As Interlake athletes continue to shine on the provincial track and field stage, five locals in particular have been making names for themselves.
Justin Charrier is one of them — not only as a masters men’s throws competitor but also as the coach of the Predator Athletics Club’s Satellite Program, which is developing the next wave of Interlake throwers.
Charrier and Predator Athletics Club athletes Jencie Henry of Arnes, Patrick Yuzwa of Fisher Branch, Brayden Zahariuk of Winnipeg Beach and Gaia Turner of Stonewall were all finalists for outstanding athlete awards at the 2025 Athletics Manitoba Awards, held Nov. 14 at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites.
“I think it’s pretty awesome,” Charrier said. “It’s a pretty good recognition as far as what our program is doing because that would be where the success comes from — the athletes — and then that comes on to me.”
He was named Athletics Manitoba’s Coach to Watch at the ceremony.
Henry, one of the top U18 throwers in the province, took home the Outstanding Female Throws Award and the Chuck Sigfusson Memorial Discus Award for the season’s furthest discus throw.
She is committed to joining the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns track and field program.
Zahariuk, Yuzwa and Turner did not win their nominated awards but remain strong contenders in future years based on their performances.
Zahariuk competed this season at the U14 boys’ level in shot put, discus, ball throw, 150-metre sprint and long jump.
Turner also competed at the U14 level on the girls’ side, throwing discus and shot put while establishing herself as one of Manitoba’s top outdoor high jumpers and long jumpers.
Yuzwa is a current member of the University of Manitoba Bisons track and field team and is in the midst of indoor heptathlon training.
“It just shows the direction of our program,” Charrier said. “Being in it for one year so far, we have a lot of athletes who didn’t become finalists who are also on the path to lots of success. The fact that we had four finalists — and a whole bunch who are kind of just on the edge of success — some of our girls who are entering Grade 9, I think are going to have a really good high school season.”
Charrier and his athletes are now beginning the winter training season, which carries a strong focus on shot put and weight throw.
The winter season runs from December to March.
