Two Badgers have helped make Brock track and field program history.

Michael Ivanov and Rémi Ouellette headlined the group of Brock men's and women's track and field athletes that returned to Windsor; this time to compete at the 2025 U SPORTS Track & Field Championships from Thursday, March 6 to Saturday, March 8 at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse.  

Having finished fifth in 2023 and earning bronze last year in men's pole vault, Ivanov was eager to reach new heights in 2025. The Niagara Falls product did just that, earning Brock track and field's first gold medal at the national championships. 

Ivanov's successful attempt of 5.12-metres was enough to claim first, with the next best vaulter Emanuel Desilets of the Western Mustangs finishing a whole 0.32-metres behind Ivanov.

"Michael is so deserving of all the accolades that come his way for this win," said head coach Jonathan Younker. "The focus, dedication and hard work that he's put in this year has been incredible as he always had an eye for this moment. He's a fantastic veteran example to the rest of the team for what it takes to be a national champion."

In the men's shot put F41 ambulatory event, Ouellette recorded a throw of 7.69m on Saturday, placing him first. He also won a gold medal in the same event at the OUA Championships.

"We're very proud of Rémi's para shot put gold medal; the first para medal for our program," Younker said. "Rémi's a national record holder in shot put the F41 para category, and has been working hard to improve his personal best throughout the season."

On Friday, March 7, fresh off a silver medal at the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Championship, Sarah Saldutto competed in the 60 metre hurdles preliminary round. Saldutto with a time of 8.90s finished 13th. 

Besting her finish at the OUAs, Saldutto recorded a result of 5.74m in the women's long jump which placed the Welland native ninth in the event

"Sarah's U SPORTS hurdle and long jump results were not what she wanted," Younker said. "As her long jump event coach, I thought she put in a solid set of consistent jumps, especially after dealing with injuries throughout the season. I know that she'll be back here next year with something to prove."

Colton Spencer was not able to compete in the 60m hurdles event after suffering an injury coming out of the blocks in the prelims.

"Though this is not the result Colton wanted, I have no doubt this result will motivate him to future success," Younker said. "We know he is a team leader, an athlete dedicated to his craft and a fierce competitor."

Earning medals at both the U SPORTS and OUA Championships, the Brock men's and women's track and field teams will look to have a strong showing again next season.

The Western Mustangs swept the competition, winning both the men's and women's banners in commanding fashion. Coming in second in both divisions was the Guelph Gryphons while the Manitoba Bisons and Saskatchewan Huskies finished third on the men's side and women's side, respectively.

MAJOR AWARD WINNERS AT THE 2025 U SPORTS TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS 
Dr. Bob Boucher Coach of the Year and Sue Wise Coach of the Year - Vickie Croley (Western)
Men's Athlete of the Meet -  Max Davies (Guelph)
Women's Athlete of the Meet - Sienna Macdonald (Calgary)