The 2023 CTFL season saw the Spitfires make a late push to be crowned champions of the league. After the dust has settled from an exhilarating 2023 season, New World Athletics broke down each team’s points earned into four categories: sprints, hurdles, distance and field.

These numbers give insight into where teams excelled, where they struggled, and what is needed for success in the 2024 season.  

Sprints

Huskies: 486 points

Spitfires: 425 points

Bears: 423 points

Arctics: 401 points

Hurdles

Arctics: 349 points

Bears: 309 points

Spitfires: 276 points

Huskies: 122 points

Distance

Bears: 453 points

Huskies: 381 points

Arctics: 349 points

Spitfires: 331 points

Field

Spitfires: 426 points

Huskies: 248 points

Bears: 180 points

Arctics: 140 points

Utility Athletes

Spitfires, 11 athletes: 341 points

Huskies, 10 athletes: 309 points

Arctics, 10 athletes: 301 points

Bears, 10 athletes: 243 points

Strong sprints

The sprint category was the closest of the four, with only 85 points between the first-placed Huskies (486) and the fourth-placed Arctics (401). In the highly contested category, the Huskies soared to the top due to their consistency throughout events. While other teams had at least one event in which they dipped under 40 points, the Huskies lowest scoring event was 54 points in the women’s 400m. Additionally, two 100+ point events – the women’s 200m and 100m – pushed the team to the top of the category. 

Taking it in the field

The Spitfires secured their CTFL success in the sole category in which they scored the highest points. With an athlete – or two – in the top three of each field event, the Spitfires ended the season with 178 more points in field events than the second-placed Huskies. Strength in the field seems to have been a plan for the champions, as they drafted five field athletes while other teams selected three each. Alongside the draft picks, returning Spitfires athletes delivered this year. Athletes Seth Edwards, Mackenzie Josie, and Maria Okwechime combined for 184 points this season, more than the Bears (180) and Arctics (140). 

Huskies hurdles struggles

Third-placed Huskies dropped vital points in the hurdles events this season. Their total of 122 points earned was less than the Bear’s 131 points in the men’s 400mH, led by Olympian Roxroy Cato. The team’s underwhelming result did not stem from underperforming athletes, but rather a lack of them. Of the eight Huskies hurdlers, five did not record a point this season. Two of the three that did race, however, both placed second in their events. 110m hurdler Adam Andres recorded 51 points with a fastest time of 14.10 and 400m hurdler Stephanie Leask put up 61 points and a fastest time of 1:07.16. Despite their performances, injuries and commitment issues plagued the Huskies, causing them to score the lowest amount of points in any of the categories.

Looking Forward

After looking at the numbers, it is apparent where each team needs to add to their ranks. Before the third CTFL season begins in May, teams will have the chance to do so. The draft will take place in March, as teams can select the necessary number of athletes to complete their 70 athlete roster. They will also be able to cut their underperforming athletes to make way for new picks prior to the draft. By addressing their weaknesses and adding to their strengths, each team will look to compete for the 2024 championship.