VANCOUVER - UBC Thunderbirds track and field head coach
Marek Jedrzejek is delighted to announce the commitment of top local talent Devan Wiebe of Lord Byng Secondary (Point Grey) to the T-Birds next year.
Wiebe is one of the country's strongest middle-distance runners for her age, boasting personal bests of 55.76 for the 400-metres and 2:14.01 for the 800-metres.
"Devan will have an immediate impact on our team," says Jedrzejek. "Her ability, and range are exceptional."
The standout middle-distance runner is a member of the Vancouver Olympic Club, coached by Besnik and Tatjana Mece.
Last summer, Wiebe won the 400-meters at the prestigious Royal Canadian Legion Youth Track & Field Championships in a time of 56.34. She was also a member of the BC Team that won the girls 4x400-metres relay in a new Canadian youth record time of 3:54.25 at the same championships.
On coming to UBC, Wiebe says, "[it] will allow me to continue to train with my current coaches Besnik and Tatjana Mece, as well as benefit from Marek's experience as an Olympic coach."
Besnik Mece says he and Tatjana are proud that Wiebe has decided to stay with them and run for UBC.
"She has incredible athletic ability, and a will and determination that are infectious," Mece says. "We are looking forward to seeing her represent UBC in national and international events."
Wiebe's best event is the 400-metres, but she has shown prowess over a range of distances from 100 to 800 metres on the track, and signs of great potential in cross country.
As well as her two gold medals at the Legion Championships, she earned a silver medal in the 800-metres (2:14.64) and a bronze in the 4x100-metres relay. Off the track, she placed 22nd at the BC High School Cross Country Championships as a Grade 11 student.
With six months of high school still left ahead of her, Wiebe hasn't yet decided what she'll study at university, but notes, "either way I know UBC has the resources, and credibility to provide me with one of the best educations in the world."
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