Family ties cement Blackburn in football

Receiver playing out final high school season with Bears

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Ben Blackburn is one of Saskatoon high school football’s best players.

Football is all in the family for Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears star receiver Ben Blackburn.

His father David was a receiver for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football Team from 1989 to 1994, which included being a member of their 1990 Vanier Cup winner as U Sports champions. Ben’s older brother Brady is currently a receiver for the Harvard University Crimson.

Ben’s oldest sibling in sister Lucie is a flag football player and was a member of the U of Saskatchewan Huskies Women’s Track and Field Team. Ben’s mother Lariene is also an alumna of the U of Saskatchewan Huskies Women’s Track and Field Team.

Looking at his family tree, it comes as no surprise that Ben is the sure-handed Grade 12 pass catcher with the Bears and arguably one of Saskatoon’s best high school players at the moment. When asked who might be the best football player in the family, Ben quickly sided with the women.

“I want to say me, but Lucie is pretty good at football,” said Ben, who can make magic returning kicks as well. “I bet if my Mom tried to play football, she’d be pretty good too.

“It is probably one of the girls, honestly. It is probably one of the girls.”

While football runs deep in his family, it wasn’t the sport Ben played seriously at first. Once Brady began playing football, Ben wasn’t too far behind.

“We were all the hockey family,” said Ben, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 170 pounds. “Brady started playing football, and I was like, yeah, I want to play football too.

“I’ve played football since Grade 7 and just fell in love with it ever since.”

Ben said one of the things he liked most about football was there was always an opportunity to become an even better player than you are in the present day. He also loves the relationships he has built with his teammates over the years, especially the players on the Bears.

“The team, the guys are so great,” said Ben, who will turn 18-years-old on November 9. “We had a great team this year and all years past.

“It is just so fun to be around.”

One of Ben’s biggest early highlights playing for the Bears came when he got to be part of the senior team as a Grade 9 student in 2023. That was the one high school season Ben got to play alongside Brady, who was in his Grade 12 campaign that year for the Bears. The pair made lots of great plays on the Saskatoon Minor Football Field turf located at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.

Ben Blackburn (#4) listens to instructions on the sidelines.

“It was super fun honestly,” said Ben, who along with Brady helped the Bears win a 5A city title in 2023. “All his guys really made me feel at home.

“I was just a youngin. It was just great energy. It was a battle every practice.

“And just having him on the team, it really helped me just like with my confidence and him just showing me the way.”

Now suiting up as a Grade 12 senior, Ben’s ties to the Bears have become deep.

“It has been amazing,” said Ben. “It is just a family at this point.

“The coaches, it is not like they’re freaking 60 and just kind of bossing us around. It is really super cohesive and lots of energy. They focus us.

“They want us to get better every practice and just push us to be the best we can.”

Bears head coach Will Redl has been a long-time teacher at Aden Bowman, and one of his blessings has been working with Ben and his family members over the years.

“Well, Ben is like the third Blackburn I’ve had the opportunity to teach and coach,” said Redl. “I had his sister and his brother and him being the youngest of all.

“He is just another Blackburn to me. He is really driven. He has a desire to be the best at whatever he does, and I think he has obviously proved it.”

Redl said Ben does lots of things well when it comes to the sport of football.

“I think as an individual, obviously, his speed,” said Redl. “He works a lot at it.

“To be as fast as he is doesn’t just happen. His desire to catch every ball and to work like that. Albeit, he is a smaller player, but he plays bigger than his size.

“I think as a teammate though that is what stands out even more is that he is not secluding himself from his teammates or trying to distance himself. He wants to be a part of things, and he leads in that way too.”

Away from the game, Redl said Ben and his family are outstanding.

“All the Blackburn kids are great kids,” said Redl. “They’re wired the right way.

“They understand sport and that it is not always going to go their way. They have to still be good people off the field or court. I think it comes a lot as a family and Ben (Blackburn) just does that every day.”

Ben Blackburn (#55) is part of Aden Bowman’s track and field program.

Along with playing for the Bears football team, Ben has been a member of Aden Bowman’s track and field program throughout his high school days along with playing basketball in Grades 9 and 10. While track and field is also in his family’s background, Ben said being part of the track and field program has helped him in football.

“I think it is really beneficial,” said Blackburn. “I think I can see my speed translating onto the football field.

“It is just another thing to push myself and just try to win. You’ve got some buddies on the track team, and it is just a great time. I know in the past my long speed wasn’t great, but then track really helped.

“I just kind of put it all together and still hope I can get faster.”

As the 2026 high school football season enters its final weeks, Ben said it doesn’t seem real that his time with the Bears is nearing an end.

“It is crazy,” said Blackburn. “It seems like yesterday it was that Grade 9 team.

“It is sad in a way, but it gets to this time. We’ve just got to go as far as we can.”

He is pumped his family has been with him for his whole journey in the sport and naturally credits them as being his biggest influences in helping him along the way.

“My brother, his work ethic is like no one else,” said Ben. “He has really instilled that in me.

“Just the support I get from my parents and my sister, it just really pushes me. I think it just makes me a better person overall.”

As for playing football beyond high school, Ben said at the moment he prefers to soak in everything living in the present.

“We’re just going to ride out this season,” said Blackburn. “We’re waiting on a few things.

“Hopefully, I’ll be playing football somewhere next season.”

Redl believes Ben will get his chances to continue the sport after high school and will be in the game for a longer term of time.

Ben Blackburn (#4) wants make a few more end zone visits this season.

“He has some opportunities coming next year that will lead into things a lot more down the road,” said Redl. “I think Brady’s experience down in the States has aided him (Ben) with how well Brady has done.

“I think he (Ben) will reap some of the benefits of that.”

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

“Welcome Week” fans energize SMF Field and photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Holy Cross High School Crusaders fans put on a show.

For two days, fans that come out for the “Welcome Week” games at Saskatoon Minor Football Field become the stars as much as the high school football players they support.

For a lengthy stretch of time, the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate has hosted “Welcome Week” games that are usually slated for the second week of the high school football season. During those contests, a huge contingent of the student body from each school comes out to see their teams play along with various other supporters of the respective teams.

This season’s “Welcome Week” games were held on September 10 and 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. These contests offer one of the first chances in the school year for students to embrace school spirit. The students invade SMF Field bringing signs and wearing school colours to support their school’s team.

A fans shows his love for the Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs.

Our lead picture for this photo roundup shows part of the large contingent that came out to support the defending 6A SHSAA provincial champion Holy Cross High School Crusaders on September 10. The Holy Cross fans departed SMF Field in a jubilant mood as the Crusaders claimed a rivalry game victory over the St. Joseph High School Guardians 38-7.

The second shot sees a fan of the Mount Royal Collegiate Mustangs all decked out in his team’s colours on September 11. That fan saw his Mustangs play hard before falling 27-8 in a “Rusholme Road Rivalry” clash to the Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks.

The third photo is a close up of some Bishop James Mahoney High School fans waving pompoms and putting in passion to cheer on their squad. The Saints would blank the Marion M. Graham Collegiate Falcons 31-0 on this night.

While the fans that come out for the “Welcome Week” games are a spectacular sight, all fans that come out to the facilities on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds to support their teams allow the games and events to have a special atmosphere creating a place to be. 

The Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints fans bring passion.

That includes fans of the Saskatoon Berries, Saskatoon Hilltops, Saskatoon Valkyries, the various baseball and softball teams, the track and field athletes, the Lions speed skaters and all sports that grace the Complex’s grounds.

Along with the pictures of the fans from the SSSAD’s “Welcome Week” games, this photo roundup contains images from football, softball and track and field. It includes images of the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Track and Field Teams and the Saskatoon Hilltops.

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.

Bears fans bear down

The fans of the Aden Bowman Collegiate Bears Football Team brought their top game to Saskatoon Minor Football Field on September 10 for their team’s “Welcome Week” game. Those Bears fans got to witness a special night by their team. The Bears stormed to a 35-0 lead at halftime and blanked the Evan Hardy Collegiate Souls 46-0.

On the move

A segment of the student bodies from Walter Murray Collegiate and Centennial Collegiate jog a lap around Saskatoon Minor Football Field as part of their head-to-head festivities with their “Welcome Week” game on September 11. The Walter Murray fans got to enjoy victory celebrations at the end of the contest as their Marauders posted a 31-7 win.

Counting them up

Football official Sam Sullivan counts up the players on one side of the ball before a snap to check if there is an infraction for too many players on the field during a “Welcome Week” game on September 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Sullivan has officiated games at various levels for a number of years.

Here to cheer the Tigers

A group of student body fans got decked out to cheer on their Tommy Douglas Collegiate Tigers for their “Welcome Week” game on September 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The Tigers fans hung out behind their team’s bench. In a tough battle between neighbouring schools, the Tigers fell 21-14 to the Bethlehem Catholic High School Stars.

Redhawks hug

The Bedford Road Collegiate Redhawks always have time for their fans, who can span many generations as Bedford Road is Saskatoon’s second oldest high school, opening in February of 1923. Following their “Welcome Week” game on September 11 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field, Redhawks linebacker Vincent Jacob gives a hug to one of his team’s supporters following their 27-8 win over the Mount Royal Collegiate Mustang in a “Rusholme Road Rivalry” contest.

Valkyries/Hilltops sign up to date

The sign in the north end zone of Saskatoon Minor Football Field featuring the WWCFL title win total of the Saskatoon Valkyries and the CJFL title win total of the Saskatoon Hilltops is shown here on September 13, 2026. It has once again been updated adding in the Valkyries most recent WWCFL title victory that came this past June 27 at SMF Field with a 40-7 triumph over the Edmonton Arctic Pride.

Let it rip

University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team pitcher Allyson McAvoy unloads a toss to home plate in her team’s Western Collegiate Softball Association regular season clash with the U of Lethbridge Pronghorns on September 13 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. McAvoy’s play allowed the U of S to post a 4-0 victory and finish a weekend of hosting six straight home games with a 3-3 mark.

Incoming to first base

University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team shortstop Ainsley Beattie fires off a throw to first base for an out during her team’s 4-0 win in a Western Collegiate Softball Association regular season clash with the U of Lethbridge Pronghorns on September 13 at Bob Van Impe Stadium. U of S completed the WCSA Championship Tournament in Calgary on October 4 with a 2-2 record.

Big stretch

A receiver reaches for extra yards in a Toon Squad Female Flag Football League contest on September 21 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The league is overseen by Saskatoon Minor Football, and it is full of good vibes, intensity, passion and athleticism.

Smiles all around from Huskies

A group of multi-event athletes from the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Women’s Track and Field Team pose for a group picture during a training session break on September 22 at the Track and Field Track. These ladies are smiling, because they love being out at the track.

Hurdle slide

Members of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Track and Field teams do a slide step through a hurdle during a training session on September 22 at the Track and Field Track. Every September, the Huskies Track and Field teams gather for training at the Track and Field Track. The athletes do various drills which are geared to help them in the track and field event they are competing in. These sessions mark some of the first times the Huskies teams for the 2026-27 campaign get together as a group.

Swing pass to the open field

Quarterback Everett Byers of the Tinkler Raiders throws a swing pass to the right flat during a KFL game on September 27 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Byers hit running back Luca Thomas for a big gain as the Raiders would blank the Martensville Maddogs 19-0.

Klein in the zone for Mystics

Mystics receiver Olivia Klein had a monster night in Toon Squad Female Flag Football League action on September 28 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. On that night, Klein scored five touchdowns over two games helping the Mystics win both of those outings. Klein played for Football Canada’s U17 female flag team this past summer.

Thrilling finish

A trio of Bishop James Mahoney High School Saints defensive players converge and knock down a final end zone pass attempt to Aden Bowman Collegiate Bear receiver Harrison Shirkey during a high school football game on October 1 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. That last play of the game pass knockdown preserved a 24-21 victory for the Saints. On that last play, the Bears ran a trick play that saw star receiver Ben Blackburn throw the final pass to Shirkey, who was wide open at the release of the toss. The Saints defensive players closed in quickly to make the final play to hold on for the win.

Going down

Defensive lineman Mason Mansiere (#99) of the St. Joseph High School Guardians takes down Walter Murray Collegiate Marauders running back Lucas Hawley during a high school football contest on October 2 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In the “Friday Night Lights” encounter, the Guardians held a 19-14 edge at halftime before exploding to a 57-21 win.

Johnson makes senior’s walk with Hilltops

Saskatoon Hilltops left tackle Davin Johnson, centre, makes a walk out to the playing surface of Saskatoon Minor Football Field with his father, Greg, and mother, Lori, on October 4. For a lengthy number of years, the Hilltops honour their graduating players at their final regular season home game where they walk to the field with their parents or guardians. A total of 11 graduating players made that walk on this day.

Bazarkiewicz throws first TD pass for Hilltops

Rookie quarterback Sam Bazarkiewicz experienced a couple of milestone moments playing for the CJFL’s storied and historic Saskatoon Hilltops on October 4. The St. Joseph High School Guardian Football Team graduate made his first regular season start at quarterback for the Hilltops. In the first quarter of that contest, Bazarkiewicz connected on a deep route to second-year receiver Tyson Korol for a 63-yard touchdown pass. Bazarkiewicz is setting to throw that deep pass in this photo. That was the first CJFL regular season touchdown pass of Bazarkiewicz’s career. While the Hilltops got out to an early 10-0 lead in that game, they fell 27-11 to the Winnipeg Rifles.

Hilltops Cheer Team holds court

The Saskatoon Hilltop Cheer Team performs a pyramid pose during a halftime performance on October 4 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Established in 1977, the Hilltop Cheer Team is the longest running cheer program in the CJFL.

Hilltops’ Bednarek slick in open field

Saskatoon Hilltops fifth-year receiver Luke Bednarek, left, makes a slick sidestep move to avoid Winnipeg Rifles outside linebacker Kenji Suga on October 4 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In a contest where the Rifles prevailed 27-11, Bednarek had a big game hauling in nine passes for 133 yards.

Eye on the ball

Marion M. Graham Collegiate Falcons Ben Wheeler tracks the ball into his hands during a punt return during a high school football contest on October 8 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Wheeler is one of the Falcons steady veterans that helped them blank the Evan Hard Collegiate Souls 46-0 on this night and improve to 5-1 overall with a fourth straight win.

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.