About Us

Saskatoon Track and Field Club History

The Saskatoon Track and Field Club was formed in 1948 to revive local interest in the
sport, which, like the Olympic Games, had been interrupted by World War II. Standards
of performance in those early years were low, coaching knowledge was limited, and
equipment was hard to obtain. There were no indoor competitions, and outdoor meets
were limited to a few scattered across the country. But the few early members and their
coaches made the best of what they had and in a few years started to win events, even
setting provincial and national records, bringing attention to Saskatoon as a track and
field centre. This reputation has continued ever since.

Club Colours and Early Support

The club colours, royal blue and gold, are the same as the Saskatoon Hilltop Football
Club. This is because, for a few of those early years, the Hilltop club helped finance
track and field, expecting that their players would participate in both sports.

National Stage and Olympic Success

Saskatoon’s reputation for track and field earned the city the hosting of the National
Outdoor Senior Championships in 1958, 1960, 1963, and 1967. Several club
members not only won national titles but also earned a place on Olympic,
Commonwealth, and Pan American Games teams during those years. Other members
have followed their example in more recent years. At the Paris 2024 Olympics and
Paralympics, Michelle Harrison (Athletics – 100m Hurdles), Savannah Sutherland
(Athletics – 400m Hurdles/4x400m Relay), and Ashlyn Renneberg (Para Athletics – F13
Javelin) all represented Canada.

Facilities Development

In 1965, a portable indoor track was designed and built, with the first indoor meet held in
the Saskatoon Arena. With indoor meets and year-round training, Saskatoon was able
to keep up with the rest of Canada in track and field.

In 1979, an artificial surface was installed in Griffiths Stadium, and the Saskatoon Field
House opened in 1980. Both gave Saskatoon athletes an opportunity to excel in track
and field. The Saskatoon Track and Field Club, active for over 75 years, has played an
active part in all these developments.

Current Training

Today, the club trains out of the Saskatoon Field House from November – April during
the winter months and at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex from May – July.