KINGSTON, Ont. (April 2, 2025) – Queen's Men's Cross Country was recognized as the Queen's University Varsity Team of the Year for the 2024-25 season at the 89th annual Colour Awards banquet on Wednesday night at the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC).

The Jim Tait Trophy, presented annually to the top-performing Varsity Team, acknowledges competitive success, community involvement, and contributions that bring the most honour and recognition to Queen's.

Guided by the 2024-25 OUA and U SPORTS Coach of the Year, Mark Bomba, the team achieved a historic season, securing Queen's first OUA championship in 35 years and first U SPORTS national title in 40 years, while going undefeated in regular season competitions.
 
The perfect 22-0 record earned the team a No. 1 national ranking in the Canadian Running magazine.

Leading the way, Jude Wheeler-Dee was named OUA Men's Runner of the Year, while five Gaels received OUA All-Star honours: First Team All-Stars – Wheeler-Dee, Roman Mironov, and Will Cox, and Second Team All-Stars – Tanner Hueglin and Angus Skinner.
 
At the national level, Wheeler-Dee and Mironov were recognized as U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadians.

Racing successes were matched by strong commitment to the Kingston community, as the team played a leading role in the Martha's Table food drive and collecting donations. Beyond these efforts, Queen's Men's Cross Country has been a strong supporter of the Special Olympics, taking part in the annual Motionball event to promote inclusivity in the sport.