Thrilling win by Tilson has a twist to it

The bell rang signalling the final lap of the men's 600 metres at the OUA track and field championships Saturday at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse. Windsor Lancer Ben Tilson was third behind Western's Josh Duckman, who defeated Tilson two weeks ago at Team Challenge in Widnsor, and Alanzo Ryan of Guelph.

Tilson overtook both and edged out Ryan at the finish line clocking in at 1:18.49. Ryan time was 1:18.55.

"Went a little tactical," Tilson told Powerplay Sports. "Kinda stuck in behind them and then figured I'd use my strength at the end to catch them and ended up getting him, Alanzo, at the line there and got the win."

What was memorable about the finish is the father's of both Tilson and Ryan were teammates with the Windsor Lancers when they were attending the university almost four decades ago. They were both in the house watching their sons race to the finish line in the 'Big Dawg's House' (Dennis Fairall, their former coach and UWindsor icon).

"It was really cool to race and finish so close with Alanzo as his dad and mine ran together at Windsor and actually ran the 600m as well and are still friends." Tilson said.

The kids put on a show for the crowd and their fathers.

"It was an awesome race, amazing to be apart of," said Ryan. "Ben and I have been battling in the 600 ever since he started at Windsor and it’s amazing to see how far we have both progressed."

Ryan says he has always enjoyed competing in Windsor knowing the history with Tilson. He also looks forward to getting another shot at winning the race when the two square off in March on the same track for the national championship.

"The race was just fun and I’m excited to run it back at USports in a couple of weeks."

The men's team finished third overall at the OUA championships. The USports Championships begin March 6th. Championships - U SPORTS - English