Crawford helps ‘Wolves sustain Nordic skiing dominance

When Lake George, New York native Anna Crawford arrived at Lakehead University in 2006, the Thunderwolves women’s Nordic ski team’s string of dominance was in its early stages.

Four years worth of consecutive OUA and CCUNC titles later, Lakehead’s cross-country skiing team has built an unprecedented legacy, propelled in large part by Crawford’s consistent all-star efforts.

A three-time all Canadian, Crawford closed her varsity career this season after helping the ‘Wolves to a seventh consecutive CCUNC title last month at Whitehorse, Yukon. As accomplished in the classroom as on the ski trails, the soon-to-be Honours Biology graduate plans on working toward towards a Master’s degree while shifting her athletic focus to the national circuit.

A dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Crawford began her run at Lakehead with a fourth place individual finish for the Thunderwolves at the 2007 OUA Championships in Gatineau, Que., picking up a gold in the relay event and earning her first of three OUA all-star nods.

As a sophomore another fourth place and all-star spot at the OUAs came Crawford’s way and she closed her competitive season with a bang, finishing fifth overall at the CCUNC Championship at Whistler, B.C.’s Callaghan Valley Olympic site. En route, she captured gold medals in the relay and classic events and was named a CCUNC all Canadian for the first time.

Back in Thunder Bay, Crawford was named Lakehead Female Athlete of the Year.

Crawford’s Nordic skiing career went in a new and exciting direction as a junior when she competed alongside ‘Wolves teammate Mallory Deyne for Team Canada at the 2009 Winter Universiade at Harbin, China.

The international competition prevented her from skiing for Lakehead’s OUA Championship team, but Crawford helped the team to another CCUNC title at Collingwood, Ontario, finishing fourth individually with relay gold and classic silver medals and another all-Canadian spot to her credit.

In the classroom, Crawford’s consistent honour role efforts were a significant factor in her selection as Lakehead’s representative at the 2009 Women of Influence Luncheon in Toronto. The annual event honours top female student-athletes from each OUA member institution as chosen by their respective Athletic Departments.

Crawford rounded out her impressive varsity resume with a third place individual finish at the OUA Championships at Orangeville, Ont., with a gold in the skate event, relay silver and a fourth place finish in the individual classic.

Third and fourth place finishes in the CCUNC classic and skate events, respectively, propelled Crawford to a fourth place overall finish at Whitehorse as she reached all-Canadian status for a third and final time.

Anna offered some of her thoughts on her time at Lakehead in an email interview with Lakehead Sports Information:

LU SPORTS: What are your fondest memories as a Lakehead varsity athlete?

Crawford: I think some of my fondest memories come from the moments after the tough races, where we all know we went as hard as we could for our team and congratulations are in order. Lakehead has always done so well on the university racing circuit, that there is always something to celebrate! I love pushing through the races and doing well personally, but having a team to ski for to make it all mean something makes it that much more important. Having a supportive and loving team will cement the memories forever.

LU SPORTS: What do you think was your top athletic achievement or performance as a Lakehead varsity athlete?

Crawford: One race that sticks out in mind was the first individual race of the 2008 Canadian Nationals in Whistler, B.C. I was only in second year university, and didn't know my competition extremely well. I pushed myself as hard as I could in adverse weather conditions and finished first out of all university women. I remember that as being a point where I thought I had made a big step in racing.

Women's skiing at Lakehead University has an amazing run of championship wins - both provincial and national. Coming out on top once again at the 2009 National Championships by only one point ahead of Carleton was also a huge moment in my university career. It was special to see the championship stay with Lakehead after a tough series of races and being a part of such a determined team.

LU SPORTS: What did being a Lakehead varsity athlete teach you that will help you in your life after university?

Crawford: Time management is crucial for athletes, and I especially learned this on long trips that kept me from the classroom for extended periods. Having such a cooperative, enthusiastic and motivating team around me at all times has taught me the significance of team-work as well. In general being an athlete has also shown me the importance of persistence, determination and the pay-off of hard work.

LU SPORTS: What are you plans after graduating from Lakehead?

Crawford: I look forward to moving to Ottawa in the fall and to continue ski racing on the national circuit. I hope to find work with an environmental conservation organization after working for the Lakehead University Forestry Department over the summer. I plan on starting a Master's degree in a biology related field within the next year as well.