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High School

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS Windsor Park Collegiate Royals’ Elliot Aguilar (7) runs the ball against the Grant Park Pirates Tuesday in the Royals inaugural game. Head coach Brett Delisle-Boughen already has a succession plan to create a 12-on-12 varsity program next season.

Royals host historic rumble against Pirates

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025

In the days and hours leading up to kickoff, head coach Brett Delisle-Boughen harped on one message to his players: what they were doing was unprecedented at Windsor Park Collegiate.

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Springfield Sabres continue tradition of midnight practice

Zoe Pierce 5 minute read Preview

Springfield Sabres continue tradition of midnight practice

Zoe Pierce 5 minute read Monday, Aug. 11, 2025

The Springfield Collegiate Sabres are wasting no time kicking off their 2025 football season next week.

As soon as the clock strikes midnight on Monday, Aug. 18, the Sabres — a high school team from Oakbank competing in the Winnipeg High School Football League — will take to the field for their first practice of the year under the lights of the Oakbank Community Centre.

The unique tradition, known as midnight practice, was introduced to the team by head coach Tom Walls back in 2022.

“Football is a difficult sport,” said Walls. “Not everybody gets to touch the ball. There’s a whole lot of sacrifice that goes into it. So if you’re going to run a program that attracts kids to do things that are inherently uncomfortable, you have to do things that are different or keep it relevant every year, and every year we try to do something brand new and different. And this year was the year to bring back the midnight practice again.”

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Monday, Aug. 11, 2025

SUPPLIED

This will be the fourth season the Springfield Collegiate Sabres kick off the high school football season with a midnight practice. The tradition was introduced by head coach Tom Walls back in 2022.
SUPPLIED This will be the fourth season the Springfield Collegiate Sabres kick off the high school football season with a midnight practice. The tradition was introduced by head coach Tom Walls back in 2022.

Annual high school alumni basketball tourney tips off Friday

Zoe Pierce 5 minute read Preview

Annual high school alumni basketball tourney tips off Friday

Zoe Pierce 5 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025

Some high school rivalries never die, especially when it comes to sports.

And reigniting that fire are Calvin Diaz and Joseph Medrano, who are giving alumni from high schools across Winnipeg the chance to run it back on the court and see if their school still has what it takes.

The Run It Back Alumni Basketball Tournament, now in its third year, has already seen plenty of success, bringing together players from the graduating classes of 2022 all the way back to 1999 to face off against old rivals.

This year, 16 teams will make their way to the Duckworth Centre downtown from Aug. 8-10 to compete in the tournament.

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Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025

SUPPLIED

Run It Back high school alumni basketball tournament organizers Calvin Diaz (left) (Supplied)
SUPPLIED Run It Back high school alumni basketball tournament organizers Calvin Diaz (left) (Supplied)

Durand, Carlos named high school Athletes of the Year

Zoe Pierce 6 minute read Preview

Durand, Carlos named high school Athletes of the Year

Zoe Pierce 6 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 25, 2025

It’s all about balance for Payton Durand, who went from sport to sport in her final year of high school at Collège Jeanne-Sauvé and found success in all of them.

From juggling volleyball to hockey, with track and field, badminton and softball mixed in, it’s been a busy but rewarding high school experience for Durand, who finished off senior year being awarded this year’s MHSAA Athlete of the Year Award, announced today at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.

“It’s so important,” said Durand on time management. “My last four years of high school, that’s basically all it’s been. Time management, scheduling in when I could do my assignments and when I could get an extra training or practice and all that for sports and also balancing my friendships.”

During hockey season, Durand left her mark, being named league all-star, playoff top scorer and Division 1 Most Valuable Player, on top of leading the Olympiens girls hockey team to a Division 1 MWHSHL championship.

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Wednesday, Jun. 25, 2025

ZOE PIERCE / FREE PRESS

Awards for the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association A, AA and AAA levels were announced on Wednesday at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. From left: Payton Durand, Chael Rozdeba, Ky Solomon, Colby Darragh, Shannon Bodnarus, Kai Gaudet, Junior Martine, Magnus Carlos.
ZOE PIERCE / FREE PRESS Awards for the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association A, AA and AAA levels were announced on Wednesday at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. From left: Payton Durand, Chael Rozdeba, Ky Solomon, Colby Darragh, Shannon Bodnarus, Kai Gaudet, Junior Martine, Magnus Carlos.

High school scholar athletes honoured

Joshua Frey-Sam 3 minute read Preview

High school scholar athletes honoured

Joshua Frey-Sam 3 minute read Friday, Jun. 20, 2025

FOUR graduating student-athletes were named recipients of the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s Scholar Athlete of the Year on Thursday.

Heleyna Moniz, Nico Nadeau, Ryleigh Schellenberg and Taylor Schepp stood out among a group of 51 nominees province-wide for being exceptional in the classroom, the community and sports throughout the 2024-25 school year.

Each winner was awarded a $2,000 scholarship for maintaining a minimum 85 per cent average in their academics while playing in at least two interscholastic sports.

Moniz, a student of St. Boniface Diocesan High School, finished the year with a near-perfect 99.6 per cent average in the classroom while playing five sports and being a consistent volunteer at her church.

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Friday, Jun. 20, 2025

Dakota Lancers basketball guard Taylor Schepp (left) was one of four graduating student-athletes named recipients of the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s Scholar Athlete of the Year on Thursday. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files)
Dakota Lancers basketball guard Taylor Schepp (left) was one of four graduating student-athletes named recipients of the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s Scholar Athlete of the Year on Thursday. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files)

Air quality warnings impacting Manitoba amateur, professional athletes alike

Zoe Pierce 6 minute read Preview

Air quality warnings impacting Manitoba amateur, professional athletes alike

Zoe Pierce 6 minute read Friday, Jun. 6, 2025

This year’s Manitoba High School Athletic Association Provincial Track and Field Championships have been cancelled due to ongoing air quality concerns caused by wildfires in the province, making conditions unsafe.

More than 1,500 athletes from grades 9 through 12 were set to compete in the three-day competition planned for June 5–7 at University Stadium on the University of Manitoba campus.

The MHSAA had originally postponed all scheduled events on Thursday to Friday, hoping air quality would improve, but updated at 6:15 a.m. today that the event would be cancelled entirely.

The MHSAA air quality protocol states, “Poor air quality can impact the health and performance of outdoor sport participants, including athletes, coaches and sports officials. The MHSAA recognizes the potential short and long-term health effects of engaging in physical activity outdoors when the air quality is poor, and is fully committed to reducing the risk posed to outdoor sport participants to help contribute to safer outdoor activities and events.”

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Friday, Jun. 6, 2025

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS

This is the first time the Manitoba Provincial Track and Field Championships have been cancelled over unsafe air quality levels from wildfire smoke.
MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS This is the first time the Manitoba Provincial Track and Field Championships have been cancelled over unsafe air quality levels from wildfire smoke.

Léo-Rémillard takes title after last year’s heartbreaker final

Zoe Pierce 3 minute read Preview

Léo-Rémillard takes title after last year’s heartbreaker final

Zoe Pierce 3 minute read Thursday, Jun. 5, 2025

The Léo-Rémillard varsity girls’ soccer team came close to missing out on the Manitoba High School Athletic Association provincials altogether this year. They had one shot to prove themselves, and with a 1-0 win over Lord Selkirk, they clinched a wildcard spot.

Once they had punched their ticket, there was no stopping the future provincial champions, who claimed the title after defeating the Kelvin Clippers 3-2.

After falling just short in last year’s final in a close 2-1 match against Balmoral Hall, the group was eager for a shot at redemption.

The path to victory was not easy, according to head coach Hafeez Khan, whose team defeated the top schools in the tournament last weekend, including eventual consolation champions Vincent Massey, third-place Miles Macdonell, and a strong Clippers team in the final to claim gold on May 31.

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Thursday, Jun. 5, 2025

Hafeez Khan Photo

The Kelvin Clippers challenge the Léo-Rémillard Renards for the ball in the championship game.

Hafeez Khan Photo The Kelvin Clippers challenge the Léo-Rémillard Renards for the ball in the championship game.

Garden City takes back high school provincial title

Zoe Pierce 4 minute read Preview

Garden City takes back high school provincial title

Zoe Pierce 4 minute read Monday, Jun. 2, 2025

Four years and three championships for Jackson Thiessen and the Garden City Gophers, who won yet another MHSAA Baseball Provincial Championship this past weekend.

For the Grade 12 student, Thiessen has seen his team make it to at least the semifinals four years in a row, their only provincials loss coming last year against the Garden Valley Zodiacs in a tight 3-2 game.

But the Gophers can’t seem to stay away from gold for long, defeating the Steinbach Regional Sabres 13-1 at Stonewall Quarry Park on Saturday.

“I wanted to end it on a good note,” said Thiessen. “Winning it all and to actually come out on top meant a lot more to me because it’s my last year there, and it just makes the win so much more memorable.”

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Monday, Jun. 2, 2025

Donnie Smith Photo

Grade 12 Jackson Thiessen has three championships with the Garden City Gophers.
Donnie Smith Photo Grade 12 Jackson Thiessen has three championships with the Garden City Gophers.

Co-op team claims top prize at softball provincials

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Preview

Co-op team claims top prize at softball provincials

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Monday, Jun. 2, 2025

STONEWALL — La Broquerie’s École Saint-Joachim and St Pierre-Jolys’ École communautaire Réal-Bérard are a pair of small French schools from Manitoba’s southeast, but they certainly pack a punch when it comes to fastpitch.

The two schools’ co-op team blasted through the rest of the competition at the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association softball championships, hosted at Stonewall Quarry Park on Friday and Saturday. An 11-3 mercy rule victory over AAAA school Vincent Massey (Brandon) Vikings capped off an undefeated season for the Braves.

“We’re talking about maybe 250 students,” head coach Pat Tetrault said after the game. “We don’t make for quantity we make for quality… There’s some tough schools, some good teams out here.”

École Saint-Joachim and Réal- Bérard took control of the final early, plating eight runs in the first inning after a Massey home run scored two in the top half of the inning. Brynn Maynard’s double scored three, turning a 2-2 tie into a 5-2 advantage which never looked in danger of evaporating.

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Monday, Jun. 2, 2025

Cassidy Dankochik / THE CARILLON

The École Saint-Joachim and Réal-Bérard Braves celebrate their Manitoba High Schools Athletics Association title, capping off their undefeated season on Saturday with a dominant win over Vincent Massey (Brandon).
Cassidy Dankochik / THE CARILLON The École Saint-Joachim and Réal-Bérard Braves celebrate their Manitoba High Schools Athletics Association title, capping off their undefeated season on Saturday with a dominant win over Vincent Massey (Brandon).

Vincent Massey, Kildonan-East claim provincial hoops crowns with victories over Lancers

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Vincent Massey, Kildonan-East claim provincial hoops crowns with victories over Lancers

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Monday, Mar. 24, 2025

There wasn’t a program in the province that could say it had the Dakota Lancers’ number in the last four years.

The Vincent Massey Trojans earned the right to make that claim Monday.

A sensational defensive effort spurred the Trojans’ to the dethroning of the three-time reigning champion Lancers in convincing fashion 76-44 in the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association provincial women’s varsity basketball final at Investors Group Athletic Centre.

The Lancers were on the losing end of three contests to Manitoba-based schools this season. All three were to Vincent Massey.

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Monday, Mar. 24, 2025

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS

The Kildonan-East Reivers celebrate capturing the men’s provincial high school title.
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS The Kildonan-East Reivers celebrate capturing the men’s provincial high school title.

Collège Jeanne-Sauvé captures women’s high school hockey crown

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Collège Jeanne-Sauvé captures women’s high school hockey crown

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Monday, Mar. 24, 2025

The way Payton Durand was rolling, it should have come as no surprise to see her celebrating yet again.

The outstanding Collège Jeanne-Sauvé forward recently checked in at No. 4 on the Free Press’ coaches poll of the top 10 women’s high school hockey players in the province, She played like a No. 1 talent in the biggest series of the season.

“I just went into (the series) with a no-quit mentality,” said Durand, who was credited with the game-winning goal in a decisive Game 3 of the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League final on Friday.

“I wasn’t giving up on that puck and I knew that I had to help my team to win this, and I didn’t want to go down,” she added. “This is my Grade 12 year and I needed to win it. I gave it all I had.”

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Monday, Mar. 24, 2025

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS
The Manitoba Women's High School Hockey League hosts the women's high school playoffs at the Seven Oaks Arena in Winnipeg, Man., Friday, March 11, 2025. The CJS Olympiens earned a 2-0 victory over the the Glenlawn Lions in Game 3 to win the best-of-three final series 2-1 and earn the MWHSHL league championship and the Wayne Thompson Cup. Pictured: Team captain Cadence Kibbins (middle) and her Olympiens teammates celebrate their team's victory by lifting the Wayne Thompson Cup.
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS The Manitoba Women's High School Hockey League hosts the women's high school playoffs at the Seven Oaks Arena in Winnipeg, Man., Friday, March 11, 2025. The CJS Olympiens earned a 2-0 victory over the the Glenlawn Lions in Game 3 to win the best-of-three final series 2-1 and earn the MWHSHL league championship and the Wayne Thompson Cup. Pictured: Team captain Cadence Kibbins (middle) and her Olympiens teammates celebrate their team's victory by lifting the Wayne Thompson Cup.

Martin leads Kildonan-East to provincial hoops championship showdown with Dakota

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Martin leads Kildonan-East to provincial hoops championship showdown with Dakota

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Friday, Mar. 21, 2025

The Kildonan-East Collegiate Reivers will chase perfection on the court next week.

A 21-point performance from Grade 12 guard Rushawn Martin spurred the Reivers to an 87-72 triumph over the Sisler Spartans in the AAAA men’s basketball provincial semifinal at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Thursday.

Kildonan-East improved to 22-0 against Manitoban competition this season — their only loss came against Saskatoon’s Walter Murray Collegiate in an out-of-town tournament — and will look to finish with an unblemished record when they face the Dakota Lancers in the provincial final on Monday, March 24, at IGAC (8 p.m.).

The Reivers aren’t thinking that far ahead yet, though.

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Friday, Mar. 21, 2025

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS

Kildonan-East Reivers guard Rushawn Martin (right) drives to the hoop as Sisler Spartans guard Jacob Medina covers him.
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS Kildonan-East Reivers guard Rushawn Martin (right) drives to the hoop as Sisler Spartans guard Jacob Medina covers him.

Lancers, Trojans in final showdown

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Lancers, Trojans in final showdown

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025

The Dakota Lancers are one win away from Manitoba high school hoops history.

Sparked by a sensational 24-point triple-double from Grade 11 forward Emilie McLean, the Lancers played to a convincing 88-61 victory over the Garden City Gophers in the AAAA women’s varsity basketball semifinals at Investors Group Athletic Centre on Wednesday.

Dakota will look for an unprecedented fourth-consecutive championship when they face the Vincent Massey (Winnipeg) Trojans in the provincial final Monday, March 24, at IGAC at 6 p.m.

McLean’s triple-double came on the strength of 18 rebounds and 10 blocks on a night the Lancers had their way in the paint.

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Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

Dakota’s Emilie McLean (left) takes on Garden City’s Jenelle Deato Wednesday in the Lancers’ MHSAA provincial women’s basketball semifinals.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Dakota’s Emilie McLean (left) takes on Garden City’s Jenelle Deato Wednesday in the Lancers’ MHSAA provincial women’s basketball semifinals.

Dakota point guard’s dedication to training shows in her dynamic play

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Dakota point guard’s dedication to training shows in her dynamic play

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025

It doesn’t take long to understand why Taylor Schepp’s career trajectory has only pointed up.

The Dakota Lancers’ point guard is all business when it comes to basketball, and it shines when she’s on the floor.

“She’s as true as it gets as a point guard. Plays with a high motor, great shooter, great passer, and probably one of the best kids I’ve ever coached with her IQ for the game,” said Lancers head coach Eric Sung, who has headed the women’s varsity program for the last decade.

Schepp, the daughter of University of Manitoba Bisons men’s basketball head coach Kirby Schepp, was named the top women’s hoopster in the Free Press’ annual coaches poll of the top 10 high school players in the province due to her dynamic ability on the floor, but it’s the Grade 12’s dedication off the court that is rare for someone her age and has drawn rave reviews.

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Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

The Dakota Lancers guard Taylor Schepp (2) runs the ball down the court in a game against the Garden City Gophers at IG Athletic Centre in the MHSAA provincial women's basketball semi-finals on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

For Josh story.
Winnipeg Free Press 2025
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS The Dakota Lancers guard Taylor Schepp (2) runs the ball down the court in a game against the Garden City Gophers at IG Athletic Centre in the MHSAA provincial women's basketball semi-finals on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. For Josh story. Winnipeg Free Press 2025

Glenlawn draws first blood in provincial high school hockey championship

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Glenlawn draws first blood in provincial high school hockey championship

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025

Don’t forget about Chloe Minkus.

The Glenlawn forward doesn’t get the same attention as some of her teammates, but on a night the Lions were without three of their best players, she showed that she’s more than deserving of similar recognition.

A hearty four-point performance from Minkus powered Glenlawn to a 4-1 victory over the Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens in Game 1 of the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League Division 1 championship series at Seven Oaks Arena on Tuesday.

Glenlawn leads the best-of-three series and can claim its first city title in program history with a win in Game 2 Thursday, at Seven Oaks (4:15 p.m.). Game 3, if necessary, is Friday at 4:15 p.m.

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Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2025

BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS

The Glenlawn Lions celebrate their team’s win.
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS The Glenlawn Lions celebrate their team’s win.

Vayda Rigaux dethrones sister Delainey as top women’s high school hockey player

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Preview

Vayda Rigaux dethrones sister Delainey as top women’s high school hockey player

Joshua Frey-Sam 6 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025

Delainey or Vayda Rigaux — take your pick.

The Glenlawn Lions are fortunate they don’t have to.

There hasn’t been a wrong answer between the 16-year-old identical twin sisters, who have continued to torch the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League this winter.

Delainey, a right-handed forward, led all players with 34 goals and 53 points during the regular season, while Vayda, a left-shooting blue liner, was a close second with 48 points. It’s the second year in a row that the Grade 11 sisters have gone 1-2 in the league’s scoring race.

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Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES

The Glenlawn Lion’s Vayda Rigaux moved from second place in last year’s coaches poll to the No.1 spot. Rigaux racked up 48 points this regular season in the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League.
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES The Glenlawn Lion’s Vayda Rigaux moved from second place in last year’s coaches poll to the No.1 spot. Rigaux racked up 48 points this regular season in the Manitoba Women’s High School Hockey League.

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