Pronghorns track and field send strong athletes to USports Championships

By Lethbridge Herald on March 8, 2023.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Six University of Lethbridge Pronghorns track and field athletes begin their medal quests at the USports National Track and Field Championships today in Saskatoon.

The U of L men’s side will be led by three-time Canada West throw champion and 2022 U Sports silver medalist, Andreas Troschke.

Troschke is going in on high after winning all four meets he had competed in this season.

“Confidence and momentum are two key things in this sport, and I have a good deal of both of those coming into this weekend thanks to how the rest of the season has gone,” said Troschke.

Troschke will be seeking a fifth consecutive podium finish in his final USports Championship after winning a silver in 2022, back-to-back bronzes in 2019 and 2020 and was the USports Champion in 2018.

Troschke said the experience is one of a kind.

“USports and the host universities have always done an exceptional job at creating an atmosphere that breeds drama and high-level competition,” he said.

Challenges is something that Troschke has faced throughout his athletic career and that his experience is an asset for him coming into the championships.

“For me I try to foster self-belief instead of setting expectations or requirements for myself,” he said.

“I know what I’m capable of. I’m proud of my body of work and I believe that it will show come Friday.”

Troschke would love to end his career the way it started, with a gold medal.

“The story of my time at the U of L has been all about learning that things are earned not given,” said Troschke.

“It has been an honor to represent a program with such a rich history in the sport. But even more specifically, I’m proud to represent my teammates, our coaches ( and)support staff. I can’t even begin to list the number of individuals that have made significant contributions to getting me where I am today, and I hope that I can be a worthy champion for them.”

Joining Troschke on the men’s side is fellow thrower Xavier Crosby, who will be looking to improve upon his sixth place finish at last year’s event and hit the podium.

Second-year phenome Lauchlan Irish is the lone triple jumper for U of L after winning the bronze medal at the Canada West Championships.

The women’s side will be led by Canada West weight throw champion Jinaye Shomachuk.

It was most recently that she was named the Women’s Performance of the Meet at the Canada West Championships in Saskatoon a couple of weeks ago for throwing an amazing 18.9 metres.

Shomachuk will also compete in shot put with teammate and Canada West Rookie of the Year,

 Lauryn Morris.

Naomi Klassen rounds out the U of L women’s contingent in the dynamic thrower’s category.

The USports Championships are from March 9-11 in Saskatoon.

All events can be viewed live on CBC and CBC Gem.