The burden of upholding a family legacy can be quite challenging. The newest members of a renowned track and field dynasty from Swift Current faced initial struggles in embracing the sport. Jackson Tuplin, who previously favored hockey, initially detested track and found it difficult to even set foot on the track. Similarly, his siblings Carter and Macey had their reservations about following in the family’s athletic footsteps.
However, their perspectives shifted during high school, leading both brothers to become the fourth generation of their family to compete in track and field at the University of Saskatchewan. The family’s involvement in the sport traces back to 1948 when their great-grandmother, Anne Mang, clinched the 100-meter provincial championship and excelled in long jump, javelin, and ball throw events.
The family’s rich history in track and field, starting with Anne Mang, left a lasting impression on subsequent generations. Cyndi Tasche, Anne’s daughter, who also competed at the U of S under coach Lyle Sanderson, instilled a love for the sport in her daughters, Mandi, Lindsay, and Hillary. The sisters, inspired by their grandmother’s success, went on to achieve numerous accolades and national championship titles.
Mandi Tasche-Tuplin, one of the successful track athletes in the family, found motivation in her grandmother’s triumphs and pursued a successful career in the sport. Mandi’s journey in track and field also intertwined with her personal life, as she met her husband, Emery Tuplin, through the sport, and the couple shared a mutual passion for track and field.
Emery and Mandi’s shared love for the sport extended to their coaching careers, with Mandi taking over the high school track team in Swift Current. Their dedication to coaching led to multiple provincial championships for the teams. Despite their own successes, Emery emphasized the importance of allowing their children to pursue their own interests and passions.
The next generation, represented by Jackson and Carter, has already made significant strides in track and field, earning provincial gold medals and accolades at prestigious competitions. While Macey leans more towards softball, she also showcased her talent in track and field at the national level. The brothers, aspiring to become teachers, aim to give back to the sport that has played a significant role in their family’s history.
As the Tuplin family continues to carry on the legacy of track and field across generations, Mandi reflects on her grandmother’s enduring pride in their achievements. With a coaching career that will soon come to an end, Mandi looks forward to passing the baton to the next generation, ensuring that the family’s track and field legacy endures for years to come.