Epic Hilltops CJFL title win tops photo roundup

By Gordie Howe Sports Complex staff
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Hilltops raise the Canadian Bowl as CJFL champions.

Epic home CJFL championship wins by the Saskatoon Hilltops at Saskatoon Minor Football Field will never get old.

On November 9 at SMF Field, the Hilltops claimed a thrilling 21-18 victory over the Kelowna, B.C., based Okanagan Sun in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl. With 1:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, Sun quarterback Liam Kroeger ran home a touchdown from 18 yards out to complete a 108-yard scoring drive that saw an 18-11 Hilltops lead become an 18-18 tie.

Saskatoon responded with a drive to put kicker Ryder Gratton in position to nail what was ultimately the winning field goal from 37 yards out with 28.6 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Hilltops their 21-18 lead. On the ensuing Sun drive, third-year strong side linebacker Zaden Taylor intercepted Kroeger to seal the three-point win for the Hilltops. The victory marked the 24^th time the Hilltops became CJFL champions.

The Hilltops enjoy their CJFL title win during the team photo.

This year’s CJFL title tilt included the victors in the Hilltops (9-2 overall) and the vanquished in the Sun (13-1 overall), but neither team could be labeled as being defeated. The family at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex found the Sun players, coaches and staff were really gracious to interact with and a joy to have at SMF Field for a pair of days.

That November 9 day was so busy it caused that month’s upload of this blog to be moved up one day to November 8. Of course, the Hilltops win in the Canadian Bowl made for a natural anchor for this photo roundup.

The lead picture sees the Hilltops raising the Canadian Bowl to the sky as a part of their post-game celebrations. The second shot shows a close up view of the Hilltops enjoying themselves during customary post-game championship team photo. The third picture sees Hilltops star fifth-year defensive tackle Johnathon Stevens, left, and legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant enjoying a moment together as part of the team’s happy post-game festivities.

Johnathon Stevens (#57) and Hilltops HC Tom Sargeant enjoy the moment.

Along with the pictures from the Hilltops win in the Canadian Bowl, this photo roundup reflects the fact that stellar contest was the last football game to be held at SMF Field for the 2025 calendar year. The winter season moved in, and the Indoor Training Centre became the main hub of activity resulting in pictures from baseball, cricket, softball and ultimate disk.  

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 18 shots we hope you enjoy.

Collins in for six

Saskatoon Hilltops star graduating running back David Collins completes a 23-yard touchdown run during the second quarter of the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. In the Hilltops 21-18 victory on that day, Collins had game highs in carries (26), rushing yards (143) and rushing touchdowns (two).

Kroeger valent in setback for Sun

Okanagan Sun star quarterback Liam Kroeger came up with a monster effort as his squad fell 21-18 in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. He completed 26-of-44 passes for 296 yards. Kroeger did throw two interceptions, but both picks came from athletic plays made by the Hilltops. He carried the ball six times for 54 yards and one major score.

Sweet Sun sideline catch

Okanagan Sun receiver Jordayne Falconer makes a tough sideline catch as his club came up short 21-18 against the Saskatoon Hilltops in the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. Falconer finished the contest making seven catches for 62 yards.

Final pose for Hilltop Cheer team in 2025

The 2025 edition of the Saskatoon Hilltop Cheer Team performed as a group on game day for the final time at halftime of the CJFL Championship Game – the Canadian Bowl – on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The cheerleaders struck their signature final pose to end their routine as the Hilltops would go on to win their 24^th CJFL title.

Hilltops grads enjoy the Canadian Bowl

The Hilltops graduating players enjoy a moment with the Canadian Bowl after winning their 24^th CJFL title on November 9 at Saskatoon Minor Football Field. The grads include front row from left, Isaiah Vallderruten, Brexton Elias and David Collins. The back row, from left, includes David Boyd Jr., Colton Zimmer, Jackson Dean, Nathan Young, Jace Mowles, Dalton Urban, Ryan Adamko and Johnathon Stevens. Tucked away further in the back behind Mowles and Urban is Nahom Menghestab.

Frisky officially signs with Scarlet Knights

There were all happy times in Classroom 2 at the Indoor Training Centre on November 19. Emma Frisky officially signed on with the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights Women’s Softball Team. Frisky’s family held a celebration with family, friends and some of Emma’s coaches over the years. The Frisky family photo of the signing includes, from left, father Tyrel, Emma, mother Tracy and brother Jack.

Building leg power

A member of the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy does a jumping exercise with a weighted bag during a training session on November 20 at the Indoor Training Centre. The exercise with the weighted bag was one stop on a circuit for a conditioning workout.

Berries Academy trio all smiles

A trio of players from the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Academy pose for a picture during a break between taking part in hitting drills on November 20 at the Indoor Training Centre. It is always important to mix in some fun while putting in work to get better.

Off-speed treat

A pitcher from the 222’s Fastpitch program works on an off-speed pitch during a practice session at the Indoor Training Centre on November 25. A large number of the program’s pitchers were out sharpening their skills on this night.

A perfect track

A catcher from the 222’s Fastpitch program tracks the ball into her glove during a practice session on November 25 at the Indoor Training Centre. With the 222’s having a number of pitchers out working on their skills on this night, a large number of catchers came out to work on their craft.

Big smash

A hitter from the 222’s Fastpitch program drives the ball for what would result in an outfield hit during a game at a practice session on November 25 at the Indoor Training Centre. The hitters during these practice sessions focus on improving their respective approaches at the plate.

Cool under pressure

The teams have fun-loving names, but the players that make up the Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society have great skill too. In this contest on November 27 at the Indoor Training Centre, a player from the Ultimate Chicken House sets to slip a pass through a defender from the Turnovers.

A catch for a score

A player from the Ultimate Chicken House hauls in a scoring catch in a Saskatoon Ultimate Disc-Sport Society game against the Turnovers on November 27 at the Indoor Training Centre. Everyone who takes part in these games gets a great workout and leaves feeling positive about their overall day.

Building strength

A player from the Going Yard Baseball Academy throws a medicine ball during a practice session on December 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. The player was working on building up his strength in order to help him throw a baseball farther and faster.

Line drive

A hitter from the Going Yard Baseball Academy drives a ball off a tee into a net during a practice session on December 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. The hitter was working on the mechanics of his swing.

Hawkins gets in work

Professional pitcher and Going Yard Baseball Academy coach Garrett Hawkins gets in his own work during a practice session on December 4 at the Indoor Training Centre. Hawkins did some throwing on this day. On November 18, Hawkins’s contract was selected by the San Diego Padres to be part of their MLB roster. That officially places Hawkins on the club’s 40-man MLB roster.

Let it rip

A bowler fires a lightning fast toss at a wicket during a pick-up cricket game on December 5 at the Indoor Training Centre. The bowler was part of a group of players who rented out some turf time at the Indoor Training Centre to play the game they love in a modified format with a half field.

Alert scoring run

A pair of hitters make a run to score a point during a pick-up cricket game on December 5 at the Indoor Training Centre. In the modified format with a half field, the players were looking to the outfield to check out how defenders were doing when it came to getting the ball back to the close infield. The night time session on this day was great for enjoying both friendship and the sport.

Sawi makes surprise burst on to football scene

Running back thankful friends prompted him to try sport

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Charles Sawi burst on to the football scene as a Crusaders star.

Charles Sawi will never underestimate the value of good friends when it comes to the world of sports.

For the majority of his life, Sawi’s main sport was soccer, and he established himself as a high-level player in that game. Going into his Grade 10 school year at Holy Cross High School, a couple of his long time friends and Grade 10 classmates said Sawi should try his hand a football.

“I discovered football because of Ethan Laing,” said Sawi, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 170 pounds. “He has been requesting me to come out for years for me to play and Tyrus Flory.

“I find them really special, and I’m very grateful that they told me to come and play football. It really helped a lot. If it wasn’t for my friends, I wouldn’t know how to play the sport and how sign up and everything.”

Laing and Flory had already been playing football for some time and had already committed to joining the Holy Cross High School Crusaders football program.

In the fall of 2019, Sawi joined the Crusaders junior program. When the Crusaders senior team qualified for the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association (SHSAA) 6A provincial final against Regina’s Dr. Martin LeBoldus High School Golden Suns, Sawi was called up to help the senior squad.

“We knew about Charles (Sawi) and his abilities to be an athlete both on the track and field circuit and the soccer pitch,” said Scott Hundseth, who is the Head Coach of the Crusaders senior team. “We knew nothing about him really with regards to football.

“All of a sudden, we were going to provincials three years ago, and we called him up. We wanted him to just kind of run scout team for us. We were actually trying to kind of prepare for (Regina’s Dr. Martin) LeBoldus (High School Golden Suns).

“All of a sudden, he started ripping through our guys and our players like Seth Hundeby who plays (for the University of Saskatchewan) Huskies (Football team). Seth is looking at us going, ‘Who is this kid?’”

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that had gripped the world, the 2020 high school football season in Saskatoon and ultimately the province was cancelled. 

Charles Sawi (#29) broke off many huge runs as the Crusaders tailback.

As a result, Sawi wasn’t able to play for the senior Crusaders on a full-time basis in his Grade 11 year.

In Grade 10, Sawi discovered he loved the game of football so much that he was determined to play for the senior Crusaders whenever high school football was given the green light to resume. He quit soccer and continued to train with the players on the Crusaders senior team through his Grade 11 year.

High school football ultimately got the green light to go in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan for the fall of 2021. Almost immediately at the start of his Grade 12 year, Sawi was breaking off big runs and having big games with the Crusaders senior team wearing his number 29 uniform.

Very quickly, those who watched high school football in Saskatoon were asking, “Who is this guy?”

“He is a very talented kid, but he is quiet,” said Hundseth. “He hadn’t done anything, because of the COVID year he was off his Grade 11 year.

“Coming into this year, he even surprised us. He ran the ball with just absolute passion, and it was hard to bring him down. He is fast and a tough runner.

“He is just a great human being. He ended up being one of our captains and one of our leaders.”

Sawi said his Grade 12 year playing for the Crusaders was like a dream. Most importantly, he hoped he left a positive impact on his teammates that will be returning to the Crusaders next season.

Sawi wanted his teammates to come away pumped up from the love he showed for the game and the realization of what can happen on the field when you put the work in to be a better player. 

When he graduated from the Crusaders, Sawi could see he left that type of impact on his teammates that are going to return to the Crusaders and seeing that was important to him.

“It (his season) was very inspirational and motivational to others that are going to be playing next season with Holy Cross,” said Sawi. “I’m just very grateful that I played with that team, and we made a lot of memories on there.”

Charles Sawi (#29) can run with speed and power.

One of those memories was a bittersweet one. On November 13, 2021, the Crusaders took on Regina’s Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School Marauders in the 6A SHSAA provincial football final at Saskatoon Minor Football Field.

The Marauders jumped out to a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. The Crusaders rallied scoring three touchdowns to even the score 21-21 by halftime.

Sawi scored the first major of the Crusaders surge on a one-yard plunge. He capped the scoring run with a 13-yard touchdown run that tied the game with 16 seconds remaining in the first half.

In one of the all-time classic high school games ever played at SMF Field, the Marauders ultimately prevailed 28-24. Miller got a touchdown in the third quarter. Holy Cross answered back with a field goal in the fourth quarter but was unable to get a go-ahead score.

“I just think about it all the time,” said Sawi about that contest. “I just think that we should have won it, because I felt like we were the better ones and we were more supported.

“It was just very unlucky. I just keep thinking about it all the time, and I wish we could go back to that classic final.”

While that provincial final brought an end to Sawi’s days with the Crusaders, it didn’t end his football career. He was offered the chance to join the CJFL’s storied Saskatoon Hilltops and jumped at it.

Sawi has participated in training sessions and rookie practices with the team. He said the players on the team have been welcoming and has enjoyed the enthusiasm of Hilltops legendary head coach Tom Sargeant.

“The atmosphere and everything has been very exciting,” said Sawi. “I’m very grateful to play with them.

“It feels like I am already on the team. It brings me so much confidence that all the guys like me and everything.”

Charles Sawi runs the ball during a Hilltops rookie practice.

Sawi said plans to put in the effort to play football for as long as he can and try to make it to the CFL or even the NFL. He is aware that Saskatchewan has produced players that have gone on to play in the NFL.

Hundseth believes the young tailback can accomplish big things in the game of football.

“He has the swagger and the personality to go a long ways on and off the field,” said Hundseth. “When he sets his mind to doing something, he just goes, and he does it with vigour and passion.

“He is a pretty special kid. The Hilltops have a good one in him. He will do some really good things.”

Hilltops make long-awaited return to SMF Field

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

The Hilltops celebrate a CJFL title win in 2018.

The last time the Saskatoon Hilltops graced the turf at Saskatoon Minor Football Field they were making yet another memorable moment.

On October 27, 2019, the storied Canadian Junior Football League club downed the visiting Edmonton Huskies 30-14 to capture the Prairie Football Conference championship. The Hilltops proceeded to march onward from there to captured their 22^nd CJFL title in team history.

That encounter with the Huskies marks the last time the Hilltops played a game at SMF Field as the 2020 CJFL season was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has gripped the world.

The Hilltops make their long-awaited return to SMF Field on Saturday, September 11, taking on their provincial rivals the Regina Thunder at 7 p.m. The will be a battle of teams that both sport 2-0 records so far in the CJFL regular season.

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said his team is pumped to be back in action.

“It is just awesome to be back here,” said Sargeant. “It is awesome to be around my coaches and my players.

“It is such a good vibe and such a good feel. We have a lot of rust. We have lots of things we have to get better at.

“There is lots in front of us. We have the right kids here. We’re ready to develop this team and take it to great places.”

The Hilltops have played most to almost all of their home games at SMF Field since 1960, when the stadium was originally called the Holiday Park Bowl. 

The Hilltops raise the Canadian Bowl in 2015.

They have won 19 of their 22 CJFL championships since they started playing their home games at SMF Field.

The Hilltops have won the last six straight CJFL titles before the circuit went on hiatus in 2020. During that run of six straight titles, two of those championship wins came on the grounds of SMF Field.

In 2015, the Hilltops hosted the CJFL title game – the Canadian Bowl - downing the Kelowna, B.C., based Okanagan Sun 38-24. That contest was played on the new field turf that was install prior to the start of the 2014 season, and both clubs were able to use the dressing rooms at the nearly completed Gordie Howe Sports Centre building.

In 2018, the Hilltops won the Canadian Bowl again dumping the Langley Rams 58-21 at SMF Field to complete a perfect 11-0 campaign. This marked the first CJFL title game played at SMF Field where all the renovations and improvements at the facility had been completed.

In 2020, the Hilltops gathered for practice for six weeks in September and October at Ron Atchison Field.

When the 2021 CJFL season was given the green light to go, the Hilltops couldn’t wait to get back into game action.

“It feels great,” said fifth-year left tackle Mason Ochs, who is a three-time CJFL all-Canadian all-star. “It has been too long.

“It almost kind of felt like it was never coming back after you lose 2020. I didn’t even know if that was my last game in 2019 there. It couldn’t be better to be back.”

The Hilltops enter their home opener with linebacker Emmarae Dale on their roster.

Jared Giddings makes an interception for the Hilltops in 2018.

Dale has been a familiar face for a long time on the Gordie Howe Sports Complex grounds. Before joining the Hilltops, Dale starred for the Saskatoon Valkyries, who are a powerhouse club in the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, from 2016 to 2019.

She helped the Valkyries win two WWCFL titles in 2016 and 2019.

Dale also works at the front desk and is a strength and conditioning coach at Ignite Athletics.

The former member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s track and field team was added to the Hilltops roster last year.

On August 22, she became the first female player to play in a CJFL regular season game as the Hilltops downed the Edmonton Huskies 18-17 at Jasper Place Bowl in Edmonton, Alta. Dale had a special teams tackle in the win.

“It was pretty surreal,” said Dale. “I think it was just such a long time coming that it is kind of weird to think that it has already come and gone.

“It was the first game back since COVID. I think everyone is still just kind of getting the rust off after such a long wait, but it was awesome being there. I think even when I was just first putting on the shoulder pads and the Hilltops jersey it definitely kind of hit me that it was going to be a big game and very meaningful game.

“It was really awesome. It was definitely exciting and humbling. It was just a lot of emotions just kind of wrapped into one I think.”

After going through 2020 without a regular season, Hilltops fifth-year defensive back Jared Giddings said there is a renewed appreciation for the chance to take part in practices and game. Giddings said there were times where he wasn’t sure if he would get to play his fifth and final season with the team.

Along with Ochs and right tackle Jonathan Chisholm, Giddings is one of three players who are playing a fifth full season with the Hilltops in 2021. Giddings has always appreciated being part of the storied Hilltops, but he admits his spark for playing a season has been renewed.

A sign at SMF Field lists the Hilltops CJFL title wins

“Football is a grind, and sometimes coming to practice isn’t easy,” said Giddings. “Honestly, it is all just a little bit easier now.

“When we were off, you don’t know what is happening. You don’t know what is going to happen next. Every day, it is like it is a blessing.

“I don’t mind coming to practice and getting bruised up a bit and hitting some guys. It is a lot of fun. I think it brought the fun back into football for me personally.”

For more information about the Saskatoon Hilltops, feel free to check out their website at www.saskatoonhilltops.com.

Dale takes spotlight as Hilltops first female player

By Darren Steinke
Gordie Howe Sports Complex

Emmarae Dale is the Hilltops first female player.

When media from the big cities came calling, Emmarae Dale really realized just how big her addition to the Saskatoon Hilltops roster was.

On September 15, the Hilltops announced that Dale was officially added to the team’s roster at linebacker making her the team’s first female player. Having been a member of the Saskatoon Valkyries women’s football team and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s track and field team for four seasons each, Dale expected to be interviewed by members of the Saskatoon media, and she has interacted with a number of those media members in the past.

She did about seven or eight interviews on the day the Hilltops made the announcement.

When she started getting interview requests from media members all across Western Canada including big cities like Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg, the significance of becoming the Hilltops first female player and what is believed to be the first female added to the roster of a CJFL team became greater.

“It definitely started to get real at that point,” said Dale, who has also done interviews for national outlets. “That was when it sort of sunk in this is something bigger than I even realize.

“I kind of realized this is a big moment in history. It is not anything I should be taking lightly at all.”

The 22-year-old played four seasons at linebacker for the Valkyries from 2016 to 2019 helping them win Western Women’s Canadian Football League titles in 2016 and 2019. After joining the powerhouse women’s tackle football team, Dale quickly became one of the squad’s best defensive players.

On top of playing for the Valkyries, Dale competed with the Huskies track and field team for the last four seasons at the U Sports level in throwing events. She helped the Huskies women’s team win the last three straight Canada West Conference titles.

Emmarae Dale dished out big hits for the Valkyries.

Her play for the Valkyries and athletic ability attracted the attention of storied Hilltops, who have won 22 CJFL titles since the modern version of the team hit the field in 1947. The venerable Hilltops have won the last six straight CJFL titles and nine of the last 10 CJFL championships.

Dale, who stands 5-foot-6, has been practicing with the Hilltops for the last five weeks, and she has lost count of how many interviews she has done since news broke that she was officially on the club’s roster. The graduate of Saskatoon’s St. Joseph High School has done interviews with various media outlets including newspapers, radio stations, television stations, webcasts and podcasts.

At first, she didn’t know what it was going to be like to be interviewed by media members from major cities.

“It is definitely a little nerve-racking,” said Dale. “You get kind of a feel for what the questions are going to look like and feel like just from all of the interviews.

“You still don’t really know what they are going to ask. I think the biggest thing for me is just trying to stay articulate and take my time in answering questions. You just don’t know what they are going to ask.

“Just trying to think of things on the spot can be a little bit scary, but I don’t get too nervous talking to people.”

Legendary Hilltops head coach Tom Sargeant said Dale is on the Hilltops, because she is good enough to be on the team. Sargeant added Dale is powerful, strong and quick, and you can tell she has done a lot of good work at her training sessions at Ignite Athletics, which is on the grounds of the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.

Dale also works shifts operating the front desk at Ignite, where most of the Hilltops also train and workout. She already knew a number of players on the team, and Sargeant she fit in right off the bat.

“She is very comfortable out here right now, and very relaxed,” said Sargeant. “There is always a smile on her face.

Emmarae Dale (#45) made big plays for the Valkyries.

“She is enjoying what she is doing. You can tell she is learning and feeling good, because we are teaching some systems and getting a feel for all that. There is some newness to what is going on, and we are all enjoying it.

“She is a great kid to be around, and she is embracing the situation she is in as we are. Now, it is our job to make her better, so that she can compete at a high level and make a lot of plays for the Hilltops.”

Hilltops defensive coordinator Jeff Yausie was Dale’s head coach during her first season and her defensive coordinator in second season with the Valkyries. He saw Dale playing flag football during her high school days at St. Joseph High School and was impressed with her athletic and playmaking abilities.

Yausie, who spent time as the head coach of Canada’s national women’s tackle football team, talked Dale into joining the Valkyries and was amazed by how quickly she improved in the game.

“You basically watch her mature and grow up each year and get bigger and stronger and get more comfortable in the football systems,” said Yausie. “To me, she has gotten better and better.

“From my experience coaching the national team, I looked at her and I identified her as a player that she can make that level, if that is what she wants and be dominate at that level. She has a great work ethic, and she is tough.

“Sometimes the intangibles of football make a good football player like toughness, mental toughness. At every practice, she works as hard or harder than everybody else.”

As Dale improved, she hit the point Yausie believed she could play and contribute with the Hilltops. He figured the announcement of her being added to the roster would perk up media interest, but he never expected how wide the interest would spread.

“I’m surprised the amount of attention it has got,” said Yausie. “To me, I don’t think it is that big a deal.

“For me as a person, I just want a player who can play. I don’t care if the player is male or female or whatever. It comes back to her character.”

Emmarae Dale is honoured to play for the Hilltops.

Yausie said Dale’s character is outstanding, and the Hilltops know her family fairly well.

Dale is following in the footsteps of her older brothers, Anthony and Donovan, who played for the Hilltops in the late 2000s and early 2010s. As the weeks go on, Emmarae said it feels more and more special to be a member of the Hilltops.

“It is pretty surreal, and it is a huge honour,” said Dale. “I honestly have no other way to put it other than it is just really humbling being on the team that is the best in Canada and the best in history.

“It is just a huge honour to be able to come out and run around with the guys and compete with them. They are amazing football players, and just to be able to be here is a huge privilege and honour that is not being taken for granted at all.”