning into the finishing chute, Taylor took a slightly wide turn and I cut in narrow and surged passing into first. As soon as I passed, I knew there was no way I'd give up without a fight and gave it all I could. That 400m was long! My legs were tightening up, and I didn't know how much of a gap I put on Taylor but I pushed through and finished. Still first!”

Crossing the finish line was a moment DeBoer will never forget.

“I was so so happy! I don't know how else to describe it. I couldn't stop smiling! I was over the moon, yet it also still didn't feel quite real. Even now sometimes it's hard to believe. It makes me all the more excited to see how much I can improve at nationals this year!”

Dianne’s performance represents a major milestone for the Condors program. DeBoer becomes the first individual OCAA cross country champion from Conestoga since 2010, joining head coach David Sharratt (2007 and 2008 champion) and Jason Smith (2009 and 2010 champion), who led a four-year run of men’s titles from 2007 to 2010.

Her championship also capped off a steady five-year climb through the collegiate ranks. From a 26th-place finish at the 2021 OCAA Championships as a rookie to 3 OCAA Invitational bronze medals and multiple top-ten results in later seasons, DeBoer’s growth has been a product of consistency, belief, and resilience.

“The whole race felt so good! I can only compare it to the same feeling I had at CCAA in Medicine Hat, Alberta. You put in a hard effort yet were able to enjoy every minute of the whole race and were so in tune. I couldn't stop smiling. This season I felt like racing has never been so fun!”

DeBoer credits much of her success to the support and structure provided by her coach and teammates.

“Coach Dave has been an amazing coach throughout my years racing for Conestoga! Throughout the year, in the off season too, Dave would send workouts for the week. Any questions about the workout or just talking about how I was feeling, Dave was always there to help. The positive team environment and faith he had in us was strong and he truly pushed us to do our best each and every day.”

Coach Sharratt reflected on the journey and the trust built over five seasons.

“Having Dianne work with me over a five-year stretch made a big difference. Our main focus was always the cross-country season, which allowed me to design a plan centered entirely on that goal instead of spreading focus across three seasons. We built a program that aligned with her training and academic schedule, with flexibility to adjust when injuries came up. Her discipline, experience, and determination made this championship the perfect conclusion to an exceptional career!”

Now, DeBoer will have one more opportunity to represent Conestoga as she competes at the CCAA National Championship for the 4th time with this year's event hosted by Holland College in Prince Edward Island on November 8.

It will be the final chapter of her remarkable collegiate career, one built on hard work, patience, and belief in the process. With momentum and confidence on her side, DeBoer looks forward to closing her Condor journey on the national stage!

Congratulations Dianne and good luck in PEI!