Dressler Takes Silver Posting Two Top-10 Finishes at Canada Summer Games

BUIES CREEK, N.C. - Finishing in a time of 6:53.99, Campbell senior Tara Dressler took second place in the 2,000 meter steeplechase event at the Canada Summer Games last week in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Calgary, Alberta native also earned a sixth place finish in the 5,000 meters at the games.
"Taking silver at the Canada Summer Games is so phenomenal," said Dressler. "Any recognition is awesome, but to be on the podium with all eyes on you makes all the hard days of training worth it. I think the Canada Summer Games were the highlight of my summer and I am nothing but pleased with my performances."
Representing her home province of Alberta, Dressler shaved 10 seconds off of her previous best time in the 2,000 steeplechase. She also finished in a personal best time of 17:36.38 in the 5,000.
"The 5,000 just added to my steeplechase performance," said Dressler. "I set a personal record and had a great finish. During the race I'd been trading laps with a girl from Quebec and coming into the final lap all bets were off, but I ran strong and consistent to take it at the end. It gave me a lot of confidence going into the steeplechase."
At Campbell last year, Dressler earned second team All-Atlantic Sun honors in the 3,000 steeplechase and third team all-conference honors in the 1,500. She also held top-five team finishes in five events.
The two-time Atlantic Sun All-Academic team member led Campbell during the indoor season. She posted team best times in the 800, mile and 3,000 as well as the second fastest time in the 5,000.
"We're very excited for Tara," said Campbell coach Ken Frenette. "She did very well at the Canada Summer Games and we're hoping that she will stay confident and continue that success during cross country season."
The next competition for the Campbell cross country team is the season opener Saturday, Sept. 3 as the Fighting Camels host the Campbell Invitational at 9:00 a.m.
"Coming off of great runs this week puts me in the right frame of mind for cross country. I'm confident that this year will be great."
The 2005 Canada Games is dedicated to hosting an athlete-centered, first class, national multi-sport event that will advance sport development and community pride, while leaving a lasting legacy of facilities, volunteerism, and enhanced sport, culture, and youth development.