T&F: Best in the west go for gold this weekend

By Brian Swane, special to CW

The 2023 Canada West Track and Field championships are coming to the University of Saskatchewan, where the finest student-athletes from B.C. and across the prairies will go for gold at the Saskatoon Field House on Feb. 24 and 25.

The action will be broadcast live on Canada West TV. Spectators planning to attend can purchase tickets now for both days of competition.

“We have a great venue in Saskatoon, with great teams in a conference that we believe is strongest conference in the country,” says Jason Reindl, head coach of the Huskies track and field team. “You take those things together and Saskatoon is going to be a pretty exciting place to be for a championship weekend.” 

Manitoba will be defending the men’s title it won as host in 2022, while Saskatchewan can tie its own record by capturing a fifth consecutive women’s title. Saskatchewan is the all-time leader for both men’s and women’s championships, capturing the R.E. DuWors Trophy and Eleanor Haslam Trophy 17 times and 22 times, respectively.

“We always talk about how we are like a puzzle, and in order for that masterpiece of a puzzle to be finished, we need everyone to contribute their piece,” says Reindl, discussing the greater team spirit among student-athletes who are competing in individual events.

“If somebody puts in three pieces into an 100-piece puzzle, you can see what it might look like,” Reindl continues. “But when everyone contributes, and you're getting the opportunity to stand on a podium with a banner, with a trophy, with your best friends, your teammates, your family, that's the part that lasts.”

The Huskies will enjoy home track and field advantage inside historic Saskatoon Field House, which was built in 1981 and has been home to many record-setting performances.

“You get the opportunity to compete at home in a venue that you're comfortable with, that you know every nook, cranny, and corner of,” says Reindl. “You feel comfortable knowing that you get the opportunity to be in a circle or on a runway that you're confident in.”

Saskatchewan will also be hosting the U SPORTS Track and Field Championship from March 9 – 11. But Canada West fans don’t have to wait that long to be treated to national-calibre competition.

“The fastest athletes in the country are in the conference,” notes Reindl. “If you look at the men’s 60 meters, three or four of the top six are from Canada West. And that's something that the average track meet doesn't always have, so if you're a track and field fan, it's going to be a very entertaining couple of days.”

To stay up-to-date on the weekend's events, visit CW Track & Field Championship Central.