The University of Calgary Dinos track and field program is set to launch its 2025-26 competitive season this Sunday, marking the official start with the annual Dino Opener event. The meet will be held within the familiar confines of the Jack Simpson Gym on campus.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The Dinos are entering the new season with considerable momentum from the previous year. The women's team secured a Canada West runner-up finish, continuing a tradition of excellence, and followed that performance with a fifth-place standing in the final team rankings at the national U SPORTS championships.
A major storyline from last season was the record-breaking performance of Sienna MacDonald. The standout athlete from Airdrie, Alberta, set two U SPORTS national records and is now returning for her fifth and final year of eligibility wearing the Scarlet & Gold.
New Faces Join the Roster
While key veterans like MacDonald are back, the team is also injecting fresh talent. The Dinos welcome 18 newcomers to this year's squad, blending experienced leadership with new potential. This mix aims to bolster the team's depth across various events as they pursue conference and national honours.
The season-opening meet at home is just the beginning of a busy schedule. After a brief break for the holidays, the Dinos will return to competition quickly in the new year. Their first action of 2026 is scheduled for January 3rd in Edmonton, which will be the first of three consecutive meets in that city.
Dinos Wrestling Teams Also in Action
In related University of Calgary athletics news, the Dinos wrestling teams are also competing this weekend for the final time in 2025. Both squads are traveling to Lethbridge for a two-day competition.
The first U SPORTS national rankings of the season were released this week, and the Dinos women's wrestling program earned the No. 1 spot. This continues a period of dominance for the team, which held the top ranking for nearly the entire 2023-24 campaign and multiple times last season.
The men's wrestling team also received strong recognition, entering the rankings at No. 3 in the country. This represents a significant jump from recent years and is a testament to the work of long-time head coach Mitch Ostberg and assistant coach Carol Huynh.
Following the winter break, the wrestlers will return to the mat on January 16th and 17th for a meet at the University of Alberta. The season will then build towards the Canada West Championships, set for February 14th in Edmonton.
