Mike Sawatzky

Sports Reporter at Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Free Press

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Articles

While issue flares in U.S., Canada’s athletic governing bodies opt for inclusion as science on competitive advantage for transgender females over biological women far from conclusive

Feb 7, 2025 | winnipegfreepress.com | Mike Sawatzky

They were just the latest headlines in a long list of them targeting transgender athletes in the United States. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would prevent people designated male at birth from participating in women’s or girls’ sporting events. On Thursday, the NCAA announced only athletes who were assigned female at birth will be eligible to play women’s university and college sports.
Manitoba trio seeks redemption at world U18 hockey tournament

Jan 2, 2025 | winnipegfreepress.com | Mike Sawatzky

The national U18 national women’s hockey team, with 17-year-old Manitobans Hayley McDonald and twins Kate and Sara Manness on the roster, will be out to reclaim Canada’s place at the top of the world podium beginning Saturday in Vantaa, Finland. A year ago, Canada appeared to be well on its way to a world U18 crown in Zug, Switzerland, but there was a small flaw in that plan.
Morden goalie earns spot with WHL’s Silvertips

Dec 27, 2024 | winnipegfreepress.com | Mike Sawatzky

Raiden LeGall’s temporary assignment as a backup goaltender with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips has turned into a more permanent gig. On Friday, the 18-year-old from Morden was confirmed a WHL regular when the Silvertips traded veteran goaltender Alex Garrett, 19, to the Brandon Wheat Kings. LeGall is currently the No. 2 man behind 18-year-old veteran Jesse Sanche, who leads the league in goals-against average and is second in save percentage.
Future is now for Wesmen Women

Dec 26, 2024 | winnipegfreepress.com | Mike Sawatzky

Jazmin Birch and Jennifer Kallon may be the future of the U of W women’s basketball program but they are already firmly entrenched in the present. The 19-year-old Winnipeggers, both sophomores, were part of the second wave of recruits assembled by head head coach Alyssa Cox.
Wait is finally over as Hildebrandt makes his NCAA debut

Dec 13, 2024 | winnipegfreepress.com | Mike Sawatzky

Six weeks can seem like a long time in the life of a college basketball player. For Simon Hildebrandt, who transferred from Canada to North Carolina in August to pursue his dream of playing NCAA Division I hoops, a six-week layoff forced by an injury seemed more like an eternity. Fortunately for the 21-year-old Winnipegger, the wait is over now.
After winning bronze at the Paralympics, Manitoba triathlete Leanne Taylor has more ambitious goals in mind

Dec 11, 2024 | winnipegfreepress.com | Mike Sawatzky

In September, a mere six years after a mountain biking accident made her a paraplegic, Leanne Taylor won a bronze medal in the triathlon at the Paralympics in Paris. It was astonishing achievement but if you listen to her long-term plan, Taylor’s next four years could be even more ambitious.
Sales manager, sports fan and father, Dean Jago was a born communicator

Dec 7, 2024 | winnipegfreepress.com | Mike Sawatzky

It’s an image of Dean Jago many will cherish. The impish grin and a friendly greeting, usually delivered by way of a nickname — often a clever sports or movie reference — he had concocted just for you. For most of his life, Jago, who was born in Virden and raised on a farm near Reston, displayed a gift for the personal touch. He was a communicator in an age when real conversation was a lost art. He brought people together.
Wesmen’s rise a bit of a surprise

Dec 6, 2024 | winnipegfreepress.com | Mike Sawatzky

They are the hottest team in the country and the only unbeaten men’s volleyball squad remaining in U Sports. Recently upgraded to a No. 2 national ranking, the Winnipeg Wesmen own a gaudy 10-0 record in the Canada West conference and 18-0 overall mark heading into the holiday break. “Going into the season, you never really think about numbers like that,” said fifth-year left side Isaiah Olfert Thursday afternoon.
Bisons hand Wesmen bitter defeat

Dec 6, 2024 | winnipegfreepress.com | Mike Sawatzky

The Winnipeg Wesmen had a perfect 7-0 conference record to protect Thursday night. Unfortunately for the No. 4-ranked team in Canada, the visiting Manitoba Bisons were in spoiler mode and handed Winnipeg a bitter 85-76 defeat in Canada West men’s basketball action at the Duckworth Centre.
Mateychuk turning heads in leadup to WHL Prospects Draft

Dec 5, 2024 | winnipegfreepress.com | Mike Sawatzky

There will be obvious comparisons to his famous older brother, Denton, but Crosby Mateychuk is forging his own path in the game. The 14-year-old from Dominion City, a star defenceman with the Eastman AAA U15 Selects, is being touted as a top-10 pick for the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft and it’s not difficult to understand why.