SASKATOON, Sask. - The University of Saskatchewan (USask) track & field teams officially kicked off their 2024-25 competition schedule this past weekend (Jan. 10-11) on their home track with the 2025 Sanderson Classic at the Saskatoon Field House. It marked the first time in a year that some of the top student-athletes in the nation descended on Saskatoon with the Manitoba Bisons, Regina Cougars, Alberta Golden Bears & Pandas, and Calgary Dinos in attendance. 

The Huskies earned eight gold medals in the home event as part of 23 total trips to the podium. Five of the eight first-place finishes came from the USask women's team who is searching for a seventh consecutive Canada West title this season. 

For Avery Pearson, the defending U SPORTS Champion in the 1000m, it was a quick return to form with the fourth-year middle-distance runner earning U SPORTS Auto Standard in both the 1000m and 600m while becoming the No. 1-ranked athlete in both events. 

Also earning Auto Standard on the track was Jenica Swartz who punched her ticket to nationals in the 1500m. The women's 4x200m relay rounded out auto standards for the defending champs, with Grace Igbiki, Paige Willems, Hannah Hagerty, and Selena Keyowski combining for a time of 1:41.41. 

On the men's side Michael Hussey finished first in the 600m with a time of 1:19.74 to officially qualify for the U SPORTS Championships in Winsdor later this year. 

Honouring the late and legendary Huskie Head Coach, Lyle Sanderson, two 'Athlete of the Meet' awards are presented in his name. These awards are determined by a combination of factors, including absolute performance, records, rankings, world comparison, and impact during the competition.  

Avery Pearson was named Female Athlete of the Meet while Michael Hussey earned the honour on the men's side. 

The Dogs' next action comes next week when the team will head to Edmonton for the Golden Bear Open (Jan. 17-19).

U SPORTS National Championships Auto Standards - 6
Avery Pearson - 1000m
Jenica Swartz - 1000m
Michael Hussey - 600m
Olamide Olaloku - Triple Jump
Avery Pearson - 600m 
Women's 4x200m Relay (Grace Igbiki, Paige Willems, Hannah Hagerty, Selena Keywoski)

Sanderson Classic Gold Medals -  8
Michael Hussey - Men's 600m, 1:19.74
Avery Pearson - Women's 600, 1:29.34
Avery Pearson - Women's 1000m, 2:46.83
Jenica Swartz - Women's 1500m, 4:26.18
Alexander Webster - Men's 300m, 8:48.47
Joshua Tam - Men's Pole Vault, 4.50m
Kira Comfort - Women's Shot Put, 12.80m
Olamide Olaloku - Triple Jump, 12.08m