By Gordie
Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex
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| A group of offensive linemen set a block at an ISF session. |
It was
officially born on May 10, 2024, and it was created by Saskatoon Minor Football
in partnership with the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre and Ignite
Athletics. The Institute of Saskatchewan Football (ISF) is a fully accredited
academic program that allows students to further develop their football skills
during the winter semester through the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre.
It is open
for high school students in Grades 10 to 12, and those who take part in the
program get high school credits for playing football, training and the
leadership component. The Institute focuses on academics, skill development,
tactical understanding, physical conditioning, sportsmanship and character
building, college and university opportunities, personal growth, competition
and exposure, injury prevention and safety and enjoyment of the game.
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| Mikenzie McLane (#10) and Addison Zakowski compete in a drill. |
The lead
photo of our photo roundup sees a group of offensive linemen go through a
blocking scheme in a walk through. The second picture sees receiver Mikenzie
McLane getting inside position on defensive back Addison Zakowski to make a catch
in a one-on-one flag football drill.
The third
shot shows defensive lineman Preston Epp exploding out of his stance during a
defensive team scheme walk through.
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| Preston Epp launches into action during an ISF session. |
Along with the pictures from the Institute of Saskatchewan
Football, this photo roundup shows the close out of activity on the ski trails.
Due to the consistent mix of melting followed by new snowfalls in recent weeks,
action at the Indoor Training Centre continues to stay in high gear as winter
itself seems intent to work overtime. The photo roundup has images from
baseball, football and softball.
The
pictures 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 15 shots we hope you enjoy.
Eye
on the ball
Catcher Aiden Kilshaw tracks a ball coming into his glove during a Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy training session on March 11 at the Indoor Training Centre. Kilshaw is an elite-level player who was catching pitches off a pitching machine for an extra challenge. He played for the Saskatoon Cubs SPBL Under-18 AAA championship team last season and will return to the Cubs this coming season. Kilshaw will also be an affiliate player with the Berries WCBL team.
Ready, set, go
A group of young skiers take off on a short sprint on the trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields on March 15. Child and junior aged skiers were taking part in a host of fun activities organized by the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club.
One last Sunday fun day for
skiers
The members of the Saskatoon Nordic Ski Club came out in droves to enjoy the trails that run across the Glenn Reeve Fields for one last fun Sunday on March 15. The skiers embraced being out on the trails for what would be the last Sunday of the 2025-26 winter season.
Coming right at you
A hitter drives a ball into a net on March 18 at the Indoor Training Centre as part of a session from Keith Mackintosh’s Hitting Series offered via the 222’s Fastpitch program. The athletes in this session focused on perfecting various details in the skill of hitting working off tees.
Fun with fundamentals
A couple of young players work on some infielding fundamentals during a night time Going Yard Baseball Academy session on March 19 at the Indoor Training Centre. During these sessions, Going Yard usually has their child aged player cycling through a group of three or four stations to help build various skills.
Firing a relay to first
A second baseman from the Saskatoon Giants Under-18 AAA team fires a relay toss to first base during a training session on March 22 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Giants fell in a semifinal in last year’s 18U AAA Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League Provincial Championship tournament held at Cairns Field and Leakos Field. They will be looking to turn heads again in the upcoming 2026 campaign.
Bunt and run with a smile
A hitter with the Saskatoon Cubs Under-18 AAA team lays down a bunt before taking off on a run with a smile during a practice session on March 25 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Cubs are continuing to gear up for the upcoming Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League season in search of a second straight provincial title.
Getting those knees high
Running back Lucas Hawley works on getting his knees high running over a series of pads during a drill at an Institute of Saskatchewan Football practice session on March 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. Hawley is sharpening his skills with the development opportunities offered by the Institute.
Going long
Kacie Semkiw fires a pass deep downfield during a flag football scrimmage during an Institute of Saskatchewan Football practice session on March 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. While she is regularly a receiver, Semkiw got in repetitions to see what she could do from the quarterback position.
“Himey” coaches them up
Scott “Himey” Hundseth, right, instructs a group of players during an Institute of Saskatchewan Football practice session on March 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. Hundseth, who was the long-time head coach of the Holy Cross High School Crusaders Football Team and is still the squad’s defensive coordinator, is one of the many high-quality teachers/coaches with the Institute.
Zerr on the run
Noah Zerr takes off on a sprint during a workout session for a group of professional football players on March 26 at the Indoor Training Centre. An offensive linemen, Zerr was a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders 2025 Grey Cup championship winning team. He is also an alum of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team.
Gunning the ball to second
A catcher is all set before firing off a throw to second base on April 2 at the Indoor Training Centre. The catcher was taking part in the Erin Cumpstone Catching Series offered by the 222’s Fastpitch program. During this session, catchers were focused on making throws to second base looking to catch base stealers.
Slick toss
A young pitcher delivers an off-speed pitch to home plate during a training session on April 2 at the Indoor Training Centre. The pitcher was taking part in the Dean Holoien Pitching Series offered by the 222’s Fastpitch program. Pitchers were working on smoothing out mechanics on various throws.
Here comes the boom
A young player nails a tackling bag during the second day of the Playground To Pros camp, which is run by Saskatoon Minor Football, on April 8 at the Indoor Training Centre. The Easter time camp helps develop skills and fundamentals at the grassroots level.
Coach Ferland gives praise
Guest coach Logan Ferland gives a young player a “five” and praise after the player did well in a drill at the Playground To Pros camp, which is run by Saskatoon Minor Football, on April 8 at the Indoor Training Centre. Ferland is one of the star offensive linemen with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders and was one of the many guest coaches at the camp from the professional ranks. He can play every offensive line position and is best known for his work at the centre spot.
