McMaster leans on teamwork, depth in pursuit of historic U Sports double gold

Most people might not see cross country as a team sport, but teamwork is the name of the game for the McMaster Marauders. They'll look to showcase that strength this Saturday at the U Sports Cross Country Championships.

The Marauders have a chance to accomplish something no McMaster squad has done in program history: bring home both men's and women's team gold on home soil. After capturing team gold in both the men's and women's races at the OUA championships, McMaster has its sights set on the national stage.

The OUA performance has undoubtedly given the Marauders confidence heading into U Sports, but they will also have home-course advantage.

Sam Patrick, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student from Guelph, Ont., and captain of the men's team, told CBC Sports that the team is excited about the opportunity to compete at home.

Patrick sees the opportunity to compete without travelling as an advantage, particularly with family, friends, and supporters able to make the trip to Christie Lake in Dundas, Ont.

"We'll have a chance to have family come down and watch this race, which is really special."

Watch the men's championship event on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET

The course itself is also a familiar setting for many of the Marauders, including women's captain Florina Keller. For the fourth-year life science student from Hamilton, returning to Christie Lake to support her teammates at this year's national championships carries an even deeper personal connection.

"It's a full circle moment," she said. "I've raced on the Christie course since elementary [school]."

While the eight-kilometre course is relatively flat, its layout could make for an exciting day of competition, with the potential for fast times. It features a 2km