Your Graduating Class of 2017
We would like to thank our graduating student-athletes for their years of dedication to the program, the university, their teammates and coaching staff. In no particular order, your graduating class of 2017:
Michael Przystupa: Besides having the hardest last name to spell on the team, Michael is also one of the hardest workers. The decathlete out of Kirkwood, Washington made a huge impact on the culture of the team, showing the rewards and benefits of a strong work ethic on and off the track. He went out in style this year, pulling off a clutch performance to qualify for NAIA’s with his last opportunity, before besting his pre-meet ranking in the Alabama Heat. While the spelling and pronunciation of his last name remains a mystery, it is clear for all to see that this graduating Science student has a bright future.
Larissa Taddei: During Larissa’s tenure with the team she impressed all her fellow student-athletes with her pursuits of both knowledge and of the sport. The Kinesiology student from Burnaby, BC continues to display her impact on track and field; whether it be through competing, physiotherapy, or coaching. Her leadership, hard work, and fortitude don’t go unnoticed, and it will be exciting to see where Larissa takes herself next.
Tanya Motsi: Over her five years training and competing with the team, Tanya Motsi has seen almost as many coaches train her and her group. While it is never easy to adjust to new training, the Applied Science/Architecture student was adaptable and able to see improvement, all while keeping up numerous extra-curricular activities. Motsi was able to run several personal bests this season at the times she needed to run them – qualifying for NAIA’s, clinching a spot in the final, and then running out of her mind place second. Known for her work ethic, humour, and attitude, the 100m hurdler out of Harare, Zimbabwe is ready to tackle any hurdle that life throws at her.
Brianna Cairns: If there was a runner that personifies Steve Prefontaine, it would be Brianna Cairns. Despite being set back by injury in 2016 and 2017, Cairns qualified for NAIA’s in both years by pushing herself to her limits and never giving up. At NAIA’s this season, Cairns had the misfortune of tripping over a barrier more than once, injuring herself in the process. Despite this, Cairns refused to drop out the way many athletes would have, and instead went out as she went in; persevering to the end, giving her all the entire way, and improbably coming away with a top 10 finish. Her positive attitude, kind heart, and grit are what make Brianna a teammate that can never be replaced. This Science major out of Anmore, BC leaves the UBC Thunderbirds an All-American in Cross Country, and an All-American in our hearts.
Sarah Korpach: One never needs to remind Sarah Korpach to leave it all on the line, as Korpach is one of the hardest racers around. The 400m runner turned hurdler turned 800m runner has shown adaptability, grit, and leadership during her time with the team. A key component of both the team’s 4x400m relay and 4x800m relay squads, Korpach is a double All-American, having twice played a vital role in securing the Thunderbird as a top 2 placement at NAIA’s in the 4x800m. The Science student out of White Rock, BC will have no problem leading or adapting to whatever life throws at her, and will excel in any profession that she undertakes.
Katherine Tourigny: Some of us have the brains, some of us have the muscle – Katherine Tourigny has both and can probably fix yours’s if you ever get hurt. The 5th year Science graduate and current UBC Medicine student is the quintessential “Student-Athlete”. Winning All-American honours in the 400m hurdles twice, this Thunderbird has no shortage of awards, praise, or recognition to her name. This year, despite the workload and time constraints of medical school, Tourigny was still able to qualify for and compete at NAIA’s. It was just another example of how Katherine has been an exceptional role model for all student-athletes, and she will no doubt continue to be in her future career as Doctor Tourigny.
Christopher Taylor: If one were to watch Chris Taylor race or train, one would assume he has been doing this for years. However, that is not the case. Having taken a four-year break from track out of high school, Chris set out on a mission to join the team and to make an impact. He has achieved that, and so much more. The 5th year Kinesiology student out of Vancouver was a marquee athlete on the 4x800m relay teams in 2016 and 2017, running a crucial leg in 2017 to secure the Thunderbirds their first ever men’s 4x800m victory. Furthermore, Taylor was clutch in cross country, finishing as the Thunderbirds 4th runner and helping earn the men their first team podium finish. Known for his determination, kind-heart, and well-shaped arms, this athlete’s career is only beginning, and you would do well to watch out for him as he continues to reach further and higher in the future.
Manisha Kandola: Having struggled through a plethora of injuries and an unfair number of high jump coaches during her tenure at UBC, Manisha’s contributions to the team were felt through valuable points at the SFU Dual Meet, in her ‘lead by example’ attitude, and by her willingness to fill in wherever the team needed her. Manisha graduates with a BA and an indelible mark on the jumps group.
Anna Lindsey: It couldn’t have been easy to uproot from Orange County, where Anna went to high school, to Vancouver. Practicing in the rain become the norm for this horizontal jumper from Huntington Beach, and in this year’s dual meet she attained the NAIA ‘B’ standard in the long jump. She’ll be missed by her training partners, Sylvia, Michelle and Mark, and by her coaches, Elena and Byron.
