New board aims to take Huskie Athletics to the next level

As of November, Huskie Athletics will be advised and guided by an 11-person board of trustees.

The board will consist of six community members and five University of Saskatchewan campus representatives.

“This is new. We feel and it’s unique in this country, and across other countries as well,” said Peter Stoicheff, president of the University of Saskatchewan.

“As far as we know, this is unique in this country. It’s not something we’ve seen anywhere else.”

Stoicheff said the board will help with everything from fundraising for student scholarships to academic support. Ultimately, however, it will mean an increase in fans at all Huskie sporting events.

“This is not just about the larger sports such as football and basketball and hockey. It’s for all of the sports—wrestling, and track and field and volley ball and everything we offer,” Stoicheff said.

“It’s (about) trying to encourage public involvement, and spectatorship.”

The first iteration of the board will include community members Diane Jones Konihowski; Tom Anselmi, who has run Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment; David Sutherland, Shelley Brown, David Dubé and a sixth member to be named later.

The university representatives include Patti McDougall, vice-provost of teaching and learning; Greg Fowler, vice-president finance and resources; Debra Pozega Osburn, vice-president university relations; Chad London, incoming dean of the college of kinesiology and Peta Bonham-Smith, interim dean of the college of arts and science.

Huskie Athletics features more than 400 student-athletes competing on 15 teams in basketball, cross-country, football, hockey, soccer, track and field, volleyball and wrestling in the Canada West Universities Athletic Association.