The burden of upholding a family legacy can be challenging. The newest members of a renowned track and field dynasty in Swift Current had a rocky start in the sport. Jackson Tuplin, who initially favored hockey over track, admitted to detesting the latter in his youth. His siblings, Carter and Macey, also faced difficulties embracing a sport deeply rooted in their family’s history.
However, their perspective on track and field shifted during high school. Today, Jackson and Carter represent the fourth generation of their family to compete in track and field at the University of Saskatchewan. The family’s legacy in the sport traces back to 1948 when their great-grandmother, Anne Mang, claimed the 100-metre provincial championship and excelled in long jump, javelin, and ball throw events.
The family’s track and field legacy has been a source of inspiration for succeeding generations. Anne Mang’s daughter, Cyndi Tasche, fondly recalls flipping through her mother’s scrapbook filled with ribbons and accolades, which fueled her own passion for the sport. Cyndi continued the tradition by coaching at Swift Current Comprehensive High School from 1978 to 2005, where her daughters Mandi, Lindsay, and Hillary also thrived in track and field.
Mandi Tasche-Tuplin, one of Cyndi’s daughters, found motivation in her grandmother’s success and went on to achieve her own feats in track and field. Not only did Mandi excel on the track, but she also met her husband, Emery Tuplin, through the sport. Their shared love for track and field led to numerous accolades, including both winning the Huskies Track and Field Athlete of the Year award in 2001.
Despite their family’s deep ties to track and field, Mandi and Emery prioritize their children’s happiness and encourage them to pursue their passions. While Jackson and Carter have excelled in track and field, Macey has chosen to focus on softball but still made her mark in track and field competitions.
Looking ahead, both Jackson and Carter aspire to become teachers and give back to the sport that has shaped their family’s legacy. As Mandi Tasche-Tuplin reflects on her family’s enduring track and field tradition, she believes that her grandmother would be proud of the legacy they have upheld. With her coaching career in Swift Current set to conclude in eight years, the stage is set for the next generation to continue the family’s track and field journey.
