President of the University of Saskatchewan, Peter Stoicheff spoke to HuskieFAN about what it means to have athletics back at the school this fall. (Usask.ca)

By Martin Martinson

University Sports Return

President Peter Stoicheff reflects on ‘exciting time at the U of S,’ with return of Huskie athletics

Sep 17, 2021 | 1:11 PM

With the new school year at the University of Saskatchewan, comes a return to one of the institution’s longest-running traditions; Huskie athletics.

After university sports across the province were largely cancelled last year due to the pandemic, the new year has brought a refreshed optimism to the hallways, along with a real buzz as sports teams across the board begin preparations for their fall and winter seasons.

President of the U of S, Peter Stoicheff called it “an exciting time to be a University of Saskatchewan student or supporter.”

“After 18 months away during the pandemic, we’re pleased to be back on campus to offer more courses and programs and our Huskie student-athletes are ready to compete with the best in the nation; not only on the field but also in the classroom,” he said.

Stoicheff went on to say athletics, “play a crucial role in bringing the city, province and campus community together.”

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“Whether you are a current student, alumni or just a lover of sports, Huskie Athletics has something for everyone in a family friendly, exciting environment,” he said. “With enhanced health protocols in place, we can’t wait to see everyone back in our three amazing venues, safely supporting our Huskies.”

The athletics calendar is chalked full of events, either just starting up, or set to begin over the coming days and weeks. The Huskies men’s hockey team will kick off their preseason at home this Friday, Sept. 17 versus Calgary, followed by the women’s hockey team who will play their first exhibition game Sept. 24 versus MacEwan.

The football team will play their lone preseason tune-up game this Saturday, Sept.18; while woman’s soccer has already played two games, and the men’s soccer team will begin play with their opener next Friday, Sept. 24.

Basketball, volleyball, and cross country will also begin in the weeks ahead, with wrestling and track seasons coming down the line as well.

Like many within the school community, Stoicheff is looking forward to getting back to the school sports complexes himself, including Merlis Belsher Place, Griffiths Stadium and Ron and Jane Graham Centre Court in the PAC, to enjoy the wide range of school teams in their return to action this year.

He said the school pride and sense of community brought about through sport is something the university prides itself on, and is happy to see return.

“Huskie Athletics plays an essential role in the University of Saskatchewan student experience and in our identity around the province and across the country,” he said.

“When many people think about the University of Saskatchewan, the first thing that they think of is the Huskies. We take great pride in this fact, and it speaks to how ingrained the Huskies are in the fabric of our university and our community.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1