Latest news with #Bisons
Winnipeg Free Press
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Repping the Maple Leaf
A historic number of Manitobans will compete for Team Canada in Germany this summer. Six of the province's student athletes were named to the final roster that will represent Canada at the 2025 FISU Summer World University Games. Every two years, thousands of student athletes from over 150 countries compete for medals in 18 sports. Earlier this month, U SPORTS announced five University of Manitoba Bisons — Dawson Mann, Jordan Soufi, Lara Denbow, Daxx Turner and coach Gee-ef Nkwonta — were selected. BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS U of M triple-jumper Daxx Turner will represent Canada at the World Univesity Games this summer in Germany. Winnipegger William Boyle, who attends the University of New Brunswick, was also named to the team and will compete in the 3000-metre steeplechase. For five of the six Manitobans, it's their first national team appointment. 'To actually see these people get to live out their dream that they've had for so long doing this sport is cool,' said Nkwonta, former U SPORTS Assistant Coach of the Year. 'For some of them that I've been coaching since they started doing track, it's pretty cool that they get to experience this and I get to experience it with them as well.' For Soufi, who will compete in the 200-metre and 4×100-metre relay pool for Team Canada, it's not the first time he's been in this position, after previously attending the Pan American U20 Championships in 2019. However, it's still a special moment for Soufi, who says qualifying caught him a little bit by surprise. 'I'm primarily a 100-metre runner, and I rarely run the 200, so I expected myself to qualify for the World University Games for the 100,' said Soufi. Even though he doesn't always consider himself a 200-metre runner, Soufi found himself running a personal best by half a second with a time of 21.19 seconds at the Canadian Olympic Trials in 2024. This season, Soufi also broke his own record in the 60-metre dash with a time of 6.64 seconds, earning a silver medal at the U SPORTS National Championships in Windsor in March and setting a new U of M Bisons team record. Now, training will look a little different for the athlete in the coming weeks, who will focus on special endurance — set distances at high intensity and over longer time periods. This training often includes running longer distances to help maintain proper form and running under fatigue, simulating the 200-metre. 'I'm excited about the whole experience,' said Soufi. 'Whether that would be going through the ceremony, exploring the area in Germany, getting to meet athletes, getting acclimatized to the environment, and also the competition itself, the high-level competition.' Turner, a triple jump specialist, also brought home a silver medal at the recent U SPORTS National Championships. He has an impressive record from his time at U of M so far, earning his first U SPORTS gold medal with a 15.82-metre school record-breaking jump at the 2024 nationals, going undefeated in the Canada West Championships in four seasons as a Bison, and earning silver in the triple jump with a leap of 16.14 metres at the Olympic trials last summer, which set a new provincial record. 'I've kind of been on the cusp of a national team about every year since I was 17,' said Turner. 'To fulfill a dream, especially for a younger self, definitely makes a lot of work feel very worthwhile.' While the national team selection marked a high point for Turner, he admitted that winter seasons can be tough for him and that he wasn't able to train as intensely as he had hoped during the indoor season. 'I had to focus on my mental health a little bit more,' said Turner. 'Couldn't quite attack the track quite like I had hoped, but was still able to get some stuff done, and still managed to perform for the university at a relatively high level, at a level I was happy with for sure come championship season.' Going into worlds, Turner says he will be focused on a calm and level-headed approach. 'As much as this is a really huge and exciting opportunity, trying not to let that change who I am as an athlete,' he said. Nkwonta has a similar mindset for his athletes going into the competition. 'I think I just have to treat it the same way that I would any other meet,' said Nkwonta. 'Mentioning to them that there's nothing to lose at this point. Like, all you're doing is just enjoying the experience and doing what you've practiced.' Denbow and Mann are the other two Bisons making their debut on the national team, both heading into the competition fresh off recent U SPORTS gold medal wins. 'I'm very honoured,' said Denbow. 'I've been working towards this goal for a lot of years now. I've been involved in track and field from a young age, with multiple national championships under my belt, and I'm very honoured to be finally making a national team.' Denbow took home gold at nationals in Windsor in the high jump, becoming the back-to-back champion in the event she will be competing in at worlds. Mann, who won the 600-metre event and earned bronze with the 4×400-metre team at nationals this year, will be competing in the 800-metre and 4×400-metre relay pool at the World University Games. 'It's a cool opportunity that we all get to share,' said Mann. 'It shows the strength of the talent within Manitoba and within the U of M program as well.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The Sanford native also won the Canadian Track & Field League Championships in the 800-metre last summer and, in his final season as a Bison this year, became the first athlete in over 30 years to run in all three relays. 'I definitely got to know people on the team super well through my years on the team,' said Mann. 'And just really thankful for all those memories and the travelling and the competing. It was a great part of my track career and my life.' Going forward, Mann hopes to continue running and competing for as long as he can, with his sights set on making the 2028 Olympic team. The 2025 Games will be held in five cities in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region of Germany from July 16-27.
Edmonton Journal
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Edmonton Journal
Blue Jays farm team in Buffalo feeling absence of Canadian fans
Article content That's a worrying trend, and the situation has been compounded by weather woes that resulted in a handful of postponed games and contributed to a serious drop in attendance. Through 21 home dates, as of May 19, the Bisons averaged about 4,300 fans per game at Sahlen Field, their beautiful downtown ball yard. Last year, the Bisons attracted an average of 6,232 fans per game, while the full-year number was 7,165 in 2023 and 6,846 in 2022. 'The weather has been beyond atrocious,' said Sprague. 'I can't remember a worse start weather-wise. We haven't had a stretch where it's been 80 degrees. Just rain and cold.' Who are the Buffalo Bisons and why do they usually have so many Canadian fans at their games? The Bisons are a Triple-A, minor league baseball team competing in the 20-team International League, along with the likes of the Durham Bulls, who were made famous by the movie Bull Durham. In 2013, the Bisons became the top minor league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, and as such, have been the launching pad for Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and other members of Canada's only Major League Baseball team.
Toronto Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Blue Jays farm team in Buffalo feeling absence of Canadian fans
Tariff drama and 'beyond atrocious' weather have not helped matters. The moon rises over the message to the Buffalo fans during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox at Sahlen Field on July 21, 2021 in Buffalo, New York. Photo by Kevin Hoffman / Getty Images Southern Ontario baseball fans usually account for as much as 20 per cent of ticket sales at Buffalo Bisons home games, but this season is going to be different. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'We have seen a reduction this year. We can track ticket sales for the season, what the percentages are, and we're down 10 to 15 per cent on Canadian fans,' said Bisons GM Anthony Sprague. 'That's a significant decline from previous years.' That's a worrying trend, and the situation has been compounded by weather woes that resulted in a handful of postponed games and contributed to a serious drop in attendance. Through 21 home dates, as of May 19, the Bisons averaged about 4,300 fans per game at Sahlen Field, their beautiful downtown ball yard. Last year, the Bisons attracted an average of 6,232 fans per game, while the full-year number was 7,165 in 2023 and 6,846 in 2022. 'The weather has been beyond atrocious,' said Sprague. 'I can't remember a worse start weather-wise. We haven't had a stretch where it's been 80 degrees. Just rain and cold.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Who are the Buffalo Bisons and why do they usually have so many Canadian fans at their games? The Bisons are a Triple-A, minor league baseball team competing in the 20-team International League, along with the likes of the Durham Bulls, who were made famous by the movie Bull Durham. In 2013, the Bisons became the top minor league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, and as such, have been the launching pad for Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and other members of Canada's only Major League Baseball team. Given that relationship, and the fact that Buffalo is located literally across the Peace Bridge from Fort Erie, Ont., Canadians have long been a staple at Bisons home games. Sports fans from southern Ontario also regularly attend Buffalo Sabres National Hockey League games and Buffalo Bills National Football League games. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Why are fewer Canadians attending Bisons games this season? As Sprague mentioned, the weather hasn't helped. But the Herd had already been thinned by a lethal blend of politics and economics, as some Canadian fans took offence at U.S. president Donald Trump's repetitive rhetoric — calling Canadians nasty, and flippantly referring to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the governor of America's 51st state — and his manipulative, on-again, off-again trade tariffs which have rocked stock markets worldwide. As a result, many Canadians, sports fans and otherwise, have chosen not to spend time or money in the U.S. this year. Border crossings by vehicle from Canada into the states were down 35 per cent in April and 32 per cent in March, compared to the same months in 2024. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We have seen this (coming) and known about this for a couple of months now, and we have tried the one-on-one approach, talking to each individual, seeing what we can do to have them come down,' said Sprague. 'It's not as if we just said 'Oh my God, this is happening.' We have been actively thinking about this and working on it for months now. 'We just came to a point where we said it's been a while since we had a full-on communication with our Canadian fans and specifically those we know come out every year and have tickets. So we sent an email letter and openly said 'we know this is not going away, we know this is still top of mind for you, here are things we're doing if you're willing to come down, but if we're missing the mark on anything or if there is anything we could potentially do to get you to come down and enjoy the great family atmosphere we have, please let us know.'' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. What are those Canadian fans telling the Bisons? 'They're saying we love you, this letter means a lot to us, that you would reach out to get our feedback, to see what you could do to get us here,' said Sprague. 'Some are saying there is nothing you can do. Some are saying we're going to see how the summer goes and hopefully we will be there. It's great to hear from our fans, so that they know we're here and we will be here forever for them. 'We know, everyone knows what the issue is, we know that's there. Is there anything we could do to make you feel more welcome?' The weak Canadian dollar also stops some cross-border traffic. How do the Bisons address that issue? The team usually offers Canadian fans a 30 per cent discount on ticket prices for any purchases made by May 31. Given the decline in Canadian attendance and the over-riding issues behind it, Sprague said the team will extend the offer through the entirety of their 75-game regular season home schedule, which is due to wrap up Sept. 21. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We are looking at additional marketing elements and additional ways to make the Canadians feel welcome here,' said Sprague. 'These are some hard times. Aside from the financial aspect of it, we want to do something to extend the olive branch to our Canadian fans and say we still love you.' Both American and Canadian anthems are played prior to all Bisons home games. Has there been any booing of the Canadian anthem? 'No adverse responses at all to the Canadian anthem,' said Sprague. 'We didn't think it was going to happen. We hope people come here to forget about their political differences and what not. We hope you're coming here to enjoy baseball and have fun.' This isn't the first time the Bisons' Canadian fans have been absent in large numbers. Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic were particularly debilitating. How does this situation compare? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It's completely different circumstances but we had similar issues,' said Sprague. 'In 2022, it was late summer before (cross-border) restrictions were removed, and our Canadian fan base was almost zero then. Last year we just about got back to where we felt we were pre-pandemic, and this year was going to be the year to get us back, you could see the trend, so it's unfortunate that we're facing this again.' What are the Bisons telling their Canadian fans who have decided not to attend games so far this season? 'This sounds cliché but in minor league baseball our fans are our family so when this started to take place, we had an open dialogue with them,' said Sprague. 'They felt comfortable sharing with us through phone calls and emails back and forth on the issues that they are facing and what we can potentially try to do to make them feel safe and comfortable and welcome. It's very much out of our control. All we can do is the best we can.' dbarnes@ Ontario Football Music Money News Toronto & GTA
Global News
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Former Manitoba Bisons coach headlines Football Manitoba Hall of Fame class
Former Manitoba Bisons football head coach Brian Dobie leads this year's list of inductees for the Football Manitoba Hall of Fame. The longtime Bisons coach is one of eight individuals to be enshrined as part of the class of 2025. Dobie retired from the Herd late last year after coaching the team for 29 years. He led the Bisons to the 2007 Vanier Cup as well as three Canada West conference titles. Dobie was named the conference's coach of the year five different times and also coached the Churchill Bulldogs over his 50-year coaching career. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Former Neepawa Tigers coach Murray Black will also be inducted in the coach's category. Two former players were selected for induction. Christine O'Donnell will head into the hall after playing alongside the boys before trailblazing a path with the Winnipeg Fearless and Wolfpack women's teams. Story continues below advertisement Jerome Swarath will also be inducted after playing touch football for over 45 years. He played in every major non-contact league and won eight championships over five decades and later became the commissioner of the PIT Touch & Flag Football League which is the biggest league in Canada. They're joined by four builders in Terry Andryo, Craig Bachynski, Richard Dudek, and Don McPherson. The Winnipeg Assassins Touch Team will also go into the hall of fame after winning 30 league titles over 33 years, while also capturing the 1982 National Intermediate Championship before retiring from outdoor play in 2011. The 11th annual induction ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 25.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlantic Sun champion Lipscomb hires Kevin Carroll as men's head basketball coach to replace Lennie Acuff
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Atlantic Sun Conference champion Lipscomb has hired Kevin Carroll as its men's basketball head coach. Carroll returns to Lipscomb after leading nearby Division II Trevecca Nazarene University to record-breaking success the last two years, including the most wins in program history and the school's first-ever South Region Poll ranking. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Bisons from 2019 to 2023, helping recruit and develop multiple all-conference players. Advertisement 'We are thrilled to welcome Kevin back to Lipscomb,' Lipscomb athletic director Philip Hutcheson Hutcheson said in a statement. 'Kevin is an elite basketball mind. More importantly, he embodies the values of Lipscomb University and is gifted at building meaningful relationships with young people as evidenced by the deep connections he maintains with former and current players.' Carroll replaces Lennie Acuff, who left to take the head coaching job at Samford. Acuff spent six seasons as head coach at Lipscomb, guiding the Bisons to their second NCAA Tournament appearance this past season with a 25-10 record overall record and a 14-4 mark in the Atlantic Sun. Lipscomb beat North Alabama to win the conference championship. The Bisons had three straight 20-win seasons under Acuff, who compiled a 110-82 record overall at Lipscomb. 'I have a tremendous amount of respect for the people who have come before me and the level of success that has been reached,' Carroll said. 'My staff and I will work tirelessly to maintain the standard that everyone has come to expect while shining a light on one of the top Christian universities in the country. I can't wait to get started … Horns Up!'
