Akintunde and McFadyn ready to lead Huskies in to competition

565 of the country’s best track and field competitors will convene in Saskatoon this weekend. For the first time since 2006, the University of Saskatchewan is hosting the USports Track and Field championships from March 9-11 at The Field House. “We’ve got athletes from Victoria to Memorial University in Newfoundland coming in”, said Huskie head coach Jason Reindl. “It is a true national championship.

Saskatchewan finished second to Guelph in last year’s USports women’s championships, while the Huskie men’s team placed fourth. The hosts are expected to be strong again at this year’s event. “A theme within our team might be perseverance and resilience”, said Reindl. The Huskie coach points to two athletes who have overcome injury and are peaking at the right time.

Field athlete Michael Akintunde is ranked #1 in long jump going into the weekend. The third year Huskie broke a 50- year school record with a jump of 7.59 metres at the Canada West championships last month in Saskatoon. The record was previously held by John Konihowski. (7.46 metres) “(Akintunde) actually had a major knee injury last year”, said Reindl. “We had no expectations for him to compete this year. Here he is, better than ever. If someone is going to beat him here, they are going to have to jump really, really far.”

Second year distance runner Jenna McFadyen also provides inspiration for her teammates after overcoming a serious injury last season. The Waseca, Saskatchewan product claimed the gold medal in the 3000 metres at the Canada West championships. “A little over a year ago, she broke her foot”, said Reindl. “Now she’s ranked third in the country. She’s a huge part of our endurance group. She’s not going to slow down.”