Home / 2023 Excellence Voting – Athlete of the Year

2023 Excellence Voting – Athlete of the Year

Please rank the nominees for the 2023 Athlete of the Year in the male and female categories. Submit them along with your name and email by Wednesday, January 3 at 11:59 p.m.

More information on the nominees for each of the categories is available below, click on an nominees name to learn more.

Female Athlete of the Year

Sydney Carroll, Artistic Swimming, nominated by Saskatchewan Artistic Swimming

SYDNEY CARROLL

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
2023 World Cup Super Final
Date of Competition
06/02/2023
Location of Competition
Oviedo, Spain
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
7-9
Number of participants in category/event
1-9
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Silver, Bronze, fifth
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Silver in Acrobatic Routine, Bronze in Free Routine, 5th in technical team at the 2023 World Cup Super Final event. In order to compete at this event, points were accumulated from World Series events earlier this year.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
Pan American Games 2023
Date of Competition
10/31/2023
Location of Competition
Santiago, Chile
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
1-9
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Bronze
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
3rd place in the Technical team, free team, and acrobatic team for a combined score to take the bronze medal
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
World Aquatics Championships 2023
Date of Competition
07/14/2023
Location of Competition
Fukuoka, Japan
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
6th place
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
6th place in acrobatic routine
Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
No
Nominee Supporting Documents
https://olympic.ca/team-canada/sydney-carroll/
Paige Crozon, Basketball, nominated by community member and Basketball Saskatchewan

PAIGE CROZON

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2023
Date of Competition
05/30/2023
Location of Competition
Vienna, Austria
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
40-69
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Sixth
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Edmonton Stop 2023
Date of Competition
07/29/2023
Location of Competition
Edmonton, Canada
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
7-9
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
First
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Québec Stop 2023
Date of Competition
08/18/2023
Location of Competition
Quebec City, Canada
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
7-9
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
First
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
Yes
Fourth Competition
Competition Name
FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Montreal Stop 2023
Date of Competition
09/02/2023
Location of Competition
Montreal, Canada
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
7-9
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
First
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Crozon was ranked 1st in shooting efficiency, 3rd in shooting value, 5th in calculated player value and 5th in points scored at the tournament (32 total players).
Did the nominee compete in a fifth competition?
Yes
Fifth Competition
Competition Name
FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series Ulaanbaatar Final 2023
Date of Competition
09/16/2023
Location of Competition
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
40-69
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
First
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Appearing in seven previous international tournaments this year, Crozon scored at the buzzer in the final to uplift Team Canada to the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series 2023 title. Crozon was ranked 3rd in shooting efficiency, 3rd in shooting value, 5th in calculated player value and 7th in points scored at the tournament (32 total players).

Summary of Women’s World Tour finishes:
WS Orleans – 3rd place
WS Poiters – 1st Place
WS Fribourg – 8th Place
WS Bordeaux – 3rd Place
WS Edmonton – 1st Place
WS Quebec – 1st Place
WS Montreal – 1st Place
WS Ulaanbaatar Final Championship – 1st Place3x3 World Cup 2023 – 6th Place
3×3 Americup -3rd Place

She was also named the Canada Basketball Toyota Player of the weeks of Dec 5th and September 5th beating out players from the NBA and WNBA.

Paige was also selected as the Sask Sport Athlete of the Month for September.

Nominee Supporting Documents
https://womensseries.fiba3x3.com/2023/orleans/teams/6200f25a-734a-43f8-b2fd-95fdcaed0f43/players/9eb7223c-7989-4241-9032-21831e76a4ca
https://play.fiba3x3.com/players/9eb7223c-7989-4241-9032-21831e76a4ca/activity
https://paigecrozon7.weebly.com
Margaret Dreaver, Bowling, nominated by Special Olympics Saskatchewan

MARGARET DREAVER

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
2023 SOS Bowling Provincials
Date of Competition
03/05/2023
Location of Competition
March 3-5, 203
Scope
Provincial
Number of participating provinces
1-3
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
1
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
0
Was this a qualifier for:
National
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
Margaret qualified as a member of Team Sask for the 2024 SOC National Winter Games in Calgary
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Margaret competed at the Provincial Bowling Tournament where she captured the Silver medal in the team portion, as well as, silver in the individual competition. She was also selected to the 2024 Team Sask National Winter Games team for bowling.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
2023 Bob Pedde Bowling Competition
Date of Competition
04/22/2023
Location of Competition
Saskatoon
Scope
Provincial
Number of participating provinces
1-3
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
1-9
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
1
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
0
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
No
Anna Dyachenko, Pickleball, nominated by Pickleball Saskatchewan

ANNA DYACHENKO

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
Canadian Nationals
Date of Competition
08/25/2023
Location of Competition
Regina Saskatchewan
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
1-9
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Gold
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Bronze in women’s doubles Open category
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
Saskatchewan Provincials
Date of Competition
06/10/2023
Location of Competition
Warman Saskatchewan
Scope
Provincial
Number of participating provinces
1-3
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
1-9
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Gold
Was this a qualifier for:
Regional
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
Pre entry to 2024 western Canadians
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
No
Jordan Kos, Lawn Bowling, nominated by Bowls Sask

JORDAN KOS

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
2023 World Bowls Championships – Pairs
Date of Competition
08/29/2023
Location of Competition
Gold Coast, Australia
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
40 or more
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Jordan and her partner did not place for the medal games
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Jordan was the lead on the Women’s Pairs team and finished with a 3-3-1 record in her round robin pool.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
2023 World Bowls Championships – Fours
Date of Competition
08/29/2023
Location of Competition
Gold Coast, Australia
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
more than 100
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Jordan and her team mates did not place for the medal games
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Jordan skipped the Women’s Fours team and finished second in her pool with a 5-1 record in the round robin and lost in the quarter finals.
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
2023 International Indoor Bowls Council (IIBC) World U25 Championship – Women’s Singles
Date of Competition
12/04/2023
Location of Competition
East Kilbride, Scotland
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
15-20
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Jordan did not place for the medal games
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Jordan finished second in her pool with a 2-2 record in the round robin and lost in the quarter finals.
Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
Yes
Fourth Competition
Competition Name
2023 International Indoor Bowls Council (IIBC) World U25 Championship – Mixed Pairs
Date of Competition
12/04/2023
Location of Competition
East Kilbride, Scotland
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
15-20
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Jordan did not place for the medal games
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did the nominee compete in a fifth competition?
Yes
Fifth Competition
Competition Name
2023 Women’s U25 Youth National Championships
Date of Competition
07/26/2023
Location of Competition
Regina, Sask.
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
7-9
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
1-9
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
1st place/GOLD
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
The 2023 International Indoor Bowls Council (IIBC) World U25 Championship
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Jordan Placed 2nd in the standings after the round robin and then won the final game to take the gold medal.

OTHER EVENTS:

2023 Women’s Indoor Singles National Championships placing 3rd

August 18, 2023

Victoria, BC

National

5 participating provinces

1 participating countries

22 participants

Placed 3rd to take the bronze medal

Nominee All Star/Awards at Event: none

Qualifier for N/A

Additional highlights; none

 

 

2023 Women’s U25 Singles Provincial Championship

July 15, 2023

Saskatoon, Sask

Provincial

1 participating provinces

0 participating countries

1 participant

Placed 1st to take the gold medal

Nominee All Star/Awards at Event: none

Qualifier for 2023 Women’s U25 Singles National Championship

Additional highlights; As Jordan was the only entry she placed 1st and the Sask rep to go to nationals.

 

2023 Women’s Indoor Singles Provincial Championship placing 1st

July 8, 2023

Regina, Sask

Provincial

1 participating provinces

0 participating countries

3 participants

Placed 1st to take the gold medal

Nominee All Star/Awards at Event: none

Qualifier for 2023 Women’s Indoor Singles National Championship

Additional highlights; Jordan went through the championship undefeated and secured the gold medal at the final game.

Nominee Supporting Documents
Julie Kozun, Sitting Volleyball, nominated by family and supported by Saskatchewan Volleyball

JULIE KOZUN

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
2023 WPV sitting volleyball world cup
Date of Competition
11/13/2023
Location of Competition
Cairo, Egypt
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
7-9
Number of participants in category/event
100+
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Silver Medal.
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
2024 Paralympic games to be held in Paris, France
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
This was a qualifier for the 2024 paralympic games to be held in Paris, in 2024. The Canadian team, went through the tournament losing one set in the round robin, they met up with China in the finals and lost 3 sets to 1, but in coming in second they are now qualified for the paralympics. In 2024
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
2023 zonal championships
Date of Competition
05/09/2023
Location of Competition
Edmonton, Alberta
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
40-69
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Silver medalists
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
Did not qualify
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
This was a qualifier for the paralympics, held in Edmonton, unfortunately placing second did not qualify them for the paralympics, but they did win silver.
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
The Dutch tournament
Date of Competition
06/28/2023
Location of Competition
Assen, Nederlands
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
7-9
Number of participants in category/event
100+
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Silver medal
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
was not a qualifier
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
This was an international tournament, held in the netherlands.
Canada came in with a silver medal
Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
No
Nominee Supporting Documents
Links
https://paralympic.ca/team-canada/julie-kozun
https://www.worldparavolley.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Website-Julie-Kozun.pdf
https://youtu.be/JTQpAa718PY?si=D8_rZi9XogoO6eW0
Shelby Newkirk, Para swimming, nominated by Swim Saskatchewan

SHELBY NEWKIRK

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships
Date of Competition
07/31/2023
Location of Competition
Manchester, England
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Gold – Women’s 100M Backstroke S6, Bronze – Women’s 50M Freestyle S6, 5th place – Women’s 100M Freestyle S6, 5th place – Heats – Mixed 4x100M Medley Relay 34PTS
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Shelby set a new long course Canadian Para Swimming Record in the Women’s 100m Back S6, and broke the Para Swimming World Championship Record in this event.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
2023 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials
Date of Competition
03/28/2023
Location of Competition
Toronto, Canada
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
7-9
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Gold – Women’s 50M Free S6, Gold – Women’s 100M Back S6, Silver – Women’s 100M Free S6
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
2023 Manchester Para Swimming World Championships
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Shelby set 2 long course Canadian Records in the Women’s 50m Free S6 and the Women’s 100M Free S6. These swims were also personal bests.
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
2023 Ken Demchuk International Invitational
Date of Competition
12/01/2023
Location of Competition
Surrey, Canada
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
4-6
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
GOLD – Women’s 50M Free S6, GOLD – Women’s 100M Free S6, GOLD – Women’s 100M Back S6, GOLD – Women’s 200M Back S6, GOLD – Women’s 100M Breast SB5, GOLD – Mixed 200m Medley 20pt Relay
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
This is an International Competition. In Swimming, except for our “trials” competition, most competitions are not qualifiers for another competition.
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Shelby set a new long course Canadian Para Swimming Record in Women’s 200M Back S6.
Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
Yes
Fourth Competition
Competition Name
2023 Pan Am Open
Date of Competition
10/28/2023
Location of Competition
Toronto, Canada
Scope
Regional
Number of participating provinces
4-6
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
BRONZE – Women’s 50m Breast SB5, BRONZE – Women’s 50m Back S6, 4th – Women’s 50m Free S6, 5th- Women’s 100m Back S6.
Was this a qualifier for:
Regional
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
In Swimming, most competitions are not qualifiers for another competition.
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Shelby established 7 short course Canadian Para Swimming Records in the following events: Women’s 50m Back S6, Women’s 50m Breast SB5 (prelim and finals), Women’s 50m Free S6, Women’s 50m Back S6, Women’s 100m Back S6 (prelim and finals). She also obtained a personal best time in 50m Back.
Did the nominee compete in a fifth competition?
Yes
Fifth Competition
Competition Name
Fall BreakOut 2023
Date of Competition
09/29/2023
Location of Competition
Regina, Canada
Scope
Provincial
Number of participating provinces
1-3
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
1-9
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
NA
Was this a qualifier for:
Provincial
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
Not a qualifier. In Swimming, most competitions are not qualifiers for another competition.
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Shelby established 5 short course Canadian Para Swimming Records at this event: Women’s 100m Back S6, Women’s 100m Free S6, Women’s 100m Breast SB5, Women’s 50m Free S6, Women’s 50m Breast SB5.
Nominee Supporting Documents
https://www.cjme.com/2023/07/20/saskatoon-para-swimmer-aims-to-set-another-world-record-in-competition/

https://www.swimrankings.net/index.php?page=athleteDetail&athleteId=4799819&athletePage=RECORD

https://www.swimrankings.net/index.php?page=athleteDetail&athleteId=4799819&athletePage=PBEST

https://www.swimming.ca/en/news/2023/12/04/veterans-rivard-routliffe-and-newkirk-notch-victories-on-final-night-of-ken-demchuk-invitational/

https://www.swimming.ca/en/swimmer/shelby-newkirk/

https://www.swimming.ca/en/para-swimming-records/?fbclid=IwAR2rSiHE0Xdn9efSVNHovbB0GqnHO5EQ3XFb3-Rqmf4PFuhbCm2_L74vTN0

https://www.swimming.ca/en/news/2023/08/06/canada-completes-one-its-best-ever-para-swimming-worlds-with-two-more-medals/

https://www.swimming.ca/en/news/2023/07/31/saskatchewan-pride-newkirk-ens-team-up-for-third-straight-worlds/

https://www.swimming.ca/en/news/2023/04/02/confirmed-qualifiers-for-2023-world-para-swimming-championships-announced/

https://www.swimming.ca/en/search/newkirk (see NEWS)

https://www.csc-sask.ca/weekly-roundup-nov-29-dec-5/
https://www.csc-sask.ca/weekly-roundup-aug-2-aug-8/
https://www.csc-sask.ca/weekly-roundup-may-3-9/
https://www.csc-sask.ca/weekly-roundup-mar-29-apr-4/
https://dystoniacanada.org/shelby

Keely Shaw, Para cycling, nominated by Sask Cycling

KEELY SHAW

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
World Cup #1
Date of Competition
04/20/2003
Location of Competition
Maniago, Italy
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
ITT- 5th, RR-7th
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
Para Cycling World Cup #2
Date of Competition
05/04/2003
Location of Competition
Ostend, Belgium
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
ITT- 2nd, RR- 4th
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
World Cup #3
Date of Competition
05/26/2023
Location of Competition
Hunstville, USA
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
ITT-2nd, RR- 3rd
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
Yes
Fourth Competition
Competition Name
Track World Championships
Date of Competition
08/02/2023
Location of Competition
Glasgow, Scotland
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
4-6
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
IP- 2nd
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did the nominee compete in a fifth competition?
Yes
Fifth Competition
Competition Name
Road World Championship
Date of Competition
08/09/2023
Location of Competition
Glasgow, Scotland
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
ITT- 3rd, RR- 9th
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
It’s not letting me add more races.

Para PanAm Games-
Santiago, Chile
November 17, 2023
Road ITT: 4th
Track ITT: 7th
Track IP: 2nd
RR: 5th

Nominee Supporting Documents
https://globalnews.ca/news/9910345/small-town-saskatchewan-athlete-training-paralympics/

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/summer/cycling/canada-uci-cycling-world-championships-aug-10-1.6932467

Savannah Sutherland, Athletics, nominated by Saskatchewan Athletics

Savannah Sutherland standing in green Team Sask jersey

SAVANNAH SUTHERLAND

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
World Athletics Championships
Date of Competition
08/21/2023
Location of Competition
Budapest, Hungary
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
40-69
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
16th overall
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
In her debut senior World Athletics Championships, Savannah advanced through the preliminary rounds, finishing 16th overall in the semi-finals with a time of 54.99, her second fastest time ever.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
2023 Bell Canadian Track & Field Championships
Date of Competition
07/30/2023
Location of Competition
Langley, BC
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
First Place – Gold Medal
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
World Athletics Championships
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
By finishing in first place in the women’s 400m hurdles and already having achieved the qualifying standard earlier in the season, Savannah secured her place on the national team that would represent Canada at the World Athletics Championships. This is Savannah’s first senior national championship title in the women’s 400m hurdles.
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships
Date of Competition
06/10/2023
Location of Competition
Austin, Texas, USA
Scope
National American University Championships. Many student athletes are international.
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
First Place – Gold Medal
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
NCAA All-American
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Savannah ran a huge personal best time in the women’s 400m hurdles, winning the competition with a time of 54.45 seconds. Savannah was an underdog in this event, beating the favorite Britton Wilson by a significant margin. Britton had won the women’s 400m hurdles at the 2022 NCAA Championships and was expected to defend her title. Savannah’s time of 54.45 was a new Canadian U23 national record, as well as a new Saskatchewan Provincial Record. This time also qualified her to represent Canada at the World Athletics Championships in the 400m hurdles.

The NCAA Track and Field Championships is one of the largest and most competitive track and field competitions in the world. Although it serves as the American collegiate championships, there are many international student athletes that represent many schools at this event, elevating the depth and level of the competition. Many of the student-athletes that compete at the NCAA Championships are also members of their home countries national teams. The competitive depth of the NCAA system makes it very difficult just to qualify for the NCAA Championships.

Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
Yes
Fourth Competition
Competition Name
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Indoor Track and Field Championships
Date of Competition
03/11/2023
Location of Competition
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Scope
National American University Championships. Many student athletes are international.
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
7th place – Women’s 400m
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
NCAA All-American
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Savannah ran a time of 51.60 in the final of the women’s 400m to place 7th overall, earning her NCAA All-American honors.

Savannah’s time of 51.60 broke the Saskatchewan Provincial record and the Canadian National record for the women’s indoor 400m.

Did the nominee compete in a fifth competition?
Yes
Fifth Competition
Competition Name
Canadian Mixed 4x400m Relay Championships and World Trials
Date of Competition
07/14/2023
Location of Competition
Langley, BC
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
7-9
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
First Place – Gold Medal
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
World Athletics Championships
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Running as part of a mixed 4x400m relay team, Savannah helped the team run a time of 3:15.20, which is a new Canadian national record.
Nominee Supporting Documents
https://thestarphoenix.com/sports/im-running-for-all-of-them-borden-hurdler-savannah-sutherland-is-an-ncaa-champ-with-a-boost-from-her-small-town
https://www.sasksport.ca/news/sutherland-breaks-record-and-lands-june-athlete-of-the-month-honours/
https://worldathletics.org/athletes/canada/savannah-sutherland-14771436
Seanna Trumier, Volleyball, nominated by Huskie Volleyball Club and supported by Saskatchewan Volleyball

SEANNA TRUMIER

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)
Date of Competition
03/11/2023
Location of Competition
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
CCAA National Championship – GOLD
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Lakeland Women’s Rustler Volleyball team clinched their opportunity to represent Lakeland College at Nationals by dominating the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) in February 2023 in Red Deer. Seanna and her team worked diligently and methodically to win each match one at a time. Seanna was named Player of the Game in the Gold Medal Match at ACAC as her team took the ACAC Women’s Volleyball title.

At the CCAA National Competition, Seanna and her team represented Lakeland College ( one of 66 colleges in the country). They won in a series of victories against outstanding teams such as Humber Hawks, Camosun, and Rouges de Saint-Boniface. Seanna is a starter for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 years and played Libero at Nationals.

The Lakeland Women’s Volleyball Team is currently ranked number one in the country for the 2023-2024 season. Seanna started her 3rd year at Lakeland and is a starter for the team.

Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
ACAC Conference
Date of Competition
02/25/2023
Location of Competition
Red Deer, Alberta
Scope
Provincial
Number of participating provinces
1-3
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
ACAC GOLD
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
Player of the Game in Gold Medal Match
Was this a qualifier for:
National
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
CCAA Nationals Women’s Volleyball
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
After a season with only one loss in the North Division and an 18-1 record in the regular season, the Lakeland Rustlers were crowned ACAC 2023 Women’s Volleyball Gold Medal winners. Seanna was named Player of the Game for the Gold Medal Match. Seanna and her team prepared for the Nationals and sought to “trust” in their team to be victorious! Seanna was named “Most Improved” by her Women’s Volleyball Rustlers for the 2022-2023 Season while maintaining high academic standing, achieving the ACAC Academic Athletic Award in recognition of the high standard of scholarly achievement combined with an extraordinary level of participation in college athletics.
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
Canada Summer Games 2022
Date of Competition
08/19/2022
Location of Competition
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Fourth Place Finish
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
After playing for four years with Team Sask, Seanna trained diligently to make the Canada Summer Games Team after the delay of the games due to COVID. Seanna was named Captain. Seanna is a fierce competitor who remained focused on the target of representing Saskatchewan in the summer games. Team Sask ranked Fourth after incredible win against Ontario and advancing to the Bronze Medal Match. This is the best the Saskatchewan Women’s Team has ranked for over 30 years. Reported at https://paherald.sk.ca/upset-win-over-ontario-a-lasting-memory-for-prince-alberts-trumier
Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
No
Nominee Supporting Documents
Links
https://www.ccaa.ca/sports/wvball/2022-23/releases/2023_wvb_day_4https://paherald.sk.ca/?s=Seanna+trumier

Male Athlete of the Year

Taylor Carter, Golf, nominated by Special Olympics Saskatchewan

TAYLOR CARTER

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
2023 Special Olympics World Games
Date of Competition
06/22/2023
Location of Competition
Berlin, Germany
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
1-9
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Gold
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Taylor carded rounds of 47, 56, 42 and 45 on the nine-hole course to finish with a 190 total.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
No
Nominee Supporting Documents
https://www.ckom.com/2023/06/22/good-as-gold-reginas-carter-wins-golf-event-at-special-olympics-world-games/
Marc-Andre Doyon, Speed Skating, nominated by Speed Skating Saskatchewan

MARC-ANDRE DOYO

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
Canada Cup 5
Date of Competition
03/17/2023
Location of Competition
Calgary
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
7-9
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
70-99
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
1500m- 4th, 1000m- 4th
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
None
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Marc-Andre had a couple of season best times at this competitions.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
Canada Cup 4
Date of Competition
03/10/2023
Location of Competition
Calgary
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
7-9
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
70-99
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
1000m- 2nd, 1500m- 2nd
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
2 Medals: Silver in 1000m and 1500m
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Two Silver Medals for Marc-Andre at the Canada Cup 4 in Calgary was very impressive. He skated quite well. This competition was a breakout competition for him. This has taken him to National Team consideration in the 2023-24 season.
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
Canada Cup 3
Date of Competition
01/27/2023
Location of Competition
Winnipeg
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
7-9
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
500m- 4th, 1000m- 4th
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
none
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Marc-Andre skated very well in cold conditions outside in Winnipeg at their Oval. Marc-Andre showed improvement in his times. This is a credit to his training, which has paid off in 2023. His results at the Long Track Canada Cups are the best that he has had in his Speed Skating career.
Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
No
Nominee Supporting Documents
https://speedskating.ca/speed-skating-canada-announces-long-track-national-and-nextgen-teams-for-2023-24-season/
Jonathan Podbielski, Athletics, nominated by the University of Regina Cougars and supported by Saskatchewan Athletics

JONATHAN PODBIELSKI

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
Canadian U20 Track & Field Championships
Date of Competition
07/30/2023
Location of Competition
Langley, BC
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Placed 1st in two events (800m and 1500m)
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
Won two Gold Medals (800m and 1500m)
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
Canadian U20 Cross Country Championships
Date of Competition
11/25/2023
Location of Competition
Ottawa, Ontario
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
100+
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Placed 1st
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
Won Gold Medal
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
USports Cross Country Championships
Date of Competition
11/11/2023
Location of Competition
London, Ontario
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
100+
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Placed 11th
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
Named as Second Team All-Canadian
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Jonathan was the highest placing U20 athlete in the competition.
Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
Yes
Fourth Competition
Competition Name
USports Track & Field Championships
Date of Competition
03/11/2023
Location of Competition
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
7th
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Was the youngest competitor in the event and the only U20 athlete to qualify for the event.
Did the nominee compete in a fifth competition?
Yes
Fifth Competition
Competition Name
Canada West Track & Field Championships
Date of Competition
02/25/2023
Location of Competition
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Scope
Regional
Number of participating provinces
4-6
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
2 Medal won
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
1000m Silver Medalist, 1500m Bronze Medalist
Was this a qualifier for:
National
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
USports Track & Field Championships
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Was the top finishing first year athlete in all of his events.
Nominee Supporting Documents
https://live.athletics.ca/meets/26525/events/1010078/results

https://sportstats.one/results/130061

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/reginacougars.com/documents/2023/11/13/Results_Men_and_Women_2023_Usports_XC.pdf

https://live.athletic.net/meets/19945#!

https://live.athletic.net/meets/19945/events/721566/heat-sheets

Gerry Nelson, Blind Golf, nominated by Saskatchewan Blind Sports Association

GERRY NELSON

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
2023 ISPS Handa United States Open
Date of Competition
03/23/2023
Location of Competition
Columbus, Georgia
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
1st place Gross
Was this a qualifier for:
National
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
Worlds
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
The competition started with tee times, players going off in groups of three. Each player and Coach were announced at the tee by Matt Jones. Play proceeded and the weather improved in the afternoon. The course proved to be challenging and showed its teeth a few times during the day. The course was reserved for our players for the remainder of the day so there were no regular members on the course when our players played their round. PGA Hope volunteers and many local volunteers helped by being fore caddies and scorekeeping.

Wednesday, the final day, started again at eleven in the morning with tee times and player/coach being announced at the tee. The weather warmed up and Wednesday proved to be pleasant to play golf but the course again proved to be difficult. The course was again reserved for our players for the remainder of the day so there were no regular members on the course when our players played their round. PGA Hope volunteers and many local volunteers helped by being fore caddies and scorekeeping again on the second day.

Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
2023 ISPS Handa Canadian Open Final
Date of Competition
08/20/2023
Location of Competition
Truro, Nova Scotia
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
4-6
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Men’s B1 Gross Category 1st
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
The Canadian Championships had a total of 29 participants, including six internationals.

The Mountain Golf Club is typically a very dry golf course in July and August. Their typical rain amounts are 70mm of rain. This season however, the course received 276 mm of rain in these same months.

Needless to say, the course was not its typical dry course. The course was extremely wet and even more challenging for the participants. The grounds crew had a difficult time keeping up with the wet and overall growing conditions. This left the fairways long, but the rough extremely long. This made it hard for our guides to locate golf balls. As a result, the scores were much higher than normal.

The practice round was wet and cool. The first round of tournament play experienced many showers and thunderstorms. Time became short while waiting the weather out, and with an even wetter golf course, it was decided to cancel the first round of play. Most of the field had not completed nine holes of play, so it became an 18-hole competition. Download results below.

Did the nominee compete in another competition?
No
Nominee Supporting Documents
Nominations can be accompanied by supporting documents about the nominee or competitions. A maximum of three documents can be uploaded or links pasted below.
Links
https://www.golfsaskatchewan.org/articles/nelson-villeneuve-win-u-s-blind-golf-championship/
Stephen Smith, Football, nominated by Football Saskatchewan

STEPHEN SMITH

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) – Regina Thunder
Date of Competition
11/10/2023
Location of Competition
Regina
Scope
Regional
Number of participating provinces
4-6
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
40-69
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Prairie Football Conference Finalists
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL) Major Award Winner – Larry Wruck Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year
Was this a qualifier for:
National
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
National Award Winner
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
PFC Most Outstanding Linebacker Award
PFC Defensive Player of the Year Award
CJFL First Team Defensive All-Canadian
CJFL Major Award Winner – Larry Wruck Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year Award
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
No
Nominee Supporting Documents
https://www.620ckrm.com/2023/11/09/thunder-ol-riley-schick-named-to-cjfl-first-team-offensive-all-canadians/#:~:text=Linebacker%20Stephen%20Smith%20was%20named%20First%20Team%20Defensive%20All%2DCanadian.&text=This%20past%20season%2C%20Smith%20had,First%20Team%20Offensive%20All%2DCanadians.

https://www.620ckrm.com/2023/10/20/thunder-lb-smith-wins-pfc-defensive-player-of-the-year/

https://www.cjfl.org/news_article/show/1291018

Rylan Wiens, Diving, nominated by Dive Sask

RYLAN WIENS

Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
Winter Senior Nationals
Date of Competition
01/27/2023
Location of Competition
Victoria
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
4-6
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Platform -SILVER
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
2 DIVES THAT SCORED PERFECT 10s
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
2023 World Championships
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Unfortunately Rylan had to withdraw from Worlds with an injury.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
Indiana
Date of Competition
04/28/2023
Location of Competition
USA Diving International Invitational
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
4-6
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Platform -GOLD
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
Yes
Third Competition
Competition Name
Pan Am Games
Date of Competition
10/22/2023
Location of Competition
Santiago, Chile
Scope
International
Number of participating countries
4-6
Number of participants in category/event
1-9
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Platform Synchro – SILVER
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Did the nominee compete in a fourth competition?
Yes
Fourth Competition
Competition Name
Senior National Championships
Date of Competition
12/15/2023
Location of Competition
Winnipeg
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
4-6
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Platform -SILVER
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
2024 World Championships
Did the nominee compete in a fifth competition?
No
Nominee Supporting Documents
Links
https://thestarphoenix.com/sports/wiens
https://www.sasktoday.ca/highlights/pan-am-success-for-diver-wiens-now-eyes-paris-2024-7834523
https://thestarphoenix.com/sports/saskatoons-tierney-wiens-win-medals-at-pan-american-games-in-santiago

2023 Excellence Awards Voting