Dalhousie track and field dominates in AUS championships with nationals in sight

Editor’s note: Interviews for this article were conducted before the Dalhousie University track and field teams won the Atlantic University Sport championships on Feb. 21.

Dalhousie University’s track and field team added to a jam-packed trophy case from Feb. 20-21 in Moncton, N.B., capturing the men’s and women’s titles at the Atlantic University Sport championships.

Since 1990, the women’s team has been a force to be reckoned with, capturing 36 consecutive AUS championships. The men’s team has won 32 titles over the same span.

This dominance has attracted many athletes to the program, allowing it to continue its winning ways. One of these athletes is Caleb Hominick, who committed to Dalhousie in 2024 to compete in the weight throw event.

Even with the Tigers’ previous success, Hominick took a grounded approach to the meet.

“We have more competition because other teams get better over time,” says Hominick. “We will really have to earn our spots, … which is a good challenge for the team.” 

Hominick is no stranger to success. The second-year mechanical engineering student finished fourth at U Sports nationals last year in Windsor, Ont.

Hominick said that despite the long hours of training, success at big meets is decided in one moment. 

“It’s always interesting because it doesn’t matter how far you can throw. It really comes down to how well you do on that one day,” said Hominick. “It’s always a toss-up.”

Cara MacDonald, a third-year science student and 4×800-metre relay runner, is a part of the relay team who has already qualified for U Sports nationals. She planned to use the AUS championship as practice for nationals.

“I think we can do well at nationals,” MacDonald said. “So we’re trying to keep that the focus.”

MacDonald said the Tigers’ coaching staff has been key to maintaining the program’s winning culture. 

“We’re a well-rounded team,” she said. “Different schools tend to focus on certain events, but we have good coaches around all the disciplines.”

Before the AUS championships, Tigers head coach Richard Lehman shared his thoughts on how the weekend could shape up. Lehman, in his 14th season as a coach at Dalhousie, has been around for numerous titles.

“This is an interesting year with this group,” said Lehman. “The expectation for this week is that we go out there swinging. We’re going to go out and do everything we can to win. I think we’re the best team there.”

With an AUS championship under their belts, the Tigers will look towards the U Sports national championships in Winnipeg from March 5-7.

“From a talent perspective, we’re as good as we’ve ever been,” Lehman said.