Free Press reporter wins Fred 'Gus' Collins Award

CALGARY – A dedicated and skillful veteran reporter has won the Fred "Gus" Collins Award, handed out annually by Canada West.

Mike Sawatzky of the Winnipeg Free Press was selected by Canada West institutions as the standout when it comes to providing exceptional coverage of university sports in western Canada.

“This is great recognition for an individual who has covered university athletics in Manitoba for decades with commitment and class. Mike has carved out solid relationships with athletes, coaches and program directors — built on a foundation of trust — because of his integrity, accuracy and thoroughness, and a knack for great storytelling,” said Free Press sports editor Jason Bell.

Sawatzky chronicled athletes' stories with care and skill, from Wesmen Anna Kernaghan, whose father passed away on a provincial team trip in 2017, but whose legacy fuels her success, to Bisons kicker Maya Turner, who became the second female in program history to sign a letter of intent with the University of Manitoba football team.

Sawatzky accumulated about 50 bylines on university sport alone throughout the season, struck by the passion of the athletes and compelling stories of their teams. ​

"It's under appreciated for sure. I've known that for a long time. but you sometimes forget how dedicated these people are and most of them are juggling work, academics then this really intense athletic part of their lives," said Sawatzky.

He and his editor chose to feature the journey of the University of Winnipeg women's basketball team over a 10-month span from when they cautiously returned to the court after the lost season to the moment they had national silver medals placed around their necks. His stories helped to boost the profile of women in sports while taking readers along on a fascinating ride.

"Mike has given Wesmen Athletics, university and amateur sport in Manitoba exceptional coverage for many years. Covering our athletes and teams is not a task or merely an assignment because Mike does not just cover a story but digs deeper to reveal the most interesting layers of it. The passion he has for the subjects is clearly evident in his work and that is such a major factor in keeping university sport vibrant and relevant in the public eye. We are grateful for Mike's professionalism and willingness to provide such outstanding," said David Larkins, Media and Operations Coordinator for Wesmen Athletics.

Sawatzky has covered every level of sport in his 37 years as a reporter, often recognized through his Winnipeg Jets and Winnipeg Blue Bombers bylines. He began at the Brandon Sun, where he covered the Wheat Kings before joining the Winnipeg Free Press sports desk in 2003.

“Mike is incredibly humble and doesn’t seek out the limelight, but I’m sure he’ll be proud to receive this honour. It’s so well-deserved for a fellow that puts his head down and works hard each and every day. I’m grateful he’s on our side,” said Bell.

"We're very thankful to Mike for giving university sports and athletes the spotlight they deserve. Mike and the Free Press have maintained a dedication to these inspiring student-athletes. Mike's talents behind a keyboard are evident: he tells their stories with intrigue and grace, showcasing their abilities and passion for Canadians to read," said Stefanie Lasuik, Associate Director, Communications & Marketing for Canada West.

Sawatzky will now move forward as a CW nominee for a U SPORTS honours award (the Fred Sgambati Media Award). This year's U SPORTS honours award selections will be announced on May 30, 2022.

MORE ABOUT THE FRED "GUS" COLLINS AWARD

The late Fred "Gus" Collins was a long-time contributor to the development, success and promotion of Canada West, notably through his endless effort to produce updated, accurate statistical information to all media in an era long before laptops and spreadsheets.

The Fred "Gus" Collins Award is presented annually to a member of the media who works tirelessly covering Canada West and it student-athletes. The winner becomes the Canada West nominee for the Fred Sgambati Award, which is presented by U SPORTS to a member of the news media, who has made a major contribution to the development and growth of U SPORTS.

PREVIOUS FRED "GUS" COLLINS AWARD WINNERS

*Denotes Fred Sgambati Award winner (national award)