Advertisement

Learn more about Winnipeg Free Press Advertising solutions

Amateur

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS Oak Park Raiders receiver, and ANAVETS Bowl MVP, Tavin Parani (right) carries the ball Thursday night with Dakota Lancers defender Luke Edmondson in hot pursuit.

Oak Park captures high school football glory, denies Dakota three-peat

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

The Oak Park Raiders finally got theirs.

After their last two seasons ended in heartbreak at the hands of the Dakota Lancers, the Raiders narrowly escaped the same outcome for the third year in a row, triumphing 22-17 over the Lancers to capture the Winnipeg High School Football League AAAA tier 1 varsity championship at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday.

A fumble by the Raiders, deep in their own territory with 18 seconds remaining, gave the Lancers late hope, but Oak Park’s defence stood tall one last time to end an 11-year championship drought for the program and end Dakota’s two-year reign.

“It’s amazing,” said two-way player Amyas Furst, who had a long touchdown run in the second quarter and secured an interception in the late moments of the contest. “We’ve grinded all year for this. The bond we have with this group, you can’t break it. We had some struggles at the start of the year, but we really found it. We found our click, and now, you can see we won it now — beautiful.”

Advertisement

Advertise With Us

Weather

Dec. 31, 6 PM: -22°c Cloudy Jan. 1, 12 AM: -23°c Cloudy

Winnipeg MB

-19°C, Blowing snow

Full Forecast

Canadian pairs best bet to win Skate Canada Grand Prix

Laurie Nealin 5 minute read Preview

Canadian pairs best bet to win Skate Canada Grand Prix

Laurie Nealin 5 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

SASKATOON — Figure skating fans banking on home team wins at Skate Canada International this weekend would be wise to throw their support behind 2024 world pairs champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps and twice world silver medallist ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier.

The 2026 Olympic medal hopefuls come in to this third of six ISU Grand Prix events as the defending Skate Canada champions and the Canadian team’s best bets to mine gold.

Fans who enjoy a side of compelling subplots with their sports drama will want to pay close attention to Canada’s top seeds in men’s and women’s events where intense rivalries for Olympic team membership are unfolding.

With just a lone Olympic berth up for grabs in each of the singles disciplines, Canadian athletes are looking to bolster their credentials every time out.

Read
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

Lee Jin-man / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier are the favourites to win a sixth Skate Canada title.

Lee Jin-man / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier are the favourites to win a sixth Skate Canada title.

Three Manitobans to rep the Maple Leaf at seniors bowling worlds

Ben Little 6 minute read Preview

Three Manitobans to rep the Maple Leaf at seniors bowling worlds

Ben Little 6 minute read Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

Donning his Team Canada bowling jersey for the very first time this weekend, Winnipeg’s Rodell Bautista feels mixed emotions.

Bautista is one of three Manitobans representing Canada at the International Bowling Federation World Seniors Championships in Reno, Nev. — joining Manitoba Bowling Hall of Fame inductee Lynne Gauthier and former national team coach Earl Sobotkiewicz.

Since he could walk, bowling has been a big part of Bautista’s life. His father, Rudy Bautista, played a significant role in growing the sport in the province’s Filipino community. He coached Bautista and his two siblings to multiple youth provincial championships.

“He was a huge part of my bowling life,” said Bautista, now 50. “He’s kind of the reason why I’m here.”

Read
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

SUPPLIED

Manitoba is well represented on Team Canada at the International Bowling Federation World Seniors Championships in Reno, Nev., that begins Friday. From left: Rodell Bautista, Lynne Gauthier and Earl Sobotkiewicz.

SUPPLIED Manitoba is well represented on Team Canada at the International Bowling Federation World Seniors Championships in Reno, Nev., that begins Friday. From left: Rodell Bautista, Lynne Gauthier and Earl Sobotkiewicz.

Wesmen women’s guard just keeps getting better

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Wesmen women’s guard just keeps getting better

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

The rest of the Canada West conference would’ve been much happier if Jennifer Kallon stuck to soccer.

That’s because the junior forward for the Winnipeg Wesmen women’s basketball team can be a nightmare to play against on the hardwood — just ask Lakehead University who she terrorized Saturday at the Duckworth Centre with eight steals in a 72-60 pre-season victory.

“This sounds bad, but I love when players are scared of me guarding them,” said Kallon, who also had a career-high 24 points.

“It’s so obvious to see that, it’s like ‘OK, perfect.’”

Read
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

David Larkins / Wesmen Athletics

Jennifer Kallon says she loves it when her opponents are afraid of being guarded by the third-year U of W hoopster.
David Larkins / Wesmen Athletics Jennifer Kallon says she loves it when her opponents are afraid of being guarded by the third-year U of W hoopster.

Olympic dream on the horizon for history-making pair

Laurie Nealin 5 minute read Preview

Olympic dream on the horizon for history-making pair

Laurie Nealin 5 minute read Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

SASKATOON — Two years ago, Canada’s pairs figure skating champions Deana Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps claimed their first Skate Canada International title, kick-starting a glorious season that culminated with world championship gold.

It was an historic win for Stellato-Dudek who, at 40, entered the sport’s record book as the oldest woman to win a world figure skating title.

This season, at 42, the tenacious athlete is poised to make Olympic history at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games in February.

“I’m really excited about it. It was something I wanted when I was young and I thought it was gone,” said the now three-time Canadian champion following their first 2025 Skate Canada practice.

Read
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

Charles Krupa / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES

Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps are looking to fourpeat gold at the Skate Canada International in Saskatoon.
Charles Krupa / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps are looking to fourpeat gold at the Skate Canada International in Saskatoon.

Langelaar’s Olympic quest receives boost from the Jets

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Langelaar’s Olympic quest receives boost from the Jets

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

Tyson Langelaar is all about speed. Now, the 26-year-old long-track speed skater has received a significant boost from his hometown Winnipeg Jets in his quest to reach the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled,” he told the Free Press this week. “It’s a dream come true to be connected to them.”

The hockey club recently announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Langelaar that will help him on the road to Italy in February. He first approached True North with the idea over the summer.

“Amateur sport is very expensive. And it’s definitely not getting cheaper. I think for the last 20 years or so, amateur sport funding has always been behind the times and never really caught up,” said Langelaar, who now trains out of Calgary while also attending university.

Read
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

SUPPLIED

The Winnipeg Jets recently announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Winnipeg long-track speed skater Tyson Langelaar.
SUPPLIED The Winnipeg Jets recently announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Winnipeg long-track speed skater Tyson Langelaar.

Workhorse guard’s time to shine for University of Winnipeg Wesmen

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Workhorse guard’s time to shine for University of Winnipeg Wesmen

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

Being the workhorse ball-handler for a top-ranked U Sports basketball program isn’t made for everyone.

Shawn Maranan, a former three-time Canada West conference second team all-star guard with the University of Winnipeg Wesmen, knows that as well as anyone.

“It takes a lot, especially playing under (head) coach Mike (Raimbault),” said Maranan, who transitioned into an assistant coach under Raimbault this season.

“We have so much responsibility. We have to defend at a high level — defence starts with the point guards applying pressure — and not only on the defensive end, but offensively, we have to feel the game out. We have to control the game.”

Read
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Wesmen guard Kato Jaro was named a Canada West all-rookie in his first season with the team and increased his numbers overall in his sophomore season.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Wesmen guard Kato Jaro was named a Canada West all-rookie in his first season with the team and increased his numbers overall in his sophomore season.

FFS sparks debate over ‘fair chase’

Patrick Nolan 7 minute read Preview

FFS sparks debate over ‘fair chase’

Patrick Nolan 7 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025

Technology has experienced consistent and remarkable development in sports fishing. The Global Positioning System has become a feature found in entry-level marine electronics, giving users navigation, geolocation and time information. Once exclusive to military use, it has been available for civilian applications for more than two decades.

Today’s charts — providing a lake or river (or ocean) has been mapped — offer exceptional underwater detail, with main routes, contours, pinnacles and hazards easily identifiable. A direct result of is anglers have the confidence to go further, safely and efficiently locate structures previously unknown or too difficult to identify.

Sonar was with us long before GPS and is an important, relied upon tool. Original down-imaging technology has evolved, with side imaging being the newer directional cousin to conventional downward facing technology. It requires little explanation. One directs the sonar signal down from the transducer, capturing images of fish and structural details such as weeds, trees and large boulders. Side imaging directs the signal horizontally from the transducer, relaying images from the sides of the boat as opposed to below it.

Keep in mind the data is historical, not immediate. Global Positioning Systems combined with highly evolved sonar imaging have made for improved safety, increased catch rates and significantly improved overall success. Anglers are locating fish faster and more efficiently, as well as spending less time where the fish aren’t.

Read
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025

Patrick Nolan Photo

Susan Tinsley poses with a photo of a freshly caught muskellunge (muskie). Forward Facing Sonar has changed not only the odds of interactions with a wild fish, but also how these fish can be manipulated.
Patrick Nolan Photo Susan Tinsley poses with a photo of a freshly caught muskellunge (muskie). Forward Facing Sonar has changed not only the odds of interactions with a wild fish, but also how these fish can be manipulated.

RBC Future Olympian nod a game changer for East St. Paul product

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

RBC Future Olympian nod a game changer for East St. Paul product

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

Lexi Schimnowski had never even heard of rowing three years ago.

Fast forward to today, the 20-year-old from East St. Paul is on track to represent her country in the sport on the world’s biggest stage. She was recently one of 35 athletes to be identified as a 2025 RBC Future Olympian by National Sport Organization scouts.

“I’m kind of just in disbelief that this is my life and that this has all happened,” said Schimnowski.

“Sometimes it feels kind of like a dream.”

Read
Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / FREE PRESS

East St. Paul’s Lexi Schimnowski is one of 35 Canadians identified as an RBC Future Olympics by National Sport Organization scouts.
Ruth Bonneville / FREE PRESS East St. Paul’s Lexi Schimnowski is one of 35 Canadians identified as an RBC Future Olympics by National Sport Organization scouts.

Winnipeg Wesmen women’s volleyball team hoping Classic sparks momentum

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Winnipeg Wesmen women’s volleyball team hoping Classic sparks momentum

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

Grace Vallis wants to flip the script before the calendar flips to a new year.

It’s been tough sledding for the Winnipeg Wesmen women’s volleyball team, which owns a 2-8 record in Canada West conference play at the winter break.

It’s not the step that the program was looking to take following last season, when it reached the playoffs after sweeping the Calgary Dinos in a best-of-three play-in series.

The only team to post a worse record in the first 10 matches were the 1-9 Brandon Bobcats.

Read
Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

David Larkins / Wesmen Athletics

University of Winnipeg Wesmen middle Grace Vallis said she’s looking forward ‘to be able to play in front of friends and family’ at the Wesmen Classic. The annual tournament runs from Dec. 28-30 at the Duckworth Centre.
David Larkins / Wesmen Athletics University of Winnipeg Wesmen middle Grace Vallis said she’s looking forward ‘to be able to play in front of friends and family’ at the Wesmen Classic. The annual tournament runs from Dec. 28-30 at the Duckworth Centre.

Wesmen hope to spike trend in new year

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Wesmen hope to spike trend in new year

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

The Christmas break came in the Nick of time for the Winnipeg Wesmen.

At this time last year, the Wesmen were the talk of the U Sports men’s volleyball scene, as they surprised the country by jumping out to a 10-0 record out of the gates.

This season has been much different through 10 contests for the reigning Canada West champs. Their 4-6 record is good for a three-way tie of seventh place in the conference with the Manitoba Bisons and Calgary Dinos.

“Obviously not the record that we want right now, to be below .500, but I think there’s a lot of good things we’ve taken away, too. We’ve played some pretty strong teams,” said fifth-year middle Paxton Koop.

Read
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES

Wesmen middle Paxton Koop emphasized the team has gone ‘toe-to-toe’ with some of the best teams in the Canada West conference, which doesn’t show in the season record.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Wesmen middle Paxton Koop emphasized the team has gone ‘toe-to-toe’ with some of the best teams in the Canada West conference, which doesn’t show in the season record.

Tackling the pros next step for Winnipeggers

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Preview

Tackling the pros next step for Winnipeggers

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

Trae Tomlinson is optimistic that he’ll still have a future in football beyond this week.

The Winnipeg-born defensive back will play the final snaps of his college career on Wednesday as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette face the University of Delaware in the LendingTree Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala., and while those downs will spell the end of many student-athletes’ playing days, Tomlinson has reason to believe a new door will open to his next chapter on the field.

When the game concludes, Tomlinson will declare for the National Football League and Canadian Football League drafts, and his focus will shift to raising his stock as much as possible.

“It’s crazy how fast it goes,” said Tomlinson, who started for three seasons at the University of Richmond (Virginia) before transferring to the Bayou State to play for the Ragin’ Cajuns in his senior year.

Read
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

Ben Massey / University of Louisiana-Lafayette Athletics

Trae Tomlinson (20) said he’d have a soft spot for an opportunity to play in the CFL after his NCAA career with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.
Ben Massey / University of Louisiana-Lafayette Athletics Trae Tomlinson (20) said he’d have a soft spot for an opportunity to play in the CFL after his NCAA career with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.

Local boxer earns invite to international tournament in Spain

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Local boxer earns invite to international tournament in Spain

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

Kicking Isaiah Rock out of the gym used to be a common occurrence for Jerome Peters.

Rock had a poor attitude, didn’t listen, and on at least one occasion, turned a friendly sparring session into an actual fight.

“The first time I kicked him out, I said ‘Don’t come back. Stay away from the gym for two weeks,’” said Peters, the owner of Power Boxing Club on Sargent Ave.

“Then, two weeks later he walked back in with his equipment like nothing happened.”

Read
Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Isaiah Rock would live at the boxing gym if he could, says coach Jerome Peters.
JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Isaiah Rock would live at the boxing gym if he could, says coach Jerome Peters.

Manitoban posts sub-2:20 time in first marathon

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Manitoban posts sub-2:20 time in first marathon

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

Simon Berubé has cemented himself as one of the province’s all-time greatest marathon runners.

The crazy part? It only took him one race to do it.

The former Manitoba Bisons track and field star headed south to compete in the Indianapolis Marathon last month. It was the 28-year-old Winnipegger’s first time running the distance, and he crossed the finish line at 2:19:38.

It’s the first time a Manitoban has clocked in below 2:20:00 in 40 years. It’s also the third-best time ever produced by a product of the Keystone Province as Berubé trails only Bob Walker (2:19:03 at the 1981 Montreal Marathon) and Bob Cook (2:19:10 at the 1985 Chicago Marathon).

Read
Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

Photo courtesy of Simon Berube

Simon Berube ran the third fastest marathon time by a Manitoban when he crossed the finish line at the Indianapolis Marathon in 2:19:38.
Photo courtesy of Simon Berube Simon Berube ran the third fastest marathon time by a Manitoban when he crossed the finish line at the Indianapolis Marathon in 2:19:38.

La Salle’s Manness sisters quickly exceeding expectations on the ice at Clarkson University

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

La Salle’s Manness sisters quickly exceeding expectations on the ice at Clarkson University

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

When Matt Desrosiers found out he’d landed Sara and Kate Manness, he knew the all-Manitoban package deal was a big get for his program.

The head coach of the Clarkson University Golden Knights women’s hockey team confessed he was torn between being excited and surprised that the heavily recruited fraternal twins from La Salle chose his NCAA Division 1 program, but also relieved that his persistence paid off.

“It was exciting for us when they finally told us that they wanted to come to Clarkson, because they are impact players and, obviously, we’re seeing that from Day 1 as freshmen,” Desrosiers said.

The Manness twins have quickly exceeded expectations since arriving in Potsdam, N.Y., and have become impact players for the 10-6-1 Golden Knights.

Read
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

Jim Meagher Photo

Clarkson University defender Kate Manness has quickly become a pillar on the back end for the Golden Knights.
Jim Meagher Photo Clarkson University defender Kate Manness has quickly become a pillar on the back end for the Golden Knights.

Vikings, Crusaders claim provincial crowns

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Vikings, Crusaders claim provincial crowns

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Monday, Dec. 1, 2025

The Vincent Massey Vikings left no doubt that the best volleyball program in the province still resides in Brandon.

Sparked by a sensational 25-kill performance from tournament MVP Hannah McGregor, the Vikings knocked off the Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens 3-1 (25-15; 26-24; 23-25; 25-17) to capture the AAAA varsity girls provincial volleyball championship for the second year in a row at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Monday.

In the second final of the evening, the St. Paul’s Crusaders steamrolled the Dakota Lancers 3-0 (25-14; 25-19; 25-18) to capture the AAAA varsity boys’ championship.

“I think that was my best game today, and I’m happy I got to finish it off like that,” said McGregor, who also had a pair of aces.

Read
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Vincent Massey’s Hannah McGregor (right) scores the winning point against the Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens Monday in the varsity girls provincial volleyball championship.
JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Vincent Massey’s Hannah McGregor (right) scores the winning point against the Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens Monday in the varsity girls provincial volleyball championship.

LOAD MORE