COLLEEN MARTYN
Sports Writer

Travis Gorski, No. 18, has entered his fifth year of eligibility with the Huskies football team.

After leaving the Medicine Hat High School Mohawks, Gorski had a choice between the U of S and the University of Hawaii. Many may compare -40 degree winters to sunny beaches and wonder if he regrets this. According to Gorski, “it was still the best decision I have ever made. I love prairie living!”

Beginning his Huskies career in 2006, the five foot 10 wide receiver has quickly risen to become one of the team’s brightest stars.

Gorski’s first year, in which he played six regular season games, came to a climax as he was chosen to play in front of a sold out crowd when Saskatoon hosted the Vanier Cup. Gorski’s best Huskies memory to date has been “beating Ottawa in the national semi-final in 2006 and coming home to play in the national championship against Laval.

“Although we lost the game, it was an incredible experience and it really showed how the province of Saskatchewan supports football and our team,” Gorski commented.

Even though the Huskies failed to secure a championship that year, Gorski and his teammates continued their push for another chance the following years.

The following season he was named Huskies special teams player of the year and in 2008-09 was co-named MVP. During the 2009-10 season Gorski played in eight games, leading the Huskies with 467 yards on 43 receptions.

In the last four years Gorski has had the opportunity to work with many talented individuals. One he holds in very high regard is Huskies head coach Brian Towriss. When talking about spending four years under the guidance of Towriss, Gorski said that “playing for B.T. (Brian Towriss) has made the last four years extremely special.

“He is the most respected coach in our league and has taught all of us on the team so much not only football-wise but also how to improve ourselves in the community and in everything we do.”

Gorski also holds a close friendship with Huskies QB Laurence Nixon. The two teammates both joined the Huskies practice roster right out of high school and “experienced the pains of growing up away from home.”

Such close relationships with fellow players and coaches have obviously made for a strong team on and off the field.

Although the 2010-11 season has started a little rocky for the Huskies, their two-game losing streak was finally broken in a 33-9 win against the University of Alberta Golden Bears on Sept. 24. The Huskies now find themselves standing at 2-2 in Canada West, still in prime position to snag a chance at the Vanier Cup.

“Our team still has the potential to push for a national championship,” said Gorski.

“And if we keep on playing inspired football I think we will have a great push in the playoffs and be an extremely exciting team to watch,” added Gorski.

Gorski’s positive attitude, along with his sense of sportsmanship and talent make the wide receiver one of the most dangerous assets available to the Huskies arsenal this season.

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image: Pete Yee