Neepawa track athletes compete at Provincials

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Published on Thursday, June 18, 2015

Logan Young (in white) reaches the podium at the MILK Championship in Winnipeg. Submitted photo

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The very best athletes from across Manitoba converged on Winnipeg June 4 to 6, for the 2015 MILK High School Track and Field Championships. Among the 1,500 competitors who were a part of the event were 23 participants from Neepawa and Area Collegiate Institute.

NACI track and field coach Bryce Koscielny said that while the provincials can serve as a stepping stone for some to national and international events, for most, it’s simply an opportunity for the athletes to measure themselves against the best in Manitoba.

“Over 9,000 students participate in high school track & field province wide and about 1,500 advance to this championship. We qualified 28 athletes and 23 were able to compete,” said Koscielny.  “At this competition, you get the chance to compete against the best in the province and see exactly where you fit in. For those who did well, it gives them a sense of satisfaction, regardless if you were first, fifth or 20th. Afterwards, you’re able to say that you went up against the best in all of Manitoba and proved that you are among those premier athletes.”

For Neepawa, one competitor was able to make it to the podium, as Logan Young finished third in the Varsity Boys 3000 Metre Run. Koscielny said it was one of Young’s best performances.

“I think it was one of the best races I have seen him run during his four years on the team,” said Koscielny. “[Jay Ort of Carman Collegiate] won the event and is actually an international athlete who has represented Canada in several track and field events across the globe. When you factor that into the results, I feel it makes Logan’s effort all the more impressive. To be able to compete on that level is really exciting.”

Koscielny noted that overall, it was a great weekend for all the representatives of the NACI Tigers.

“A few personal bests were achieved and we are very happy with the results. Ultimately, when it comes to these types of events, you are completing with yourself. We talked all year with the students about trying to get better every day and seeing where that takes you. A spot of the podium is nice but it’s not ultimately what matters,” said Koscielny.