Kiana Scarf Making Strides at Lakeland College

by ACAC Sports Writer Curtis J. Phillips

On the Lakeland College Rustlers cross country roster it lists Kiana Scarf at 5-foot-4 in height.

In reality, Scarf, is 5-foot-1.  The extra inches might have been added due to the extra length and personal growth Scarf has had to travel during life's journey.  When Scarf was in Grade 5 her mother Michelle was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer.  "The doctors told her she had two years max to live...she beat the odds and made it to six," said Scarf, her mother passing away May 11, 2014 at the age of 37 years.  

A multi-sport athlete, Kiana in the past has laced up the cleats for soccer, sneakers for volleyball and badminton and shoes for hip hop, jazz and tap dancing.  She was able to keep up with most of these activities but as her mother's health declined in later years, some of the sports "conflicted with school and family."  With older sister Linda living in Nipawin, Saskatchewan with their grandparents, Kiana started helping around the house a bit more, taking care of chores and younger sister Haley.  Their dad Aaron works in the oilfields industry.

In relationship to Kiana's introduction to cross country, it was prior and during the early years of Michelle's ordeal, that the family would attend local community organized runs or walks.  "At first...the first few years....my mom would do it with us and when she couldn't and wasn't feeling well...she would still be there to support us.  "Mom was always the supporter and dad the jokester."

Entering Lakeland College (University Transfer), Kiana was convinced by her boyfriend Ryley McNeil to try out for the Rustlers cross country team.  McNeil played three years in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League 2012-2015 for Humboldt Broncos and La Ronge Ice Wolves.  "I looked at how tall these other girls were and how fast they were and I knew that their stride was much longer. I had to look past that.  "That is where my mom came in. She taught me so much about strength. Every time I run, it is a hard run and if she could get through what she had to go through for such a long time...I should be able to get through the run. Running is just a mind game and you are not going to die out there."

Named 2015 Rustlers Cross Country Rookie of the Year, Kiana enjoys the various aspects of the sport: "It is great for gaining endurance and keeping in shape and it something that connects you as a whole."  She was a quick learner, her time in her first race held September 12, 2015 and hosted by Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder was 33:05 for the 5 kilometre distance.  Her second run September 26, 2015 and hosted by Lakeland, saw her lower her total time by more than three minutes with a 29.54 clocking.  She may not be near the top of the running stats but she surely is near the top when it comes to heart and determination