The burden of upholding a family legacy can be challenging. The newest members of a renowned track and field family from Swift Current faced initial struggles in embracing the sport. Jackson Tuplin, who once detested track and preferred hockey, along with his siblings Carter and Macey, initially found it daunting to follow in the footsteps of their track and field predecessors.
However, their perception of the sport transformed during high school, leading Jackson and Carter to become the fourth generation of their family to compete in track and field at the University of Saskatchewan. Their family’s involvement in the sport dates back to 1948 when their great-grandmother, Anne Mang, achieved provincial championship titles in various events like the 100 meters, long jump, javelin, and ball throw.
Inspired by their family’s track and field heritage, the siblings found motivation to excel in the sport. Their mother, Cyndi Tasche, who also had a successful track career, instilled a love for track and field in her daughters, Mandi, Lindsay, and Hillary, all of whom later joined the U of S Huskies track team, accumulating numerous national championship team victories.
Mandi, in particular, drew inspiration from her grandmother’s achievements and pursued her own track and field success. Beyond her personal accolades, Mandi’s involvement in track and field also led to a significant personal milestone as she met her husband, Emery Tuplin, through the sport. The couple, who both won the 2001 Huskies Track and Field Athlete of the Year award, continued to contribute to the sport’s success, with Emery guiding the men’s team to a national championship.
Their shared passion for track and field not only brought them together but also influenced their coaching careers. Mandi took over the high school track team and led them to multiple provincial championships. Despite their success, the couple does not impose expectations on their children to follow their footsteps but rather encourage them to pursue their passions.
The Tuplin siblings, Jackson and Carter, have embraced track and field, achieving multiple SHSAA provincial gold medals. While Macey focuses more on softball, she also showcased her athletic prowess by representing Saskatchewan at a national track and field championship. The brothers aspire to become teachers and give back to the sport, mirroring the dedication shown by their parents.
As the family legacy continues, Mandi expressed pride in honoring her grandmother’s memory and acknowledged the enduring impact of their track and field tradition. With Mandi’s coaching career nearing its end, the stage is set for the next generation to carry on the family’s rich track and field heritage.