Murphy humbled to enter Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame

Storied softball coaching path to Hall had start in Lloydminster

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Noreen Murphy, right, is inducted into the SSHF.

Noreen Murphy’s road to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame started by saying “yes” to a coaching opportunity way back in December of 1984.

In October of that year, Murphy made a work-related move to Lloydminster, which is the small centre that is famous for sitting on the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan. She went there with the reputation of being a standout softball player having been a member of the Saskatoon Harmony Centres team that won the Canadian Senior A title in 1980. That Harmony Centres team played at the World Games in 1981 at Santa Clara, Calif., and fell 2-1 to the United States in the event’s championship game.

When Murphy arrived in Lloydminster, the Blues under-19 women’s team was looking for coaching help. Blues head coach Brian Gislason phoned Murphy in December of 1984 about joining the squad’s coaching staff.

“It is bizarre when you think about it,” said Murphy. “I was up there, and of course, he (Brian Gislason) knew who I was.

“I played with Saskatoon, and we had a rivalry with the Lashburn Bluebirds. Everybody knows you in that area. He just said, ‘Oh my God. We need some help here with the team. We don’t have anybody else stepping forward.’

“He got my number from some of the Lashburn Bluebirds I believe and just gave me a call.”

Murphy said “yes” and the Blues claimed Canadian championships in 1985 and 1986. After the Blues second title win, Murphy relocated back to Saskatoon in 1987 and took up the head coaching role with the Lorne’s Lazers.

At that point, Murphy’s softball coaching career was off and running. It was a career that saw Murphy coach at the national team level for Softball Canada for 14 years on two separate seven-year stints. She first applied to coach with Softball Canada at the urging of Bob Van Impe, who served as the president of the national sports body from 1969 to 1986.

Murphy was part of the senior national women’s team staff when Canada played at the Olympic Games in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States and in 2004 in Athens, Greece. One of the big highlights came in 2003, when Murphy was the head coach of the junior women’s national team that played at that year’s world championships in Nanjing, China. Canada finished fifth in that event after falling 1-0 in a playoff game to the hosts in front of 10,000 boisterous fans.

She also helped develop and mentor other coaches. Murphy chaired Softball Canada’s Long-Term Player Development Committee, which created the Athlete Development Matrix for all stages of player development.

A wall mount for the SSHF class of 2023.

In recent years, Murphy served as the Timbits Coordinator for the Saskatoon Minor Softball League. She is also the coordinator for the Saskatchewan North Central Softball Academy’s Timbits Saturdays program, which operates out of the Indoor Training Centre on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

On September 23 at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, Murphy was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in the builders’ category. Looking back on her career, Murphy said everything came about because she agreed to be on the coaching staff of the Blues teams that won Canadian championships in 1985 and 1986.

“What if I would have said, ‘No?’” said Murphy. “None of this would have been happening for sure.”

Murphy entered the Hall with six other distinguished individuals. In the athletes’ category, entering the Hall were multisport star Jaime (Cruickshank) Boyer of Saskatoon, hockey player Ryan Getzlaf of Regina, soccer player Joan McEachern of Leroy and hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser from Shaunavon.

Joining Murphy in the Hall in the builders’ category were Lorne Lasuita of Wynyard for his work in multiple sports and Bernadette McIntyre of Bethune for her work in curling.

“The evening was top notch,” said Murphy. “It was a star affair.

“It was really well done. It was just good to see a whole bunch of sports people I hadn’t scene in a few years. It was really nice for that too.

“It was a great class our 2023 induction class. It was a good one. It was good, really good.”

Murphy received a phone call on a Saturday morning in February from Hall Chair Trent Blezy informing her that she would be entering the Hall as a builder as part of the 2023 class. At first, Murphy said she wasn’t going to pick up her phone, because she didn’t recognize the number on the call display.

She then had a feeling that the call might be important. Murphy said it was cool to hear the news that you were going into the Hall.

Noreen Murphy’s display at the SSHF.

“I was surprised actually,” said Murphy.“It is very humbling.

“I’m very proud. I was excited. (I give) just a big huge thanks to be a small part of sport history in the province.”

At the start of her coaching career, Murphy remembers asking Gislason to be patient with her, because she knew nothing about coaching. From that point, she created a whole host of memories in the sport.

The most memorable moment came seeing her junior national team put up a strong fight losing that 1-0 playoff game at the 2003 world championships to the host side in Nanjing, China.

“That was my biggest highlight,” said Murphy. “Going to two Olympic Games was great too, but when you are leading the team (it’s different).

“When you have all the decisions to make at the top end of that and you are traveling in October to an entirely different culture, the drums are playing when you arrive until when you leave basically. I still say we should have won the game, but that is OK. If we would have (won), we would have made history for Canada.

“It would have been the first time playing for a medal in junior ball. It was a great, great couple of weeks there for sure.”

These days Murphy is enjoying helping young children learn the game in the Timbits programs. She said it is rewarding to see the excitement of the really young players when they get a handle on a new skill.

“It certainly is a little bit different than working at the top end that is for sure,” said Murphy. “I’m going into my sixth year of doing this for them.

“I’ve learned a lot there is no doubt about that. The program is in good shape. We’re developing kids a lot better than we did in the past, because there is structure to it.

“We’re orientating our coaches a lot more that are working with the young group, because it is their first time ever coaching with young ones. At the training centre there, we’ve been fortunate enough to have good numbers, and they continue to be pretty good. Those players that come there they all sign up for spring ball in May and June which is great.”

Noreen Murphy, centre, address a Timbits Saturdays group.

Murphy said the important thing in the beginner and younger age groups is to get the players lots of repetitions. She said it is great the players aged nine, 10 and 11 have the option of play fall ball too as well. Murphy said the reps will allow players to get better at the game and ultimately have more fun with it.

“They need lots of reps,” said Murphy.“The more reps they can get the better, and they are learning the right way.

“As I say to the moms and dads all the time, it is about keeping the kids busy, making them sweat a little bit and just having a whole bunch of fun.”

And with that involvement, Murphy will continue her giving back to the softball community for the foreseeable future. She will keep adding to a legacy that was built saying “yes” to a coaching request made almost 40 years ago.

The first three photos in this post are courtesy of Noreen Murphy’s collection. The video comes courtesy the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.

Indoor Training Centre fun, exciting football final in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

A Timbits Saturdays group comes together for a big cheer.

Off-season time at the Indoor Training Centre can be tonnes of fun.

All it takes is seeing a session of the Saskatchewan North Central Softball Academy’s Timbits Saturdays program to be reminded of that tidbit. Our lead photo of our photo roundup comes from a Timbits Saturdays session held on December 2 at the Indoor Training Centre. It shows the coaches and players coming together for a cheer following the conclusion of one of those hour-long periods.

These days the Indoor Training Centre is enjoying its peak period as various sporting groups are using it for training sessions like baseball, football, lacrosse, softball and track and field.

Activities from Timbits Saturdays offer up arguably the cutest photos. That program offers softball instruction to children aged three to 11 in one-hour long sessions that are held Saturday mornings at the Indoor Training Centre from October to February.

The young players participate in activities and games that are patterned after informal playground games that promise fun and action. The activities are set up in a way to allow players with high and low skill levels to be involved.

A young players makes a throw at a Timbits Saturdays session.

Players also participate in basic drills that teach the proper forms for throwing, catching and pitching. On the hitting side, players take part in drills that work on proper stance and swinging before proceeding to hit balls off a tee into a net.

Some of those drills are used with older age groups to help reinforce the basics. The second photo of the photo roundup shows a young player taking part of an infield throwing drill at a Timbits Saturdays session on December 2.

On top of those drills, the players will do some activities that are basically playground games along with some short simulated mini games at the end of the session. Ultimately, the main focus of the program is to try and ensure the players have fun and develop a love for the game.

Besides Timbits Saturdays photos, the photos in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds, which include photos from an exciting championship football game and training sessions from various sports. In this photo roundup, the majority of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 15 shots we hope you enjoy.

Monster game for Crusader

Receiver Britton Tabler of the Holy Cross High School Crusaders had one of the best games of his career in the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s 6A provincial football championship game held on November 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Tabler caught 11 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown. The Crusaders ultimately lost a 12-10 heartbreaker to Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders.

Tough slugging on the ground

Holy Cross High School Crusaders running back Aulain Penner gets corralled by a number of defenders from Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders on November 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Crusaders and Marauders were going at it in the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s 6A provincial football championship game. The Marauders would take the contest 12-10.

Marauders celebrate a three-peat

The players from Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders raise the championship trophy in celebration of winning the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s 6A provincial football title game on November 11. The win marked the third straight year the Marauders claimed the 6A football crown.

Eyeing up the details

A hitter concentrates on his mechanics during a drill at a Going Yard Training Centre session on November 21 at the Indoor Training Centre. Players use the sessions with the Going Yard Training Centre to work on improving the fine points in their game.

Perfecting infield defence on the bases

An athlete, right, from a JQFP Softball session works on fielding defence on a base inside a batting cage at the Indoor Training Centre on November 22. The JQFP Softball coaches showed off an innovative way here to help players improve infield defensive skills on the bases. JQFP Softball coach Jon Equina, left, oversees this drill.

Family welcome for Iris

The Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Corporation was pleased to welcome Iris Lapierre as the new Administration Manager to the Gordie Howe Sports Complex family. Iris comes to the Gordie Howe Sports Complex after having spent 29 years with the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools having retired in October. She is pictured here on November 22 working at the front desk of the Indoor Training Centre.

Running to create space

An athlete with the Sentinels Lacrosse Club motors to an open space in the offensive end of the field during a practice session on November 27 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Sentinels are an elite field lacrosse program that runs junior varsity and varsity teams from September through to December.

Tuesday morning camper found

We had a visitor to the overflow campground on the morning of Tuesday, November 28. We believe the visitor jumped the fence as there are no holes in it. We opened the door and the visitor left for a next destination. Johnny Marciniuk, who is our Operations Manager, checked in with the photo of our visitor.

Securing out at first

An infielder follows the ball into her glove fielding at first base during a 222’s Fastpitch practice session at the Indoor Training Centre. The 222’s were focusing on perfecting various defensive skills in the infield on this day.

Finesse throw

A player uses perfect touch to let a Frisbee fly during Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society game action on November 30 at the Indoor Training Centre. Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society league play is a staple happening at the Indoor Training Centre during the winter months.

A helping hand

A coach helps a young hitter to set up properly in order to hit the ball during one of the SNCSA’s Timbits Saturdays session on December 2 at the Indoor Training Centre. The players taking part in the Timbits Saturdays have a lot of fun and improve greatly over the winter months the program is run.

Feeling the need for speed

A base runner round second base at seemingly warp speed during one of the SNCSA’s Timbits Saturdays session on December 2 at the Indoor Training Centre. The player was taking part in a mini game that closes out the one-hour period the Timbits Saturdays program run.

Set for the relay

An infielder for the Saskatoon Giants sets to make a catch at second base before making a relay throw to first on December 6 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Giants were taking infield defensive repetitions in order to prepare for the 2024 spring and summer baseball season.

Selects break it down

Members of the Saskatoon Selects program conclude a training session with a cheer on December 6 at the Indoor Training Centre. Many spring and summer club squads do off-season work as a team unit to build skills and unity.

Up and away

Two athletes get some air time going up to battle for a Frisbee during Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society league play at the Indoor Training Centre on December 7. Those taking part in Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society action make some incredible plays on the turf.

Albers’ next chapter

Pro-pitcher brings end to playing days to focus on coaching

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Andrew Albers, right, gives a pointer to a player.

Andrew Albers said his arm was telling him his pitching days were near an end.

The left-hander from North Battleford, Sask., represented Canada at the World Baseball Classic this past March and the Pan Am Games Qualifier this past June. At the World Baseball Classic, Canada posted a 2-2 record playing all its contests in Phoenix, Arizona, and didn’t advance out of pool play.

At the Pan Am Games Qualifier in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Canada posted a 3-1 record, but didn’t make the tournament final coming up short in the Team Quality Balance tiebreaker. Panama, who Canada beat 6-5 in eight innings in preliminary round play, won the final and earned the last berth to the Pan Am Games, which wrapped up on November 5.

With Canada being unable to advance to the Pan Am Games, the Pan Am Games Qualifier turned out to be Albers final event as a player, which brought an end to a career that spanned 15 years as a professional including stops in the MLB with the Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners from 2013 to 2021.

“I think the career is pretty much over,” said Albers, who turned 38-years-old on October 6. “I was able to get the arm going for a couple of tournaments with the national team.

“Unfortunately after those tournaments, I was a little bit sore. I kind of figured it was probably about time to hang them up. It seemed like kind of a logical progression kind of going through it.

“Some opportunities came up with Going Yard here and then with the (Western Canadian Baseball League’s Saskatoon) Berries. It definitely seemed like good opportunities for me to kind stay in the game, and hopefully, pass on some knowledge that I’ve gained over the years.”

With that, Albers decided to leave his playing days behind and focus on becoming a full-time coach. During the off-seasons in the later part of his career, Albers sharpened his craft at the Going Yard Training Centre, which ultimately led to him helping coach all the other pitchers at Going Yard. He also got out fairly frequently to help out players coming up in province’s minor baseball system in various training sessions.

Andrew Albers, left, enjoys working with player at Going Yard.

On October 12, Going Yard announced Albers had come on board as a full-time coach. Before that announcement, the Berries announced on September 12 that Albers joined the club as a pitching coach on head coach Joe Carnahan’s staff as the club embarks on its inaugural campaign in 2024 playing home games out of Cairns Field.

Albers found he always enjoyed helping young players, so he was thankful to get the coaching opportunities with Going Yard and the Berries.

“I think the best thing is just working with the kids,” said Albers, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 200 pounds. “You’re trying to work with kids who are trying to realize their own personal dreams going through this game.

“Just seeing them progress. If you can give them a tip here or there that you hope helps them progress in their journey, I think that is the rewarding part about coaching in general. That is kind of why you do it.

“You try to have an impact on some kids. If you can manage to do that with a few of them, you feel like you’ve done a decent job.”

Albers said the crew at Going Yard had planted the idea in his head about coming on board in a full-time capacity when his playing days were done. The North Battleford, Sask., product felt like he found a home at Going Yard and at the facilities on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds.

“Jordan (Draeger) had talked to me a couple of the past off-seasons, when the baseball season was over or the baseball career was over to talk to him about it,” said Albers. “You know, it was an opportunity where it just seemed kind of natural.

“Having been here the last couple of years kind of working out in the facility with the kids and hanging around them and things like that, it was a place I felt comfortable coming and being apart of. I know Jordan (Draeger), Matty (Kosteniuk) and Marshall (Dean), they’ve done a great job here developing the brand. I feel like they do things the right way and do a great job with their kids teaching the game of baseball.

Andrew Albers will work the Berries as a pitching coach.

“Again, it was a pretty comfortable transition, and I felt good about doing it.”

Albers said the opportunity to join the Berries was a cool surprise. Way back in 2004, he played with Saskatoon’s previous WCBL team, the Yellow Jackets, when the circuit was known as the Western Major Baseball League. 

Still, he wasn’t sure what the Berries’ plans were.

“That one wasn’t quite as clear cut,” said Albers. “(President of Baseball Operations) Steve (Hildebrand) approached me when he had mentioned that they were bringing the team back here and asked if I might be interested in helping out in some way shape or form.

“I was more than happy to be apart of that. The coaching side seemed logical and seemed like a pretty obvious progression. Obviously, Joe (Carnahan) is going to be the manager there, and he has a great background with that league being a player and former coach that has won it both ways.

“It is going to be exciting working with him. Certainly, the ownership group that is behind them it is going to be a lot of fun. From my own personal standpoint, getting to work a little bit higher level with college players, collegiate players coming over and playing in that league, I’m looking forward to that as well.”

While Albers has transitioned to the coaching side of his baseball life, he admits his competitive side left him feeling he wanted to obtain more accomplishments in his playing career like staying in the MLB a little bit longer.

After taking time to look at things from a different lens, Albers will leave behind his playing days with no regrets.

“You always felt like you could have done a little bit better,” said Albers.“When I look back on it objectively and think about what I had from a talent standpoint and the gifts that I had, I do feel like I overachieved, so at the end of the day, I feel pretty content with the career I had.

Andrew Albers, right, grins at something a player tells him.

“I was very fortunate. I got to do it a lot longer than most guys and got to meet a lot of great people and had a lot of great experiences a long the way. As far as that goes, you get paid to play a game.

“I was fortunate to do it for about 15 years. It doesn’t really get much better than that at the end of the day. Am I content? Sure. Would I have wanted more? Absolutely.”

For more information on the Going Yard Training Centre, feel free to check out their website at www.gyba.ca. For more information on the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Club, feel free to check out their website at www.saskatoonberriesbaseballclub.ca.

Photo roundup features record day and championship chases

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Riece Kack makes a record breaking sixth sack in a CJFL game.

History was made at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on October 29.

On that day, the venerable Saskatoon Hilltops were playing host to the St. Clair Saints in a CJFL semifinal contest. The Hilltops entered that contest as PFC champions, while the Saints were champions of the OFC.

The host side claimed the contest 43-0 with Hilltops defensive end Riece Kack stealing the show. The 21-year-old would pile up six quarterback sacks to break a longstanding record for most sacks in a CJFL playoff game.

The old record of five sacks was set by Roger Rourke of the Richmond Raiders on October 12, 1985. On top of setting a new record for CJFL playoff contest, Kack, who was named the defensive player of the game in the win over the Saints, actually recorded the most sacks in any CJFL contest be it the regular season, playoffs or the CJFL championship game.

The CJFL record for most sacks in a regular season game is five, which had been achieved on six occasions. Ron Zammit of the Hamilton Hurricanes was the first to record five sacks in a CJFL regular season game on October 2, 1982 and Evan Foster of the Langley Rams was the last to pull of that feat on September 9, 2012.

Tyler Eckert of the Langley Rams recorded the most sacks in a CJFL championship at 3.5 coming in his squad’s 37-0 victory over the Beefeaters in London, Ont., in the Canadian Bowl played on December 4, 2021.

Riece Kack celebrates getting a CJFL record sixth sack in one game.

The lead photo of our photo roundup is a picture of Kack getting his record sixth sack in that game against the Saints. The second photo of the photo roundup is Kack celebrating the fact he got his CJFL record. Announcements were made at the game after Kack got his record equaling and record setting sacks.

That CJFL semifinal contest was the Hilltops final home game for 2023. They will play in the CJFL championship game – the Canadian Bowl – on Saturday against the Westshore Rebels in Langford, B.C., which is a suburb of Victoria.

Over the past 31 days, the championship chase on the football fields was in full sprint with most of those chases coming to conclusion in recent days. Action at Saskatoon Minor Football Field will wrap up on Remembrance Day, Saturday at 1 p.m. with the SHSAA’s 6A football provincial championship game between the Holy Cross High School Crusaders and the two-time defending champion Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders.

The photos in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds and are heavily weighted to the championship chases in football, with a few other surprises sprinkled in. In this photo roundup, the majority of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 16 shots we hope you enjoy.

Cool new temporary look

When the YXE First Responders Fitness Festival comes to our grounds, the turf field at the Indoor Training Centre gets a new look. These cool looking obstacles were set up on the first day of this year’s festival on October 14. A big thanks to the YXE First Responders Fitness Festival for these two photos.

Ball knocked free

A defender from the Titans knocks the ball loss from a Prince Albert River Riders quarterback during a KFL game on October 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football, the KFL has been a staple in Saskatoon’s sport scene since 1968.

Off to the races

The 5 on 5 NFL Youth Flag Football overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football flooded on to seemingly every field and diamond on October 21. In this contest played on one of the Glenn Reeve Fields, a member of the Falcons jets downfield pursued by a number of players from the Dolphins.

All in the family

When the CJFL’s Saskatoon Hilltops won PFC championship on October 22 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, families all took part in getting pictures with the championship trophy including family members on the team. This picture includes from left, offensive line coach Donnie Davidsen, quarterback Trey Reider, running back Boston Davidsen and offensive coordinator Shane Reider. Donnie and Shane are brother in-laws making Boston and Trey cousins.

Focusing on form

A pitcher from the Going Yard Training Centre works on his throwing form during a drill in a practice session at the Indoor Training Centre on October 26. Activity at the Indoor Training Centre is picking up rapidly as athletes from outdoor sports held in the spring, summer and fall are already start preparing for action in 2024.

Running to daylight

Running back Dorian Bemis of the Holy Cross High School Crusaders creases the Walter Murray Collegiate Marauders for a long run in an SSSAD 6A city semifinal on October 26 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Crusaders took the semifinal 46-1 in their post-season run to the SHSAA championship game.

I’m going to get it

Bethlehem Catholic High School Stars defensive back Brett Slusar (#18) disrupts a pass intended for Evan Hardy Collegiate Souls receiver Jordan Brown at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on October 27. Slusar ended up knocking the ball back to himself for an interception. The Stars claimed the SSSAD’s Division II Bowl in snowy conditions 29-21.

Let it snow

The Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears faced off with the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints in the SSSAD’s 5A football city final on October 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football. The game was played mainly in snowy conditions with the intensity picking up quite a bit near the end of the first half. The snow cleared in the second half as the Bears claimed a 41-14 victory.

All smiles for the Sparks

The Sparks were all smiles on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field after winning the inaugural championship of the Toon Squad League, which is overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football. The Sparks prevailed over the Mystics in overtime to win the title. A big thanks to Saskatoon Minor Football for this photo.

Blackburn collects another big play

Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears receiver Brady Blackburn can make a highlight video from the huge number of big plays he has made this season. On November 4 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Blackburn makes another big play here as the Bears downed the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings 49-9 in an SHSAA 5A provincial football semifinal.

“Air Martensville”

A quarterback from the Martensville Maddogs fires a pass downfield during the championship game of the KFL’s Hilltops Division on November 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In a barnburner of a contest, the Maddogs fell 68-64 to the Steelers.

Human joystick

This Steelers quarterback made all sorts of plays with his legs during championship game of the KFL’s Hilltops Division on November 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. With the elusive signal caller at the controls, the Steelers just slipped past the Martensville Maddogs in an offensive shootout 68-64.

Hard earned Raiders run

A running back from the Raiders wearing #32 rumbles through defensive players from the Titans during the championship game of the KFL’s Huskies Division on November 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Raiders ultimately doubled up the Titans 28-14 to take the title.

Trophy time for the “silver and black”

Members of the Raiders begin celebrating with the championships trophy after the team won the title of the KFL’s Huskies Division on November 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Raiders downed the Titans 28-14 in the championship contest.

Lipinski Award goes to Mareschal

Leo Mareschal, left, got to enjoy a memorable moment with his wife Ellen. On November 8 at the main hall in the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building, Leo Mareschal was presented the Darren Lipinski Memorial Award by the Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association for his outstanding contribution to softball in Saskatoon. He has umpired for 48 years and has taken on numerous roles to make umpire work happen in the city.

Bears’ Grabowski brings throwback approach to football

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Mason Grabowski motors downfield for the Bears.

When you ask Mason Grabowski about what his strengths are as a football player, he sounds like a throwback to an era when George Reed, Jim Brown and Mike Ditka rumbled down the field.

“I’m strong, physical, fast and I like to like punish people,” said Grabowski.

The Grade 12 running back, receiver and punter for the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears Football Team has developed into one of the province’s best high school players. He helped Saskatchewan reach the gold medal game of the Football Canada Cup held this past July in Edmonton, Alta.

The gold medal game between Saskatchewan and Quebec was ultimately not played due to air quality concerns caused by the smoke from forest fires from B.C. and Alberta. On August 4, Football Canada declared Saskatchewan and Quebec would receive gold medals as co-champions of the event.

With all that noted, Grabowski’s words of sounding like a physical throwback are backed up by his Bears head coach in Justin Loshack.

“He (Grabowski) is a warrior,” said Loshack. “He has been playing through some injuries too.

“He is just honestly getting better every week and healthier every week. He just brings a physical dimension to our game that you don’t see very often in high school.”

The 17-year-old Grabowski said he has loved the game for pretty much as long as he can remember. The love for the sport was passed down through his family.

“On my dad’s side of the family, they’re just like big football fans,” said Grabowski, who stands 6-feet and weighs 190 pounds. “My dad played.

Mason Grabowski makes an acrobatic catch for the Bears.

“We’re all big (Saskatchewan) Roughriders fans. It is all what I grew up with. I started playing since when I was young and just kept with it.”

Grabowski started out playing flag football under programs offered by Saskatoon Minor Football and progressed to suiting up to play tackle in the Kinsmen Football League making him a frequent visitor to Saskatoon Minor Football Field. He said his father, Trevor, who played for the 1986 CJFL champion Regina Rams, was his biggest influence in helping him out in the sport. The Rams joined the U Sports ranks in 1999.

“He (Trevor) has just been around the game,” said Grabowski. “He can help me.

“He tells me what to do better.”

Going into Grade 9 in 2020, Grabowski didn’t get to participate in any type of high school football game action as the SSSAD didn’t hold any competitions during the 2020-21 school year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that had gripped the world. Shutdowns and restrictions were in place in various areas of life at that point in time.

Full high school football action returned to the province in 2021, and Grabowski found himself on the Bears senior team playing safety, receiver and a little bit of running back. He discovered playing at the high school level was a bit of an adjustment, but elected to rely on playing the game how he knew best.

“Coming into Grade 10, everyone was so big,” said Grabowski. “I’ve been physical all my life and just fast, and I let my physical play be just how I play.”

Loshack said Grabowski has been outstanding on and off the field during the years he has played for the Bears. The sideline boss has noticed his young star player has taken more of a leadership role as a Grade 12 senior.

“He (Grabowski) has always been good,” said Loshack. “His play on the field has never changed.

Mason Grabowski (#11) enjoys the physical part of football.

“He played in Grade 10 and played in Grade 11 and again this year. His leadership this year, you can tell as a Grade 12 he has grown into that for sure right from the start of the year. His leading by example has been huge for us.”

Loshack said Grabowski has benefitted from playing in SMF’s North Sask Academy League in the spring and with Football Saskatchewan’s provincial team program in the summer.

“I think it has helped for sure,” said Loshack. “Football is becoming the next hockey kind of thing.

“There is opportunity to play a whole lot more, and it has helped players for sure. I would say for Mason (Grabowski) this year the challenging thing has been the way he plays. His body takes a beating.

“We’ve been trying to manage some of those things too. I think he is getting healthier and healthier. The way he plays he’s always going to give it all that he has, and he takes some beatings because of that for sure.”

Looking back at this past summer, Grabowski said he was disappointed the gold medal game of the Football Canada Cup was called off. He believes his Saskatchewan side would have beaten Quebec in the title game.

So far during his final high school season, Grabowski has helped the Bears start 5-0. He said he doing everything he can to help the Bears win a provincial title.

“That has been our goal all year,” said Grabowski. “It has been our goal since Grade 10.

“Every game that I’m playing, I just want to leave everything I have out on the field.”

When it comes to playing at the post-secondary level, Grabowski said he has been talking to some Canadian universities, but he hasn’t made any commitments about where he might potentially play.

Loshack believes Grabowski could have a lengthy playing career in the future that extends to the professional level.

Mason Grabowski battles his way through a pack of defenders.

“At the next level, I see him to continue the way he did in high school which is to make a team impact right away and work his way into a dominant player at the next level,” said Loshack. “To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if five years or six years from now you see him two levels beyond high school.”

Grabowski isn’t looking that far ahead and is focused on doing the best in the season he is playing in right now for the Bears. With that noted, he is pleased to know he will have the chance to continue playing the sport beyond high school.

“It is good knowing I’m going to keep growing as a football player and just keep playing at the next level,” said Grabowski.“I just want to keep playing and keep balling out and keep winning.”

Football rock ’n’ rolls most of latest photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Stars celebrate an overtime victory on September 28.

It is the football season’s time to shine, and that sport is delivering its annual thrills during the fall months.

When the fall months come, Saskatoon Minor Football Field becomes the centre of attention on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds. High school football overseen by the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate is motoring on at warp speed.

The high school Welcome Week games were held on September 14 and 15 and students from all of Saskatoon’s high schools poured into SMF Field to create a vibrant atmosphere. Photos from high school football contests commonly make up our most viewed posts on our Instagram and Facebook social media lines.

The lead picture for our photo roundup comes from a feel-good moment from the high school football scene. It shows the Bethlehem Catholic High School Stars celebrating their 25-22 overtime victory against their neighbours in the Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers on September 28.

Defensive back Brett Sulsar made an interception on the final play of the game to preserve the Stars first win after having gotten out to an 0-3 start. The sight of the Stars players celebrating a win after stumbling out of the gates was priceless.

Football happened on multiple fronts, and we weren’t able to get to all the action. Images from Saskatoon Hilltops, and Saskatoon Minor Football’s Toon Squad and Saskatoon Fate (Female Athletes Tackling Excellence) programs were able to get into the roundup.

While football is the main sport of focus in the fall, there were check ins on softball and track and field.

These photos in this photo roundup capture some of the memories that are made on our grounds. In this photo roundup, all of these pictures were taken by our Communications Coordinator in Darren Steinke.

Without further ado, here is a selection of 16 shots we hope you enjoy.

All-out effort

Centre-fielder Rachel Siwak of the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Program shows she can get to anything. She makes a running and diving catch here in a Western Collegiate Softball Association game on September 10 at Bob Van Impe Stadium.

Homer happiness

Members of the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Program meet hitter Makenna Pilbeam at home plate after she nailed a home run during a Western Collegiate Softball Association game on September 10 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The U of S Softball squad started out 1-5 but rebounded to finish the 2023 campaign with an 18-11 overall record. It was great year for the team, which has a very youthful roster.

Aden Bowman faces in the crowd

At least a trio of Aden Bowman Collegiate students ensured they had fun with the picture taker during the SSSAD’s Welcome Week action on September 15 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Aden Bowman crew had lots to be happy about on this day as their Bears downed the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints 27-7.

Holy Cross show

The students from Holy Cross High School put on a show cheering on their Crusaders football team during the SSSAD’s Welcome Week action on September 15 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Crusaders supporters had a joyful night as their squad downed the St. Joseph High School Guardians 22-13.

Perfecting form

Dean Bertoia, who is the throws coach for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Track and Field teams, assesses the technique of one of the athletes from the women’s squad during a practice at the Track and Field Track on September 20. The Huskies make good use of the Track and Field Track before moving indoors for the winter months.

Getting the right stride

A sprinter from the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Men’s Track and Field teams works on getting his stride in correct form during a practice on September 20 at the Track and Field Track. The Huskies enjoy getting outdoor practice sessions in during the fall before winter comes.

Bringing the heat

A pass rusher closes in on a quarterback during action in Saskatoon Minor Football’s Toon Squad League on September 25 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Toon Squad League is SMF’s new five-on-five flag football circuit that runs in the fall.

Saskatoon Fate creates new opportunities

A tackler makes a stop on a running back during the first day of game action for the Saskatoon Fate (Female Athletes Tackling Excellence) program operated by Saskatoon Minor Football. The program allows female high school students to get the opportunity and experience to play tackle football. The games are played in six-a-side format allowing players more opportunities to get repetitions.

Rider Pride at End Zone Dinner

Long snapper Jorgen Hus, left, and linebacker Derrick Moncrief from the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders answer questions during a question and answer session at the Saskatoon Hilltops End Zone Dinner held in the main hall at the Gordie Howe Sports Centre building on September 30. Hus is also a Hilltops alumnus. Roughriders alums Al Johns and Carm Carteri also took part in a question and answer session. Johns was also a Hilltops alumnus.

Charging into action

The Saskatoon Hilltops storm on to the turf at Saskatoon Minor Football Field on September 30 to take on their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder. In a contest that was played in a steady rain, the Hilltops downed the Thunder 19-10.

Braving the elements

Hearty spectators withstand a steady rain from the west side stands at Saskatoon Minor Football Field taking in a CJFL rivalry clash between the Saskatoon Hilltops and Regina Thunder. The Hilltops prevailed in the elements downing the Thunder 19-10.

He could go all the way

Brady Blackburn jets to the end zone for the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears in an SSSAD regular season football game on October 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Blackburn had a spectacular game helping the Bears down the Holy Cross High School Crusaders 29-20 in a battle between two teams that entered their head-to-head clash with 4-0 records.

Big moment TD excitement

Mason Grabowski (#11) and Brady Blackburn (#9) celebrate Blackburn’s late fourth quarter TD catch for the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears on October 5 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Blackburn’s score cemented a 29-20 victory over the Holy Cross High School Crusaders in an SSSAD football clash between two squads who had identical 4-0 records coming into the contest.

Hard earned yards

Walter Murray Collegiate Marauders running back Kasiah Fountaine tried to work his way out of the grasp of a couple of Evan Hardy Collegiate Souls tacklers in an SSSAD regular season football game on October 6 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In a defensive battle, the Marauders got enough offence to pull out a 15-3 victory.

Hilltops honour grads

Defensive back Wade Keating, centre, makes the walk to the playing surface of Saskatoon Minor Football Field with his mother, Teresa, and father, Peter, on October 8. For lengthy number of years, the Hilltops honour their graduating players at their final home regular season game where they walk to the field with their parents or guardians.

Corralling the deep catch

Saskatoon Hilltops receiver Drake Douglas, left, wins a battle for a deep ball against Winnipeg Rifles defensive back Keyshawn Gaskin during a CJFL regular season contest on October 8 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Douglas made a 49-yard gain on this play helping the Hilltops post a 39-1 victory to finish the CJFL regular season with an 8-0 record.