Schnitzler’s football journey settles into coaching stage

Crusaders HC enjoyed playing CJFL, U Sports and CFL

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

HC Tom Schnitzler addresses his Crusaders after a game last season.

Tom Schnitzler’s football life has been a full circle Saskatoon story.

After playing high school football with the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints winning provincial titles in 2011 and 2012, Schnitzler moved on to play five seasons in the CJFL with the storied Saskatoon Hilltops from 2013 to 2017 winning four straight CJFL championships with the club from 2014 to 2017. Following his time with the Hilltops, the star defensive lineman and standout long snapper moved on to play for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds Football Team in 2018 and 2019.

He went on to be selected in the eighth round and 72^nd overall in the 2020 CFL Draft by the Hamilton Tigers-Cats. Schnitzler played the 2021 campaign with the Tiger-Cats as they moved on and fell 33-25 in overtime to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at home in the Grey Cup. Following the 2021 campaign, Schnitzler suited up for the Calgary Stampeders in 2022 moving over to play full back on offence.

His time in the CFL concluded after the 2022 campaign. Schnitzler got on to the staff at Holy Cross High School and became the offensive coordinator for the Crusaders Football Team in 2023. When the team’s head coach and all-time coaching great in Scott Hundseth retired from teaching, Schnitzler took on the role of Crusaders head coach, while Hundseth remained to be the squad’s defensive coordinator.

After guiding the Crusaders to their seventh provincial title last season, Schnitzler settled into the start of his third campaign as the team’s head coach.

“I loved playing the game,” said Schnitzler. “Playing high school at BGM (Bishop James Mahoney High School) was a lot of fun.

“Playing high school football and seeing all the time and effort that the coaches put in and gave to us really meant a lot. It just kind of made me want to get back into coaching and kind of give back to the kids. Playing Hilltops and UBC and a few years in the CFL, I feel like I have a lot to give back, and I want to repay what those coaches gave me.

“I guess in a way it is full circle. I really enjoy doing it. It is fun to still be involved with the game.”

On top of being part of the football scene in Saskatoon, Schnitzler’s football life keeps bringing him back to Saskatoon Minor Football Field on the grounds of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex. 

He played high school and CJFL games at SMF Field. On the coaching front, Schnitzler has coached high school and with Saskatoon Minor Football programs like academy league teams at SMF Field.

Tom Schnitzler scores a TD for the Hilltops on August 29, 2015.

While it has only been four years since he dressed for the Stampeders, Schnitzler is starting to feel the distance from his playing days, especially his days in high school and the CJFL. He chuckled at the memory of scoring a touchdown on a fumble return for the Hilltops in a 65-9 regular season win over the Winnipeg Rifles at SMF Field on August 30, 2015 noting that happened 11 years ago.

“You know what, it is crazy to think about,” said Schnitzler, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighed 235 pounds in his playing days. “There are kids in Grade 9 now, and they’re born in, you know, 2012 or whatever.

“I played Hilltops in 2013. It is kind of crazy to think about it. It didn’t seem that long ago, and then you know when you look back, I guess it is quite some time ago.

“(There are) lots of great memories. I met a lot of my best friends playing there and had good experiences. A touchdown, I got pretty fortunate with a few plays there for sure.”

Schnitzler said it was always in the back of his mind that he would coach football once his playing days were done. He said that idea took root after playing for the Saints with Kirby Frey serving as the team’s head coach.

“He (Frey) did an awesome job,” said Schnitzler. “They had a great staff there.

“It was a lot of fun. I’ve just seen the work they put in for us, but not only that, how much fun they had as a staff. It really made us all want to give back.

“I think a lot of the people on that team, my high school, ended up coaching at some point after. They (the Saints coaches) just set a really good example for us.”

With the Hilltops, Schnitzler played under that team’s iconic head coach in Tom Sargeant. Sargeant entered the 2026 CJFL campaign with 254 career wins combined from CJFL regular season and post-season play. Including play in the CJFL, U Sports football and the CFL, the only person with more career head coaching wins than Sargeant is Wally Buono with 305 victories combined in the CFL regular season and post-season.

“Obviously Sergeant, you can look at his accolades,” said Schnitzler. “He is the best junior coach that has ever done it.

HC Tom Schnitzler, left, gives instructions to his players.

“You pick up a tonne just routine, discipline and togetherness as a team. He is hard on us, but he has got our backs. If we work hard for him, he is going to battle for us.”

When he suited up for the Thunderbirds, Schnitzler played for head coach Blake Nill, who built a legendary career in U Sports. Nill guided the Thunderbirds to a U Sports championship in 2015 and the Saint Mary’s University Huskies Football Team to U Sports title wins in 2001 and 2002.

“He (Nill) is going to tell you what to do and how to do it right,” said Schnitzler. “The expectations are there.

“I guess it is no different for me now. I take that here is the standard and here are the expectations. That is how I want the kids to perform.”

Schnitzler added he learned from both Sargeant and Nill to lean on his team’s leaders. The Holy Cross sideline boss looks for his Grade 12 seniors and high-end Grade 11 players to lead the way.

One spot where Schnitzler was really proud of his players came after the Crusaders downed Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders 21-16 in the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association’s 6A Championship Game on November 7, 2025 at SMF Field. After receiving the championship trophy, the Crusaders captains gave it to Hundseth to allow him to be the first to raise it.

Before that championship win, the Crusaders had lost their previous 10 straight appearances in a provincial final with a number of those setbacks coming in heartbreaking style. Hundseth was the Crusaders head coach of the last nine of those 10 straight losses.

“Coach Hundseth is arguably the best high school football coach Saskatchewan has seen in recent history,” said Schnitzler. “He has been here for 16-to-17 years as the head coach, and he has built this program to what it is today, set the standard high and kept it high.

“I kind of walked into a program that was already ready to roll. I didn’t have to do a whole lot as far as build it. It is already there.

“I think we just had the right mix of players and coaches working together. It (the provincial title win) was for him, so it is really good to see the kids do that. It is well deserved for him.”

Looking towards the future, Schnitzler plans to be coaching the Crusaders for the long term. When players graduate from his team, Schnitzler hopes they become better all-around persons.

“Just the programs I’ve been at with my experience with Hilltops under Tom Sargeant and playing some U Sports, I feel like I can give the kids some guidance as far as expectations and the level and standard we set at this program,” said Schnitzler. “I feel like it will serve them well in the future whether they’re playing football after their Grade 12 year or not.

Tom Schnitzler, right of trophy, enjoys a provincial title win.

“We’re trying to build character and build hard-working young men. It is fun to see those guys move on. It is awesome that a lot of those guys are staying home and playing Hilltops or even (University of Saskatchewan) Huskies.

“We want to keep sending more kids there. It is fun to see.”

To see the 2026 schedule for high school football, check out the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletics Directorate site at sssad.net/schedule/.

Aden Bowman’s Regier, Wildeman finish final high school track foray

Both set to join U of Saskatchewan Huskies program in fall

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Sam Regier takes part in pole vault at the SSSAD championships.

For track and field athletes Sam Regier and Charlotte Wildeman, there is no place like home.

The two Saskatoon Track and Field Club members are finishing up their Grade 12 studies at Aden Bowman Collegiate, and they just concluded their high school chapters of their track and field lives. Both have committed to joining the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Track and Field program overseen by head coach Jason Reindl in the fall.

For Regier, he has found joy in the sport again after missing pretty much all of his Grade 11 year with a hamstring injury. During that Grade 11 season, he suffered the injury early in the indoor season and was out for the entire school season, club season and outdoor season. After getting his Grade 12 season in, Regier wanted to continue his track and field life and a door opened to join the Huskies.

“After the injury, I’ve fallen again in love with the sport, and I was enjoying it so much so that I wanted to move forth with it as well,” said Regier, who is set to study in the kinesiology program at U of S. “I talked to Jason (Reindl) about it, and he was happy to take me in.

“(I am) super, super pumped about it. It will be great.”

Wildeman always had an underlying desire to join the Huskies. She was thrilled to have the chance to join her hometown university program.

“I always thought about going post-secondary, but I never knew exactly where I wanted to go,” said Wildeman, who is slated to study at the Edwards School of Business at U of S. “I knew the Huskies had always felt like home, because you grow up with them.

“You see the community and you see just how like intertwined everyone is and especially seeing like other teams come in. They are great teams from other provinces, but no one has the bond that the Huskies have. I think I knew probably around - it was definitely the start of Grade 12 - that I knew that is where I wanted to go.

“I had known a lot of the coaches. I had made my decision definitely the start of Grade 12 or midway going through it.”

During his final high school season, Regier soaked in everything like it was a blessing. 

Charlotte Wildeman won four high school provincial titles in pole vault.

At the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate’s Bob Adams City Track and Field Championship that ran May 27 to 28 at the Track and Field Track on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds, the 18-year-old captured gold in the senior boys’ 100-metre hurdles and silver in the shot put and pole vault.

At the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association Track and Field Championships that ran June 5 to 6 at the Track and Field Track, Regier picked up a pair of silver medals. He took second in the senior boys’ pole vault with a vault of 4.15-metres and second in the 100-metre hurdles with a time of 13.93 seconds.

“I’ve got a new appreciation for every time I get to compete,” said Regier, who stands 6-foot-1. “I’m pretty lucky I get to compete in these races, get the opportunity and just enjoy myself while I’m doing it.

“It (the injury) was really tough. All my life, I’ve been super active and losing that part of myself I guess it was a year, but it felt like eternity. It is crazy to think how much all these sports are a part of my life and how much I take for granted the healthy body I have.”

In her final appearance at the SSSAD’s Bob Adams City Track and Field Championship, Wildeman claimed gold in the senior girls’ pole vault and 80-metre hurdles and took home bronze in the long jump. At the SHSAA’s Track and Field Championships, she captured silver in the senior girls’ 80-metre hurdles in a time of 12.19 seconds.

Wildeman’s biggest highlight came when she took home gold in the pole vault with a vault of 3.00 metres. That marked the fourth straight year that Wildeman won a gold medal in pole vault at a Saskatchewan high school provincial championship meet. The victory gave Wildeman a special conclusion to her high school career.

“It came way faster than I expected,” said Wildeman, who stands 5-foot-5. “I have looked back on my four years, and it is just, it is insane.

“I’ve accomplished so much. I’m in awe of all that has happened and how fast it has gone.”

Regier enjoys how supportive everyone in Saskatoon’s track and field community is towards each other. He started in the sport taking part in track days in elementary school competing in middle distance running events, while growing up playing soccer.

Sam Regier runs the 100-metre hurdles at the SSSAD championships.

In Grade nine, he joined the Saskatoon Track and Field Club, and at his father’s urging, tried pole vault. Regier’s grandfather, Max Abraham, won the senior boys’ SHSAA provincial title way back in 1966. In June of 2024, Regier claimed gold in the junior boys’ pole vault in that year’s SHSAA Track and Field Championships held at the Track and Field Track.

He has enjoyed the atmosphere Saskatoon Track and Field Club head coach and Huskies assistant coach Ivan Tam has created with the team. Regier is aware that the atmosphere on the Huskies has been extremely positive too.

“It is an individual sport, but everyone, especially in Ivan’s group, everyone, they’re so lovely,” said Regier, who played for Aden Bowman’s volleyball program in all four of his high school years. “They take you in, and they’re so kind to you.

“It makes practices that much more enjoyable.”

Wildeman joined the Saskatoon Track and Field Club around the time when she was in Grade 6 and 7. Before taking up track and field, Wildeman had been a gymnast for the longest time, and she took about a couple of years off from sports before getting into track.

The standout said the thing she likes the most about the track and field in Saskatoon is the fact the community in the sport is so supportive. She is happy she will continue to be part of a positive atmosphere with the Huskies.

“The community is so awesome,” said Wildeman, who will turn 18-years-old before the midway point of June. “It is just like as much as it is an individual sport everyone is there for you.

“It is like no matter where you are, what event you’re doing, there is always a team cheering for you. As much as it is individual, that is definitely my favourite part.”

In looking towards the future, Regier said he is just going to enjoy being part of the Huskies on a daily basis and will see if more doors open in the sport in the future.

“I’d love to continue all throughout my university years,” said Regier. “I’m super excited to see what I can do, where I can go with this and what opportunities it’ll have for me.”

Charlotte Wildeman runs the 80-metre hurdles at SHSAA provincials.

When asked about how far she wants to go with the sport, Wildeman said she hadn’t looked too far ahead, but she is aware athletes from the Huskies have gone on to do special things in the sport. She just wants to take things as they come.

“I want to see what is in store for me,” said Wildeman. “Honestly, I don’t have a really great answer for that question.

“I’d like to take it as far as I can go.”

Berries home opener equals really great time in photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Josh Henson fires a ball to first base for a final out in a win on May 30.

The Saskatoon Berries regular season home opener has become a much-anticipated annual date on the calendar for the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.

In their two seasons of existence, the Berries have provided great baseball and a top-quality entertainment experience at the ballpark with their various in-game promotions. Cairns Field has hosted many perfect Berries baseball nights in 2024 and 2025. In both those campaigns, the Berries have advanced to the best-of-three WCBL’s East Division Championship Series and fell in a series-deciding Game 3 on both occasions.

Going into season number three in 2026, there is much anticipation about how much excitement Berries head coach Joe Carnahan and his players can deliver. After starting the WCBL regular season with two wins over the Beavers in Weyburn, the Berries opened their home schedule hosting the Beavers on May 30 at Cairns Field.

Joe Carnahan points out intructions to his players on May 30.

The Berries faithful, who are known as the Jam Fam, were treated to a back-and-forth battle that saw the Saskatoon side score one run in the bottom of the eighth to break a 6-6 tie and jump in front 7-6. That 7-6 score would stand up as the final outcome as the Berries retired the Beavers in order in the top of the ninth with three ground outs.

Our lead photo shows Berries third baseman Josh Henson firing a ball to first base for the game’s final out. Our second picture sees Carnahan pointing out instructions to his players in the Berries dugout. The third shot sees hometown right-handed pitching product and Saskatoon Cubs 18U AAA Team alum Colin Plain delivering a toss to home plate.

To add to the excitement of the 2026 campaign, the Berries will host the 2026 WCBL All-Star Weekend on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, which marks the first time that festivities around the circuit’s all-star game will run over two days. Festivities start at 4 p.m. on July 19 and include a bunt contest, a little league home run derby, a WCBL home run derby and a live concert by Jordyn Pollard. The WCBL All-Star Game is slated for 1 p.m. on July 19 and a post-game autograph session will follow.

Colin Plain fires a pitch to home plate on May 30.

Along with the pictures from the Berries, this photo roundup is finally flooded with images from the outdoor spring season after winter decided it wasn’t going to work overtime anymore. The photo roundup has pictures from a busy high school track and field season along with 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 20 shots we hope you enjoy.

Valkyries embrace bad weather

During their first home game of the 2026 WWCFL campaign on May 17 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Saskatoon Valkyries, who are the defending league champions, encountered numerous different weather conditions excluding sunny and hot ones. That is best seen here as Valkyries quarterback Julia Smith calls a play deep in her own end. The Valkyries blanked the visiting Winnipeg based Manitoba Fearless 7-0 on this day.

The return of Girolami

After taking a year off, Haley Girolami returned to the Saskatoon Valkyries. She returns a punt here for the Valkyries on May 17 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field in a 7-0 win over the Winnipeg based Manitoba Fearless. Girolami is already one of the Valkyries all-time greats, and her return gives a boost in the experience department to a roster that is fairly young.

Supreme focus on the deep ball

A receiver makes a catch on a deep pass during a Rush Female High School Flag Football league contest on May 18 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football, this circuit allows players to form teams with fellow students from their own high schools, and it creates another avenue for female players to experience the fun in football.

Breaking to the open field

A running back from Team Black attempts to motor past a pair of Team Blue defenders during a Varsity Academy league contest on May 20 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The circuit is overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football, and the league contains teams that are stacked with the best high school aged players from Saskatoon and the northern part of the province.

Special delivery

Saskatoon Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Dylan Pura sends an off-speed toss to home plate during his team’s Saskatchewan Premier Baseball League 18U AAA contest against the Sask 5 Marlins on May 21 at Leakos Field. In a back-and-forth encounter, the Diamondbacks had to score twice in the bottom of the seventh to pull out a 5-4 victory.

Taking flight

An athlete from Hague High School thrusts a shot into the field during a shot put competition as part of the Central Valley Athletic Conference’s track and field B meet on May 21 at the Track and Field Track. The event helped athletes from schools in communities surrounding Saskatoon gain experience in a live event setting.

Running into traffic

A ball carrier encountered opposition defenders during Six-A-Side Tackle Football Program action on May 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The ball carrier battled before going down as ultimately too many tacklers got involved in the play. This Saskatoon Minor Football program focuses on skill development and offers an introduction to the tackle version of the sport.

They’re off

A group of sprinters takes off at the start line during the first day of the SSSAD’s Bob Adams City Track and Field Championship started at the Track and Field Track on May 27. Athletes soak in the chance to represent the city’s various high schools at this meet.

Up and over

Sid Nuque of the Bethlehem Catholic High School Stars works to stay ahead in the boys 80-metre hurdles final of the SSSAD’s Bob Adams City Track and Field Championship held at the Track and Field Track on May 28. Nuque took the race in 11.64 seconds edging out Tariq Kalyar of the Marion M. Graham High School Falcons, who posted a time of 11.80 seconds.

Saint goes marching in

Bella Vasconez of the Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints had a golden day in the senior girls’ 3,000-metre race at the SSSAD’s Bob Adams City Track and Field Championship held at the Track and Field Track on May 28. She claimed top spot with a time of 11 minutes and 13.56 seconds. Vasconez would later finish second at the SHSAA Track and Field Championships on June 6, and that event was also held at the Track and Field Track.

Contact

Saskatoon Berries shortstop Nathan Houston drives ball into the outfield during his team’s 7-6 home opening win over the Weyburn Beavers on May 30 at Cairns Field. Houston is a Melville, Sask., product who played this past season with the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Baseball Team in the NCAA Division I ranks.

Running with Barry

Saskatoon Berries mascot Barry the Bear runs with a group of youngsters following the team’s 7-6 home opening win over the Weyburn Beavers on May 30 at Cairns Field. Since starting in 2024, one of the traditions the Berries have had at their games is allowing youngsters to run the bases at the end of the contest.

Home plate seating a hit

Saskatoon Berries fans, who are known as the Jam Fan, enjoy a new seating section that has been constructed behind home plate at Cairns Field. For the home opener pictured here on May 30, Berries fans in this section sat on fold up cushioned seats for one night only. Theatre style seats were installed for the team’s third home game on June 4.

Baseball nights are fun nights

A zoomed out view here of Cairns Field shows the new seating area behind home plate during the Saskatoon Berries 7-6 home opening win over the Weyburn Beavers on May 30. The upgrade makes Cairns Field feel that much more like a field of dreams.

Eye on the ball

A catcher with the Saskatoon Jacks men’s softball team tracks the ball into his glove during the first game of a Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association doubleheader against the Bruno Merchants on June 2 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. The Jacks would take both games of the double dip by scores of 10-1 and 9-2.

Taking flight

Addisyn Hansen of the Twin City Angels U17A team drives a shot into the outfield in a Saskatoon Amateur Softball Association contest on June 2 against the Saskatoon Shock on June 2 at Glenn Reeve Field #3. The Angels came away with an 8-1 victory on this night.

Reaching higher heights

Jackson Tuplin would hit a height of 4.30 metres to win the senior boys’ pole vault at the SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships on June 5 at the Track and Field Track. The Swift Current Comprehensive High School student had an outstanding showing at provincials. He would also claim first in the senior boys’ 100-metre hurdles and place second in the senior boys’ 200-metre race and the senior boys’ long jump.

Jetting down the home stretch

Rosie Braun hits the home stretch at full speed in a senior girls’ 200-metre final race at the SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships on June 6 at the Track and Field Track. The Valley Christian Academy Lions athlete would squeak out a tight first place finish in a time of 24.93 seconds. Braun also claimed silver in the senior girls’ 100-metre race.

Falcon flies high in high jump

Evan Lukash of the Marion M. Graham Collegiate Falcons had one of his most memorable days at the SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships on June 6 at the Track and Field Track. Lukash claimed gold in the senior boys’ high jump with a leap of 1.96 metres.

It is fun to be a cow

The second day of the SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships held at the Track and Field Track on June 6 had some special break time entertainment just past the halfway point of the day. A group of athletes volunteered to dress up in cow suits to participate in a relay race down the front straightaway, take part in long jump and try high jump. The efforts were made to give the crowd some laughs. Some of the athletes are shown here in a group picture on the track. Kudos to SaskMilk for organizing this bit of fun. During the SHSAA Track and Field Provincial Championships, a total of 5,000 persons including athletes, coaches, officials and spectators passed through the Track and Field Track during each of the event’s two days.

Toon Squad, football championship chase dominates photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Wings celebrate their Toon Squad League title win.

When late October and early to the middle of November roll around, it is like Christmas time for the local football community.

This is the time period every year when the championship chase takes place for pretty much all football leagues. Whether you are in the post-season for a short time or a long time, players from all age groups often can’t wait to get to this point in the campaign.

One of the more recent additions locally to the championship chase over about the last three years is the female flag Toon Squad League overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football. The circuit operates in September and October and teams can include players from junior high school to the high school ages. The game action on this circuit is very athletic.

The Wings pose for a team photo after winning the Toon Squad League.

On October 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the playoff schedule for the Toon Squad League was completed. The championship final was a thriller as the Wings just edged the Fever 33-31.

The lead picture for our photo roundup shows the Wings celebrations immediately after the officials ruled the championship game had been completed. The second shot shows the Wings posing for the customary team photo with the Toon Squad League championship trophy after winning the title game.

The third photo is an action picture from the championship game. It shows a Wings player eluding a Fever defender after making a pass reception.

A Wings receiver, right, eludes a Fever defender.

Along with the pictures from the Toon Squad League, this photo roundup is almost entirely made up of images that come from post-season football. That includes 5 on 5 NFL Youth Flag Football, the Kinsmen Football League, high school football and the Saskatoon Hilltops run to the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl. The Hilltops host the Canadian Bowl against the Okanagan Sun, who are from Kelowna, B.C., on Sunday, November 9 at 1 p.m. at SMF Field.  

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.

Special seniors’ day walk

As has been a team tradition for a lengthy stretch of time, the Saskatoon Hilltops graduating players make a walk with their parents out to the turf at Saskatoon Minor Football Field before their final regular season home game. On October 12, Hilltops running back David Collins made that walk with his mom, Sadia VaPond, who traveled to Saskatoon from the family’s home in St. Michael, Minn. The Hilltops closed their regular season schedule that day with a 31-6 victory over the Calgary Colts.

Secure hands

A receiver with a Packers team hauls down a high pass in a game against a Bears team during female game action on the first day of the 5 on 5 NFL Youth Flag Football jamboree on October 18. This contest was played at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, but the jamboree was so big that it was also played on Joe Gallagher Field and all the Glenn Reeve Fields. The players went into these contests with lots of energy and excitement.

Caught in the open field

A receiver from a Chiefs team gets stopped by a defender from a Panthers squad during male game action on the first day of the 5 on 5 NFL Youth Flag Football jamboree on October 18 at Glenn Reeve Field #3. The jamboree also ran on October 19 across most fields on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds, and it concluded the NFL Youth Flag Football season for 2025.

At home in the end zone

Saskatoon Hilltops star running back Charles Sawi crosses into the end zone to complete a 27-yard touchdown run on a reverse play in a 60-26 victory over the Winnipeg Rifles in a PFC semifinal on October 19 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Sawi ran the ball three times for 104 yards and two touchdowns in that contest, and he returned three punts for 54 yards. If you look closely, you can see legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant cheering in the background of this photo.

Breaking off a big play

Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks running back Abdulah Zahid breaks downfield on a long run against the Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs in the Rusholme Bowl on October 23 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Redhawks blanked the Mustangs in this contest 35-0.

Saints go marching in as city champs

The Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints pose for the customary team photo after winning the SSSAD’s 5A City Championship Game on October 24 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. As has become a team custom, the Saints players sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” following the victory. They claimed a thrilling 23-17 victory over the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears.

Turning on the afterburners

A Fever receiver takes the ball on a jet sweep play during the championship game for the female flag Toon Squad League on October 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The trick play went for a big gain in the thrilling contest that saw the Fever come up just short against the Wings 33-31.

Moments that last forever

Wings coach Alex Eyolfson hugs one of her players while holding the Toon Squad League championship trophy after the Wings won the title contest of the female flag league. The Wings just edged the Fever 33-31 in a heart stopper.

Crusaders reclaim SSSAD 6A title

The Holy Cross High School Crusaders pose for the customary team photo after reclaiming the SSSAD 6A City Championship at Saskatoon Minor Football Field after having last won the city title in 2023. On October 31, the Crusaders got past the defending SHSAA 6A champion St. Joseph High School Guardians 20-15 in a compelling contest. At the time, the Crusaders improved their record in regular season and post-season play to 8-0.

Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Awards announced

On November 1 at the SaskTel Learning Centre Classroom in the Indoor Training Centre, the Gordie Howe Sports Complex Management Corporation and Lazer Autobody announced the 2025 winners of the Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Awards. The winner included from left, Zoey Lenard (Female 13U Softball), Kya Tomlenovich (Female Flag Football (Grade 7 or 8)), Braxton Boschman (Male 13U Baseball), Morgan Nixey (Male 13U Softball) and Rylee Lenius (Female 13U Baseball). Also taking an award was Asher Thompson for Male Flag Football (Grade 7 or 8). For information on the Lazer Autobody Spirit of Sport Awards announcement, it can be found by clicking right here.

Tinkler Raiders take KFL’s Hilltops Division

The celebration was on for the Tinkler Raiders as they won the KFL’s Hilltops Division Championship. In the title game held on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Raiders downed the Schoenals Titans 64-22.

Raiders enjoy championship fun

The Tinkler Raiders pose for the customary team photo after winning the KFL’s Hilltops Division Championship on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Raiders downed the Schoenals Titans 64-22 in the title game.

KFL’s Huskies Division goes to Babineau Warriors

The celebration was on for the Babineau Warriors as they won the KFL’s Huskies Division Championship. In the title game held on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Warriors downed the Martensville Maddogs 48-32.

Warriors soak in championship moment

The Babineau Warriors pose for the customary team photo after winning the KFL’s Huskies Division Championship on November 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Warriors downed the Martensville Maddogs 48-32 in the title game.

Maximum protection

A pair of blockers team up to stop an edge rusher to allow the quarterback to throw the ball during a Saskatoon Hilltops practice on November 4 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Hilltops were continuing their preparations to host the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl. The Hilltops host the Okanagan Sun from Kelowna, B.C., in the CJFL title contest on Sunday, November 9 at 1 p.m. at SMF Field.

Clutch on the ground

Holy Cross High School Crusaders running back Traven Wiggens piled up a lot of key yards late in the fourth quarter to allow his squad to pull out a 21-16 over Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders in the SHSAA’s 6A Championship Game on November 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Wiggens, who is more known for his exploits as a linebacker, ran the ball nine times for 66 yards. He picked up the final first down for the Crusaders and ensured he was tackled in bounds in order to allow his squad to run out the rest of the clock and end the game with two knee downs.

This one was for “Himey”

On November 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, the Holy Cross High School Crusaders downed Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders 21-16 in the SHSAA’s 6A Championship Game. That marked the first time since 1995 the Crusaders won a provincial title in football. Between 1995 and November 7, the Crusaders made it to 10 provincial title games and fell short on the scoreboard in each appearance. Following the win on November 7, the Crusaders captains ensured assistant coach Scott “Himey” Hundseth was the first to raise the championship trophy. Hundseth, who focuses on the defensive side of the ball, was the Crusaders head coach for their previous nine losses in the provincial final and remained on the Holy Cross coaching staff after retiring from his teaching position at the school in June of 2024. Hundseth is a teacher/coach with the Institute of Saskatchewan Football, which is overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football.

Crusaders soak in provincial title moment

The Holy Cross High School Crusaders Football Team poses for the customary team photo after winning the SHSAA 6A provincial title on November 7 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. This moment was a long awaited one for the Crusaders, whose last provincial title win in football came back in 1995. Holy Cross has won seven total provincial football championships with previous wins also coming in 1980, 1981, 1985, 1986 and 1994.