Home / 2023 Excellence Voting – Coach and Team of the Year
2023 Excellence Voting – Coach and Team of the Year
Please rank the nominees for the 2023 Coach of the Year and Team of the Year categories. Submit your votes along with your name and email by Wednesday, January3at 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.
Please detail the outstanding event performance or a series of performances the coach has achieved with Saskatchewan athlete(s) or team(s) within the given year. Please include records, advancement to a higher level of competition, all-star recognition or awards. Be sure to include descriptions and details of the events participated in include the name(s), location(s) and date(s) of competition, whether they were provincial, national, international in scoop, which countries participated and how many athletes were in category.
• 2023 Women’s Fours Canadian Championship placing 1st. Victoria, BC August 22-26, 2023. There were 10 teams participating representing 6 provinces.
• 2023 Men’s Fours Canadian Championship placing 1st. Victoria, BC August 22-26, 2023. There were 10 teams participating representing 7 provinces.
• 2023 Women’s Pairs Canadian Championship placing 2nd. Victoria, BC August 22-26, 2023. There were 11 teams participating representing 8 provinces.
• 2023 Lady Alexander Trophy Canadian Championship won by Women’s “A” Pairs and Fours teams. Victoria, BC August 22-26, 2023. Saskatchewan last won this award in 2009. This trophy is awarded to the provincial women’s team who have the best cumulative results across pairs and fours at the conclusion of the round robin. The six ladies finished 2nd in both pairs and fours, which gave them 18 points and enough for the coveted women’s team trophy. There were 21 women’s pairs & fours teams combined that were participating representing 8 provinces.
• 2023 Women U25 Canadian Championship placing 1st Regina, Sask July 26-30, 2023. There were 17 athletes participating representing 5 provinces. As a result of Jordan’s (the athlete’s) recent successes she was selected to represent Canada at three international events in 2023;
– As a member of the 2023 Women’s Senior National Team she participated in the 2023 World Bowls Championships August 29 to September 10, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. She was the lead on the Women’s Pairs team and finished with a 3-3-1 record in her round robin pool. She 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.
– As the gold medal winner at the 2022 Canadian Women’s Singles Championships, she represented Canada at the 2023 Champion of Champions September 11 – 16, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. She finished second in her pool with a 5-2 record in the round robin and lost in the quarter finals to the eventual gold medal winner.
– As the gold medal winner at the 2023 Canadian Youth Championships in the U25 Women’s division, she represented Canada at the 2023 International Indoor Bowls Council (IIBC) World U25 Championship December 4-8, 2023 in East Kilbride, Scotland. She finished second in her pool with a 2-2 record in the round robin and lost in the quarter finals.
List any other information that may strengthen your nomination related to the nominee’s accomplishments in the nomination year. (500 word maximum)
David is a Competition Introduction certified coach which he acquired in 1993. He holds his Respect in Sport certification and is an avid activist encouraging all coaches to rake their RiS certification.
David’s success coaching Jordan Kos also lead to Bowls Canada informed Jordan that she will be a member of their Senior Squad for 2023-24.
As an athlete David attended the 2023 Men’s Senior Triples Provincial Championship placing 1st to represent Bowls Sask at the Men’s Senior Triples Canadian Championship in Edmonton, Alberta in August 2023.
David has held the role of coaching coordinator with Bowls Saskatchewan for many years and continues in that role. More recently he became the regularly designated Coach/Manager for Saskatchewan teams at the Canadian Championships. In addition to NCCP coach training, David has been invited to observe/assist at the National Team Training Camp under the direction of Canada’s National Team Coach.
David’s particular forte at bowls events lies in his experience and understanding of the logistics and demands that are placed on the athletes coupled with his ability to provide technical support and mental counselling when under adversity and stress.
David has spent countless hours over the 2023 season introducing new players to the sport and providing lessons as well as offering coaching sessions to developing players. David was the facilitator for the one-day Annual Development Clinics which were offered in Saskatoon and Regina in the spring of 2023.
Please detail the outstanding event performance or a series of performances the coach has achieved with Saskatchewan athlete(s) or team(s) within the given year. Please include records, advancement to a higher level of competition, all-star recognition or awards. Be sure to include descriptions and details of the events participated in include the name(s), location(s) and date(s) of competition, whether they were provincial, national, international in scoop, which countries participated and how many athletes were in category.
Ryan Jones is certified at the Senior Coach level with the Coaching Association of Canada and is a coach in good standing with the following organizations: Coaching Association of Canada, Canadian Swim Coaches Association, Swimming Canada and Swim Saskatchewan. He also has the professional designation of ChPC with Coaching Association of Canada.
Coach Ryan is the coach of record for Para Swimmers Nikita (Niki) Ens, Shelby Newkirk, Hannah Ouellette and Myriam Soliman. Myriam moved to Saskatchewan in Sept 2023 specifically to be coached by Ryan.
Niki and Shelby were both selected to represent Team Canada at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in July 31 to August 6, 2023 in Manchester Great Britain. Myriam was selected to Team Canada for the 2023 Parpan American Games in Santiago Chille in November 2023.
Coach Ryan was also selected to the coaching staff for the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester.
At the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships, Shelby won Gold, while breaking the Championship record, and Canadian Record in the 100 Backstroke event in her S6 Sport Class. She also won Bronze in the S6 50 Free.
Shelby broke a total of 5 Long Course Canadian records and 13 Short Course Canadian during the 2023 Calendar year. With her most recent record set on Dec 2, 2023 at the Ken Demchuk International in the S6 200 Back. Niki Ens broke at total of 7 Long course Canadian Records in 2023.
Ryan’s swimmers currently hold a total of 40 Canadian Para Swimming Records! (as of Dec 14, 2023).
Niki, Shelby and Hannah Oullette have all achieved the minimum qualifying standard for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
List any other information that may strengthen your nomination related to the nominee’s accomplishments in the nomination year. (500 word maximum)
Coach Ryan Jones was promoted to the position of Head Coach of the Saskatoon Lasers in July 2023.
Coach Ryan was awarded a Petro-Canada Coaching Excellence Award at the Sport Leadership Conference and Awards Gala in November 2023.
Ryan was selected by Swimming Canada to be on the coaching staff for the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester Great Britain.
In addition, Coach Ryan, along with swimmers Niki and Shelby were also selected by Swimming Canada to attend the 2023 Citi Para Swimming World Series in Melbourne, Australia, February 17 to 19, 2023
Ryan achieved his Senior Coach certification level this past year.
Nominee Supporting Documents
Upload a photo(s) of the nominee that can be used in the promotion of the Saskatchewan Sport Awards.
Nominations can be accompanied by supporting documents about the nominee or competitions. A maximum of three documents can be uploaded or links pasted below.
Please detail the outstanding event performance or a series of performances the coach has achieved with Saskatchewan athlete(s) or team(s) within the given year. Please include records, advancement to a higher level of competition, all-star recognition or awards. Be sure to include descriptions and details of the events participated in include the name(s), location(s) and date(s) of competition, whether they were provincial, national, international in scoop, which countries participated and how many athletes were in category.
The Wascana Racing Canoe Club is home to many accomplished athletes from Regina and surrounding area. In 2023, there were three major events to determine athlete rank before the National Championships. The first was the on-water timed trials at the beginning of the paddling year (May) in Regina, SK, which determines a baseline for Saskatchewan athletes prior to starting the competition season. The second was National Team Trials that was held in Montreal, Quebec, in June to determine how much the athletes have grown and how they measure up to other paddlers across the country. The link to the number of athletes can be found: https://canoekayak.ca/event/sprint-national-team-trials-2/. It was here where Baer Robertson was selected to represent Canada at the Olympic Hopes Regatta in Poland after the National Championships. The third ranking regatta was the Canada Cup West, held in Regina in July. Here is where all the athletes from Winnipeg, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, and Yukon come together to compete in single and team boasts to determine who would go to the National Championships.
The CKC National Sprint Championships was held in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where WRCC came home with 3 Gold medals, 1 Silver, and 5 bronze. We also had athletes finish top 10 in nine other events. The link to the website is: https://canoekayak.ca/event/2023-sprint-national-championships/.
List any other information that may strengthen your nomination related to the nominee’s accomplishments in the nomination year. (500 word maximum)
Igor has coached sprint canoe/kayak for 29 years. His commitment to the athletes to have them do the best they can is evident from the awards and accolades they have received in various regattas. Igor is also an on-going supporter of developing future coaches, as evident in his recognition in receiving the CKC Coach Developer Award. As a family coach, he realizes the need for athletes of all ages to feel welcome to the club, and always develop trust with others so that they can develop training plans that are tailored to each athlete. He is always there to lend an ear or a hand, and can always be found with a cup of coffee. His extensive knowledge of the paddling community is a great asset to our program and his knowledge of the sport is evident in the increased medal count in comparison to previous years. Igor is a great coach, a great mentor, and highly deserving of this award.
Please detail the outstanding event performance or a series of performances the coach has achieved with Saskatchewan athlete(s) or team(s) within the given year. Please include records, advancement to a higher level of competition, all-star recognition or awards. Be sure to include descriptions and details of the events participated in include the name(s), location(s) and date(s) of competition, whether they were provincial, national, international in scoop, which countries participated and how many athletes were in category.
Jackie was the coach for Team Canada at the SOC World Games in Berlin held in June 2023.
Saskacthewan athlete Tyler Servant came in sixth for both the 25-metre freestyle, and the 50-metre backstroke. Tyler also claimed first place from an IM medley relay, which he was the first swimmer in for his team.
List any other information that may strengthen your nomination related to the nominee’s accomplishments in the nomination year. (500 word maximum)
Jackie is proficient in sport in all aspects. She brings a perspective to the table to help all look at decisions, coaching, programming and interaction in general to where we are all thinking big picture. She focuses on nutrition at competition and sets the athletes up to preform at their best. She has grown in her leadership skills in taking on Team Canada while ensuring that the local team has excelled and grown as well.
Please detail the outstanding event performance or a series of performances the coach has achieved with Saskatchewan athlete(s) or team(s) within the given year. Please include records, advancement to a higher level of competition, all-star recognition or awards. Be sure to include descriptions and details of the events participated in include the name(s), location(s) and date(s) of competition, whether they were provincial, national, international in scoop, which countries participated and how many athletes were in category.
Coaching Michelle Harrison:
-Broke the Saskatchewan record in the senior women’s 100m dash with a time of 11.36 seconds, compared to the old record of 11.40 seconds
-Competed at the World Athletics Championships for the second year in a row, advancing to the semi-finals, finishing 20th overall
-Gold medal at the Canadian National Track and Field Championships in the 100m hurdles for the third year in a row
-Finished 2023 season as the number 1 ranked Canadian in the 100m hurdles
-Finished 2023 season ranked 32nd in the world for the 100m hurdles
-Qualified to represent Canada in the 100m hurdles at the 2023 Pan American Games but declined selection to rest and prepare for 2024 season with the hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games
Coaching Nicole Ostertag:
-Gold medal at the Canadian National Track and Field Championships in the heptathlon, narrowly beating Olympic Heptathlete Georgia Ellenwood
-Finished 2023 season as the number 1 ranked Canadian in the heptathlon
-Finished 2023 season ranked 40th in the world for the heptathlon
-Qualified to represent Canada in the heptathlon at the 2023 Pan American Games but declined selection to rest and prepare for 2024 season with the hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games
Coaching Maddison Lawrence (May-July):
-Bronze medal at the Canadian National Track and Field Championships in the heptathlon
-Broke the Manitoba provincial record in the heptathlon with her performance at the National Championships
-Bronze medal at the Canadian National Track and Field Championships in high jump
-Gold medal at the Canadian National Track and Field Championships in the 4x100m relay
-Finished 2023 season as the number 5 Canadian in the heptathlon
-Finished 2023 season ranked 107 in the world for the heptathlon
Coaching Selena Keyowski:
-Bronze medal at the Canadian National Track and Field Championships in the U20 100m hurdles
Coaching University of Saskatchewan Huskies Track and Field and Cross Country Teams:
-Lead the Huskies Women’s Track and Field Team to their 5th consecutive Canada West team championships title at the Canada West Track and Field Championships
-Lead the Huskies Women’s Track and Field Team to a team bronze medal at the U Sports Track and Field Championships
-Canada West Women’s Track and Field Coach of the Year
-Lead the Huskies Women’s Cross Country Team to their 4th consecutive Canada West team bronze medal
List any other information that may strengthen your nomination related to the nominee’s accomplishments in the nomination year. (500 word maximum)
Board member of Coaches Association of Canada
Committee member of the Athletics Canada Coaching Committee
Played a key role in hosting the 2023 Canada West Track and Field Championships in Saskatoon
Played a key role in hosting the 2023 U Sports Track and Field Championships in Saskatoon. This is the first time this event has been hosted in Saskatoon since 2006.
Please detail the outstanding event performance or a series of performances the coach has achieved with Saskatchewan athlete(s) or team(s) within the given year. Please include records, advancement to a higher level of competition, all-star recognition or awards. Be sure to include descriptions and details of the events participated in include the name(s), location(s) and date(s) of competition, whether they were provincial, national, international in scoop, which countries participated and how many athletes were in category.
Dave’s achievements this year further underscore his coaching expertise. Notably, two senior pair teams, under his guidance, earned spots in international events. Skate Canada acknowledged his outstanding work by designating each of his pair teams to international events in the preseason. Caidence Derenisky and Raine Eberl earned the opportunity to compete at Autumn Classic in Montreal, an International Skating Union event, where they secured 8th place overall. His younger second senior pair team was chosen to participate in the John Nicks Pairs Challenge competition in New York. Presently, his more senior pair team is on track for a potential second international assignment, in addition to their participation in Skate Canada’s Canadian Tire Nationals.
January 2023 had both pair teams competing in Junior and Senior categories at Skate Canada’s Canadian Tire Nationals, where the Senior Pair finished 6th out of 10 teams and the Junior Pair team finished 4th out of 5 teams.
This accomplishment not only serves as a testament to his skill in nurturing and preparing athletes for elite competition but also reflects his unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of their potential.
List any other information that may strengthen your nomination related to the nominee’s accomplishments in the nomination year. (500 word maximum)
As an active coach residing in Saskatchewan, Dave approaches development from a strategic perspective and an innate understanding of the foundational processes required for the development of high-level athletes. His coaching approach is marked by a profound ability to formulate and execute strategies that facilitate the growth and achievement of his athletes, both technically and mentally.
In addition to being a nationally NCCP Certified coach, Dave’s expertise and experience in coaching extend far beyond the certifications. His coaching philosophy consistently reinforces the core principles of the NCCP Code of Ethics, fostering an environment characterized by honesty, integrity, respect, and sportsmanship.
Dave is a positive role model for athletes and peers within Saskatchewan and our country, inspiring those around him through his positive attitude, drive to continually improve, and love for sport. His dedication to creating a safe and respectful environment for athletes is exemplified by his example with both athletes and coaches.
Dave Schultz’s influence reaches far beyond the rink, nurturing personal growth and development in his athletes while instilling the values of sportsmanship and respect for others. His tireless efforts to promote figure skating and hockey in Saskatchewan are commendable, as he organizes multiple opportunities for not only his athletes in figure skating but in hockey as well. His influence is not limited to the rink; it extends to the broader communities of figure skating and hockey. He is committed to promoting athlete development in collaboration with Skate Canada, the national body of figure skating.
Canadian Juvenile (U20) National Broomball Championships (30th)
Date of Competition
03/29/2023
Location of Competition
Saskatoon, SK
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
4-6
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
100+
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
1st Place – Gold Medal
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
First Team All Star Forward – Kenzie Demers Second Team All Star Defense – Gracie Cyr Second Team All Star Goalie – Alya Peterson Gold Medal Game MVP – Kenzie Demers Overall Coach of the Year – Dean Demers
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
The Debden Roadrunners went into this past season (2022-2023) as National Champs for the first time in broomball history, which in itself was a great achievement. However, now they had to prove that it wasn’t a one off and that this team had the ability to repeat what they did last year in Ontario. The Roadrunners fought hard, pushed through, faced some very strong competition, but in the end came out National Champs for the second year in a row! It was quite a sight to see!
This event was the 30th annual Juvenile National Championships. The host group put on a fantastic show from the first drop of the ball. The venue was top notch, the committee was ready to host one of the best events Sask has ever hosted. The opening ceremonies, we feel, set a precident for events to come in Broomball. Hats off to our host committee all around!
We had a photographer at this event that captured this moment in history for our sport! More pictures can be provided if necessary.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
No
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NORTH REGINA LITTLE LEAGUE MAJOR ALL-STAR HOST TEAM
Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
2023 Canadian Little League Championship | 2023 Little League World Series
Date of Competition
08/01/2023
Location of Competition
Regina, SK, Canada | Williamsport, PA, USA
Scope
National
Number of participating provinces
10 or more
Number of participating countries
10 or more
Number of participants in category/event
100+
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
Canadian Champion
Was this a qualifier for:
International
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
Little League World Series
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
This team of 12 players (ages 11 and 12) and 3 coaches represented the North Regina Host Team at the 2023 Canadian Little League Championships held in Regina, SK from August 1-10th. This Championship featured teams from 7 regions across Canada: British Columbia, Alberta, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic and the Host Team. They competed fiercely in the 10-day tournament to determine who would become Team Canada for 2023.
Our Host Team started the tournament with a bit of a shaky start suffering three straight losses. After regrouping, they battled forward and won their next three games helping them finish 3rd in Round Robin play. They faced Team Quebec in the semi-final winning 3-2. In the final game they faced an undefeated Team BC and won the game in dramatic fashion with a score of 4-3. On August 10th, our Host Team was crowned Team Canada.
Two days later they travelled to Williamsport, PA to represent Canada in the Little League World Series. They faced a very tough Team Asia who featured an all-star pitcher who pitched a maximum speed of 81 mph. They lost that game 6-0 but quickly went on to beat Team Europe-Africa in their second game with a score of 3-0. Their tournament ended with a loss to Team Mexico. This team battled hard at the international tournament and came away with a 1-2 record.
Over the course of the 12-day tournament, they represented Canada with pride and respect and made memories to last a lifetime. They were treated to a VIP experience by Little League International and by the Toronto Blue Jays. These players fully understand what an honour it was to represent Canada and were recognized by spectators and other teams for their sportsmanship, friendliness and overall gratitude for the amazing experience.
It has been 21 years since a team from North Regina Little League represented Team Canada at the Little League World Series and we are extremely proud of them. They represented Regina, Saskatchewan and Canada very well!
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
No
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Canadian Bowl Champions (National) PFC Champions (Conference)
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
1st Team All Canadian (7), 2nd Team All Canadian (2) PFC Allstars (11) PFC Major Awards (6)
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
The Saskatoon Hilltops had a historic season in 2023, finishing with an undefeated record on their way to a National Championship. Having no major award winners at the national level, the team finished with one of the best statistical defensive seasons in their history giving up 51 points in 8 regular season games, as well as 25 in 4 post season games. They finished with an undefeated 12-0 record throughout the season outscoring their opponents 469-76.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
No
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2022-2023 Special Olympics Regina Basketball Season
Date of Competition
09/01/2023
Location of Competition
Regina
Scope
Local
Number of participating provinces
1-3
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
N/a
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
n/a
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
This year the SOR Basketball team had their regular season practicing and scrimmaging against generic teams. They did invite Swift Current to meet them in Moose Jaw where they joined them in practice drills and scrimmages. The teams were combined and played together. The Wildcats showed encouragement and assistance to Swift Current. It was nice to see the camaraderie formed between all the players. Another highlight for the team was that there were multiple players chosen to play for Team Canada in Berlin in June as well as two of the coaches applied and were chosen. This shows the success of the program as they move forward.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
No
Team Roster
Upload a roster listing team members and positions
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Nomination for Sask Sport’s Team of the Year: Team Saskatchewan Male Under-16
We proudly nominate Team Saskatchewan (Male Under-16) for the prestigious Sask Sport Team of the Year (Excellence Award) in recognition of their outstanding achievement during the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
Team Saskatchewan’s remarkable journey at the Canada Winter Games culminated in the acquisition of a well-deserved silver medal, marking their second overall podium finish in the history of this esteemed national competition.
What makes this team’s accomplishment even more remarkable is that all members of Team Saskatchewan were born within the province, highlighting their commitment to representing their home and their tremendous dedication to the sport. This unique bond and shared passion fueled their journey to Prince Edward Island.
Since the introduction of men’s ice hockey to the quadrennial Canada Winter Games in 1967, it was not until 1979 that Team Saskatchewan made their debut on the boys’ side.
The pinnacle of Team Saskatchewan’s history was the golden moment in 1995 when future NHL legend Patrick Marleau, hailing from Aneroid, helped secure victory with the golden goal against the host team, Team Alberta. This iconic achievement remains a testament to the province’s enduring commitment to the sport of hockey.
In the 2023 Canada Winter Games, Team Saskatchewan exhibited unparalleled determination and sportsmanship. In a double overtime thriller at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown, P.E.I, on Saturday, Feb. 25, they competed for the gold medal against the formidable Team Ontario. Though they narrowly fell short, with Ontario emerging victorious with a 3-2 score, Team Saskatchewan’s unwavering spirit and tenacity captured the hearts of all who watched.
This year’s gold marked Ontario’s sixth men’s hockey title at the Canada Winter Games, a testament to their formidable history in the sport. However, it is essential to recognize that Team Saskatchewan’s silver medal finish underlines the province’s continued excellence in the arena of youth hockey.
In sum, Team Saskatchewan (Male Under-16) has achieved remarkable success in the 2023 Canada Winter Games, adding a silver medal to their already illustrious history. Their dedication to the sport and unwavering provincial pride make them exceptional candidates for Sask Sport’s Team of the Year. Their achievement serves as an inspiration to young athletes and a testament to the enduring spirit of youth hockey in the province.
The team also boasted a tremendously dedicated staff filled with Saskatchewan-based expertise. Team staff for the Male Under-16 team were Ryan McDonald (Head Coach), Brett Pilkington (Assistant Coach), Mark Peterson (Assistant Coach), Todd White (Assistant Coach), Emma Galloway (Athletic Therapist), Josh Brown (Equipment Manager), Kyle McDonald (Mental Performance Consultant), Bill Gibson (Scout), and Joel Houseman (Director of Operations).
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
No
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An experience of a lifetime! Team Sask Swimming brought 19 athletes to Halifax to compete in the North American Indigenous Games.
Our athletes showed up determined to bring home some hardware and amp up the medal count for Team Sask. Our 35 medals boosted Team Sask. to the top of the medal count!
Aside from our medals, athletes surpassed boundaries in and out of the water, crushing PBs and making new connections with peers across Turtle Island!
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
No
Team Roster
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The North American Indigenous Games in Halifax marked the 10th competition since its inception in 1990. The Games are the largest multi-sport and culture event for Indigenous youth in North America, bringing together more than 5,000 participants from over 756 Nations every four years. The competition is comprised of 15 different sports with athletes competing from every province, territory and various states throughout the U.S. In addition, NAIG includes a vibrant cultural program showcasing local and North American Indigenous cultural groups and entertainers.
Our indoor and beach teams had a very successful tournament! Our 16 & 19U men’s and woman’s indoor teams all captured medals at the event. This represents the best indoor volleyball result from Saskatchewan in the past 15 years (records are difficult to track beyond 15 years). Further to that, of all the provinces, territories and states competing in volleyball, Saskatchewan was the only squad to have all 4 of their team’s medal. That’s a difficult and impressive achievement!
The Team Sask U19 Woman’s roster was the only group from our indoor teams to win a gold medal. The draw consisted of 15 teams with representation from provinces, territories and US states. Team Sask played the 6-day tournament only losing one single set. Further to that achievement, teams only averaged 16 points per set against them for the entirety of the tournament! What makes that achievement even more impressive is the fact that of the eight teams in the quarterfinals, Team Sask was the youngest squad. Half the Team Sask roster had just completed grade 11.
Certainly a tournament highlight for this team would be the semi-final match against Team Alberta. The Alberta roster was comprised almost entirely of athletes with 1 year of post-secondary Alberta College experience. This included the ACAC rookie of the year and notably coach Kerrie Buchberger, a former Team Canada member. Team Sask shocked the group from Alberta with 3 straight wins in the best of 5!
Team Sask had tremendous leadership from provincial team, Canada Games, and current U of S Huskie Rosetta Cyr. Following the success of the tournament, libero Addysen Noble rostered with NAIT College. Mya Lavallee earned a spot with the Lakeland College Rustlers, Kwyn Tournier has signed with Camoson College in Victoria BC, Gracie Flett is pursuing a spot with Olds College, while others are currently exploring post-secondary options. Since the inception of the games 3 decades ago, the goal has always been to create pathways for Indigenous athletes to compete at the highest level. The vision has been realized as this group is certainly a testament to the goals that the North American Indigenous Games have worked to achieve.
It must be noted that this NAIG cycle was the first time that Saskvolleyball has partnered with Team Sask. NAIG to offer training alongside their provincial team rosters. This partnership represents a new standard and what our group was able to accomplish as a team, and our teams were able to accomplish as Team Sask, should be celebrated!
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
No
Team Roster
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Nominations can be accompanied by supporting documents about the nominee or competitions. A maximum of three documents can be uploaded or links pasted below.
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Game 1 Eston Ramblers defeated Preeceville 5-4.
Game 2 (Final) ended in a 5-5 tie after Eston Ramblers came back in the 3rd period from a 3 goal deficit to win the U18 B Provincial Banner.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
Highway 14 U18 League Final
Date of Competition
03/27/2023
Location of Competition
Eston, SK
Scope
Regional
Number of participating provinces
1-3
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
10-39
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
1st Place Championship
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
Game 1 Eston won 4-2
Game 2 Eston won 3-2 in overtime to win the Highway 14 U18 League Championship.
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
No
Team Roster
Upload a roster listing team members and positions
UNIVERSITY OF REGINA COUGARS MEN’S 4X200-METRE RELAY TEAM
Nominee Accomplishments
Competition Name
U Sports Track and Field National Championships
Date of Competition
03/11/2023
Location of Competition
Saskatoon, SK
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
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
U Sports First Team All-Canadians
Was this a qualifier for:
Highest competition available
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
This is the first-ever national U Sports gold medal won by a University of Regina Cougars relay team.
The Cougars led that race from wire to wire. Usheoritse Itsekiri, who won gold in the 60-metre dash on Thursday, got the Cougars out to a quick start from the outside lane and passed the baton off to rookie Storm Zablocki. Zablocki, the national bronze medalist in the 60, passed it to Logan Fettes who held the inside and staved off a challenge from Manitoba to get the baton to rookie Brett Franklin with the Cougars still in the lead. Franklin managed to hold off a challenge from Guelph on the home stretch to secure the team victory.
The winning time of 1:27.74 broke the old University of Regina Cougars school record that previously stood at 1:27.98, at time that has stood since 2011.
Did nominee compete in more than one competition in the year?
Yes
Second Competition
Competition Name
Canada West Track and Field Championships
Date of Competition
02/25/2023
Location of Competition
Saskatoon, SK
Scope
Regional
Number of participating provinces
4-6
Number of participating countries
1-3
Number of participants in category/event
1-9
Nominee Placing/Medals Won
First Place – GOLD
Nominee All-Star/Awards at event
Canada West First Team All-Star
Was this a qualifier for:
National
If competition was qualifier, what did the nominee qualify for?
U Sports National Track and Field Championships
Provide any other athletic highlights from the competition?
The Cougars won the Men’s 4x200m Relay race in commanding fashion, leading the race from start to finish with a time of 1:28.76.
Did the nominee compete in another competition?
No
Team Roster
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