Hilltops’ Wingert keys in on his final CJFL stretch run

Carter Wingert, centre, walks on to SMF Field with his parents.

Carter Wingert keeps seeing signs popping up that he is on his last ride with the storied Saskatoon Hilltops.

Last Sunday, Wingert was one of eight graduating players who were honoured before the Hilltops regular season closing 39-1 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The 22-year-old defensive back took part in the Hilltops long time tradition where the graduates make a walk to the field with their parents before the team’s last regular season home game.

Wingert made that walk with his parents in mother, Colleen, and father, Shane. The five-year veteran proceeded to have a good game recording a pair of tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Personal time followed when the game concluded, and Wingert spent time talking to and having pictures taken with numerous family members and friends on the playing surface at SMF Field. The supporters made it a priority to get out to this last regular season game to see Wingert play. Those that were often busy with other pursuits inside and outside the sports world made certain to get out to SMF Field on this day.

For Wingert, it was another signal that his CJFL career is nearing an end. This coming Sunday, the Hilltops (8-0) open their post-season schedule hosting the Calgary Colts (3-5) in a PFC semifinal contest at 1 p.m. at SMF Field.

Carter Wingert has forced five turnovers this season.

Football playoffs are simple as the winning teams move on and losing clubs see their campaign come to an end. For Wingert, the focus now is always on the short term to keep winning in order to keep playing.

“I guess it just adds a little more intensity if you want to say,” said Wingert, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 180 pounds. “In playoff football, it is always intense.

“You’re always laying everything on the line. I won’t be thinking too much about it, but I know the Hilltop tradition is always to play for the fifth years. I hope all the guys can rally around and get it done.”

Way back in 2019, Wingert joined the Hilltops after having helped Saskatoon’s Centennial Collegiate Chargers Football Team win two city titles before falling in the provincial final each year in 2017 and 2018. He helped the Hilltops win a sixth straight CJFL title in 2019 posting a perfect 12-0 record.

Now in his final year of CJFL eligibility in 2023, Wingert is one of the Hilltops defensive captains. The Hilltops entered the campaign not knowing where they would stack up in a PFC that was undergoing a major reset due to every club going though sizable graduations following the completion of the 2022 campaign.

On top of helping the Hilltops post an 8-0 regular season record, Wingert was part of a team that allowed just 51 points against all season, which was the venerable CJFL club’s lowest total in that department since 1949.

Carter Wingert (#21) smiles after making a fumble recovery.

Wingert recorded 12 solo defensive tackles, two defensive tackle assists, one solo special teams tackle, one pass knockdown, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He returned one of his fumble recoveries 50 yards for a touchdown in a 49-0 victory over the Rifles in Winnipeg on August 20.

Wingert said the fact he has played a lot does help with making plays on the field, but added the Hilltops coaches have made adjustments to help the defence play better.

“The more you play the more comfortable you get,” said Wingert. “We’ve switched our technique up a bit this year compared to last year, and I think that has helped us all out a lot as defensive backs specifically.

“It is exciting, and just hopefully, we can keep it going into the playoffs.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant has enjoyed seeing Wingert grow over the years the defensive back has been with the team. The sideline boss said Wingert has been a model member of the Hilltops during his CJFL career and might be having his best season this year.

“Carter (Wingert) has been around the ball all year,” said Sargeant. “You know what, the coaches have done such a good job.

Carter Wingert (#21) charges to the field with his teammates.

“We’ve put them in good spots. You could just see that fifth year pedigree in him. This year, boy, I think personally he has five or six turnovers himself.

“For a wide side halfback boy, that is saying a lot. As I said, this whole group has been special, and especially because of our fifth years, and Carter (Wingert) is one of our special players that as a captain is doing a great job of leading.”

Now, the last ride for Wingert begins in earnest as the club starts is 2023 post-season journey. He will be joined on that journey by fellow grads who were members of that 2019 CJFL title winning team in linebackers Matt Wist and Wade Keating, running back Boston Davidsen, defensive lineman Craig Torgerson and receiver Evan Ward.

Linebacker Jordan Levesque and offensive lineman Justice Walker are also on that journey as graduating players having joined the Hilltops following the 2019 campaign.

“It has definitely hit home,” said Wingert. “When you’re playing, you’re just focused on the game.

Carter Wingert (#21) is pictured with the Hilltops grads and their parents,

“I’m not really thinking about it too much. I’m just trying to do my job and help my team out in whatever way I can.”

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