About Triathlon Saskatchewan

Mark Nagy

President

I am from Prince Albert and have lived here almost all my life. I have been in the construction industry for the last 38 years. I have been married since 1987 and have three children and one grandchild.

I watched the Frank Dunn Triathlon in 1986 and decided that I could do it; there were a few people that I knew competing. So that winter I taught myself to swim, which was no easy task.

So in the summer of 1987, I drove to compete in the Weyburn Triathlon, hoping that I would not know anybody! This is where I met a Saskatchewan Triathlon legend in Don Gallo. I finished that race and absolutely fell in love with this sport. Also completed my first Frank Dunn a couple of weeks later, had to stop with bike problems several times, but able to get it, Dunn. For the next 14 years, I competed in sprints, and Olympic distance races, as well as took over as Race Director of the Fran Dunn in 1991, and to this day continue to be Race Director. About this time we started the PA Tri Club, and I am the only original member to be still involved. In 2000 I competed in my first Half Ironman in Stoney Plain and to date, I have completed 29 Half Distance races. The next year in 2001, I completed my first Ironman Canada, which I continued to do for 11 consecutive years. I also competed in the Challenge series in Penticton, as well as Ironman Florida, Chattanooga, Arizona, and Mont Tremblant. I am looking forward to competing this August in Penticton for my 18th Ironman. I am in my second stint with the Sask Tri-Board, served for a few years in the early 90s and have been on the board for the last 10 years. Really looking forward to what this Board can accomplish and am happy with the direction we are heading in!!!

Gord Hipperson

Vice President and Director for Performance and Development 

Gord Hipperson joined the Board in 2022. Based in Regina, Gord is the Owner and President of Hipperson Construction, a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Professional Engineer for over 25 years. He and his wife Rhonda have three children and two grandsons, all residing in Saskatchewan.

Formerly an avid squash player and runner, Gord has completed two Spartan race events and enjoys all forms of biking, including mountain trails, gravel roads and pavement. That led him to try his first multi-sport event at Echo Lake in 2018, where he qualified for and competed in the 2019 World Triathlon Championship in Lausanne, Switzerland.  Since then, Gord has completed several other triathlons and will compete in his first half of Ironman this summer in Victoria.

Gord is passionate about sports and the benefits they offer to individuals, whether competitive or recreational. He looks forward to advancing the initiatives of Tri-Sask in his first term as a Board member.

Jordan Anderson

Treasurer and Director for Capacity and Collaboration

Jordan Anderson is a dedicated athlete and volunteer in the triathlon community who strongly believes in the value of sports for promoting healthy and active lifestyles, fostering community spirit, and personal growth. He has participated in numerous triathlon races at all lengths and has served on several triathlon organization boards. Jordan tries to emote leadership, dedication, and ability to inspire his children. He is committed to ensuring that the needs of all members of the triathlon community are addressed, from elite athletes to beginners and from volunteers to race organizers. Jordan believes that triathlon is a sport for life and will continue to work to make it accessible and welcoming to all as a board member, helping to grow and sustain the vibrant and inclusive community of triathlon athletes.

Michelle Classen

Secretary General and Director for Performance and Development

Michelle is a Saskatoon-born Regina resident with a long history of involvement in sports and fitness in the province. She has always had an interest in endurance sports, including triathlon. She has participated in marathons, fondos and sprint distance triathlons. Her current involvement in triathlon is being her son’s #1 cheerleader as he competes around North America.

When not cheerleading, she works for the Saskatchewan Health Authority as a Registered Dietitian. Her client group is NICU graduates and their families. Outside work, she loves cooking, enjoying good food with her husband, listening to audiobooks, and snuggling with her puppy. Most of her family, including her daughter, lives in Saskatoon, so she tries to get there often. She also judges artistic swimming and bakes a mean cinnamon bun.

She sees tremendous value in growing the sport of triathlon in Saskatchewan because of all the opportunities it has given her son. It provides an opportunity to build lifelong fitness habits which support a healthier community.

Alex Donald

Director at Large and Director for Community and Engagement 

Alex Donald is a Physical Therapist who works out of Saskatoon at Mackie Physiotherapy Evergreen. He is now a  board member of Triathlon Saskatchewan and has a lifelong passion for endurance sports, largely stemming from his background as a former competitive swimmer. Alex feels very fortunate to have a career where he can combine his formal training in movement and rehabilitation with his passion for endurance sports.

Vance Webber

Director at Large and Director for Community and Engagement

My wife, children and I live on an acreage north of Wolseley, on the edge of the Qu’Appelle Valley, that is full of animals and outdoor adventures. I am a financial advisor with Sun Life for 14 years and former member of the Canadian Armed Forces. I am a big believer in the power of physical activity to improve our lives both mentally and physically. My involvement in the triathlon started in December 2021 when a group of us decided we need to promote physical fitness in our community.  That gave birth to the Wolseley Triathlon Club which held its first triathlon on 25th June 2022.I got hooked on both the training for and planning of the event and hope to bring that energy and passion to promoting and building this sport throughout Saskatchewan for young and old.

Anne Charles

Director at Large and Director for Performance and Development

I got my first taste of triathlon in 2006 while swimming in the Frank Dunn. From there I was hooked and continued to team Frank Dunn until completed in the full triathlon in 2011. In 2013 I got the opportunity to experience junior elite triathlon and go to Canada Games in Sherbrook Quebec which was an amazing life experience. After that, I went on to compete as an age grouper in different sprint and Olympic distance races. I recently started long distance triathlon and competed in Ironman Canada in 2022. Outside of triathlon, I have a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the U of S and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the U of A. I work as a physical therapist at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert. Growing up I swam with the Prince Albert Sharks for 12 years. I have my level 1 NCCP coaching certificate and have coached for the Saskatoon Goldfins. Some of my other interests include canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and spending time with my dog Nessie.

Maria Rupcich

Director at Large and Director for Community and Engagement

Christina Charles

Director at Large and Director for Performance and Development

Patrick LaPointe

Director at Large and Director for Capacity and Collaboration

Yvonne Cafik

Executive Director

Dr. Yvonne Cafik is Executive Director. Prior to taking on the ED role, Yvonne served on the TriSask Board of Directors as Director and Chair of the Coaching Committee and President.  Yvonne comes to the ED position with expertise in the leadership and governance of nonprofit and voluntary organizations having spent over two decades working to build their capacity as a consultant and professor of public management and nonprofit leadership in Canada and the USA.  Yvonne brings experience in multisport as an athlete (super sprint to Ironman), alpine ski racer (Quebec and British Columbia), and soccer player (Division I). She has been a coach most of her life in those sports (Alpine ski instructor, CSIA Level I, Soccer, NCCP Level 1, Community Coach and Competition) and on the local organizing side as a Board Member and Director of Accreditation and Volunteers for the 2002 FIFA U19 Women’s World Cup in Canada (Victoria Venue)).  

Dan Toogood

Provincial High Performance Coach North (Saskatoon, Northern Prairie Central, Rivers West, North, Lakeland Districts)

Dan holds a master’s degree in protein biochemistry and a bachelor’s of education from the University of Saskatchewan. He currently serves as the program leader of the Health and Sciences Academy (HSA) at Bishop James Mahoney High School, a unique program that offers advanced junior high science classes and off-campus University of Saskatchewan courses to high-performing students.

Dan’s passion for high performance extends beyond academics. As a coach and mentor, he works tirelessly to help students elevate their mindset, skills, and identities, preparing them for university and life’s challenges. He is also the author of the personal development book DeltaU: The Change Starts with You and hosts The Never Peak Project podcast, aiming to inspire both youth and adults to reach their full potential.

A competitive distance runner with the Regina Harriers and the UofR Cougars, Dan transitioned into triathlon in 2019, despite no previous experience in swimming or cycling. With dedication and a relentless drive to improve, he committed to refining his technique in all three disciplines. Over the last two years, Dan has achieved remarkable success, winning the Echo Lake Standard Triathlon in 2023 and the Sprint Triathlon in 2024. His coaching philosophy centers around the same commitment, discipline, and perseverance that helped him progress from a beginner to a high-performance athlete.

Dan credits much of his growth to the coaching expertise of Brad Spokes, whose guidance was a key factor in his rapid development. Dan believes his journey offers valuable lessons for others. Having once struggled with fear in the water and uncertainty on the bike, he now leads races and competes confidently, understanding firsthand the physical and mental challenges athletes face.

In addition to his triathlon journey, Dan has extensive coaching experience in high school distance running and track and cross country, having worked with the Saskatoon Track and Field Club (STFC) and coached at the high school level for over a decade. Dan is committed to helping athletes transform into competitive triathletes by sharing his own experiences and knowledge, guiding them to unlock their full potential.

Patrick Ash

Provincial High Performance Coach South (Regina, Southern Prairie Central, South West, South East, Parkland Valley Districts)

Meet Patrick, a seasoned endurance, nutrition, and exercise therapy coach with a vibrant track record spanning over two decades. With a foundation in Psychology and Physical Activity Studies from the University of Regina, Patrick’s career is a testament to his lifelong commitment to fitness, health, and the transformative power of endurance sports. His journey from an eager university graduate to a highly respected and trusted coach is fueled by a passion for pushing limits, both his own and those of his athletes.

About

Patrick’s approach is not just about endurance sports; it’s about enduring life’s challenges with grace, strength, and a bit of sweat. With certifications that read like a marathon bib collection—including Precision Nutrition Level 2 Master Health Coach, NBC-HWC Health and Wellness Coach, Foundation Training Level 1 Instructor, and Triathlon Canada Trained and Ironman University Certified Coach—Patrick is more than a coach; he’s a mentor, a guide, and a fellow athlete. He is most inspired to channel his expertise into helping others achieve their personal bests while achieving optimal health, whether they’re lacing up their running shoes for the first time or eyeing the finish line of an iron distance race.

Coaching Philosophy

Patrick’s coaching philosophy is built on three pillars: Show Up, Own The Moment, and We GET TO Do This. This isn’t just coaching; it’s a way of life. Patrick believes in showing up with intent, owning every moment with purposeful action, and embracing the gratitude of movement and self-expression. His philosophy extends beyond training plans and nutrition advice, focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional health and fortitude needed to thrive in both sports and life.

Background

From the classrooms of the University of Regina to the global stage of triathlon world championships, Patrick’s background is as diverse as it is impressive. His academic achievements laid the groundwork, but it’s his hands-on experience with thousands of athletes that truly defines his expertise. Patrick’s own journey through over 100 endurance races, including competing at the triathlon world championships, exemplifies his commitment to the endurance lifestyle.

Qualifications and Accomplishments

Patrick’s list of qualifications is extensive: a Certified Exercise Physiologist with a specialization in High Performance, a Master of Science in Physical Activity Studies, a Level 2 Master Health Coach with Precision Nutrition, and much more. But his true accomplishments lie in the successes of his athletes—from beginners finding their pace to ultramarathon/iron distance breaking personal records. Patrick’s dedication to continuous learning, combined with his certifications and personal achievements in the endurance world, make him a coach uniquely qualified to help you achieve your goals.

Fiona Cribb

Provincial Technical Officials Coordinator