Track athletes of all ages were in Saskatoon to compete in the annual Knights of Columbus Indoor Games, which is in its 50th year. Among the athletes, there was a familiar face: Humboldt’s own Brianne Theisen-Eaton, who competed in the games herself when she was in high school. She competed and mentored some of the athletes along with her husband, Ashton Eaton.
“They were fantastic. This was really a good Games. Probably one of the most outstanding Games we’ve had in 50 years,” said Bob Barkman, the executive director of the Knights of Columbus Games.
Athletes of all ages compete in the meet, and they get to mingle with top international athletes from North America.
“It’s important for our young athletes to watch young athletes and become better,” Barkman said.
For a high jump event, three male athletes were selected to be on Theisen-Eaton’s team and three female athletes were selected for Eaton’s team, and they then competed against each other. These six athletes learned a lot about technique and training from the two of them.
“They sort of helped coach them along,” Barkman said. “These kids will remember that for the rest of their lives.”
In addition to this, Theisen-Eaton and her husband competed in the 60 metre hurdles.
The two of them also visited with schoolkids, giving kids who aren’t in track a chance to learn from them. According to Barkman, they were still able to have a positive influence on who weren’t into sports.
“They learn from them,” he said. “Their message is very strong about how to be positive, stay fit, and stay in school.”
