Athletes

Kelly Bates

Image Source: B.C. Lions (n.d.). Kelly Bates- Running Backs Coach & CFL Draft Coordinator. Retrieved from  http://bclions.com/page/staff-kelly-bates
Image Source: B.C. Lions (n.d.). Kelly Bates- Running Backs Coach & CFL Draft Coordinator. Retrieved from
http://bclions.com/page/staff-kelly-bates

Kelly Bates was born in 1975 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. Kelly played for both the Saskatoon Hilltops and University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football teams. He won the Canadian Bowl with the Saskatoon Hilltops in 1996. In 1998, he won the Vanier Cup with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team.

While playing university football, Kelly obtained Kinesiology and Education degrees from the University of Saskatchewan. The offensive lineman was the fourth round draft pick of the BC Lions in the 2001 CFL Draft. He played seven seasons with the club, which included winning a Grey Cup Championship in 2006. Kelly was a CFL All-Star in 2007. In 2009, he was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he spent one season. After spending a season in Winnipeg, Kelly landed in Saskatoon where he would help coach the University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ offensive line. He joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders at the start of the 2010 season. Halfway through the 2010 season, Kelly was traded to the Edmonton Eskimos.

At the end of 2010, Kelly joined the BC Lions as an Assistant Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs Coach. Kelly also assists in preparing the team for the Annual CFL Draft.

Kelly formerly resided at 1316 14th Street.

This information was gathered from the following sources:
– Bates Bleeds Green Again, The StarPhoenix, June 16, 2010.
– B.C. Lions (n.d.). Kelly Bates- Running Backs Coach & CFL Draft Coordinator.
Retrieved from http://bclions.com/page/staff-kelly-bates
– Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame (n.d.). 1996 Saskatoon Hilltops. Retrieved from
http://www.saskatoonsportshalloffame.com/class/2002/1996_saskatoon_hilltops.php


Diane Jones-Konihowski

Image Source: University of Saskatchewan (2002). Spring Convocation 2002. University of Saskatchewan On Campus News 9(18). Retrieved from http://words.usask.ca/archived_ocn/may24-02/feature8.shtml
Image Source: University of Saskatchewan (2002). Spring Convocation 2002. University of Saskatchewan On Campus News 9(18). Retrieved from http://words.usask.ca/archived_ocn/may24-02/feature8.shtml

Diane was born on December 7, 1951 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Although born in Vancouver, Diane was raised in Saskatoon. During this time, she trained to become an internationally known pentathlete.

In 1967, Diane represented Canada internationally for the first time as a high jumper and javelin thrower. In 1972, Diane represented Canada at the Munich Olympics. She was a gold medalist in the pentathlon at the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico City. In that same year, Diane was named Canada’s Female Athlete of the Year. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1976 with a Bachelor of Education degree. In 1978, Diane won a gold medal at the
Commonwealth Games in Edmonton and was named Canada’s Female Athlete of the Year for the second time in her career. In 1979, she won her second Pan American Games gold medal. Diane was also a member of the Canadian Olympic team in 1980.

During her career, Diane ranked first in the world twice. She was awarded the Order of Canada in 1979 and inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1980. Diane was the recipient of the YWCA Woman of Distinction Sport & Recreation Award in 1988. In 1993, she received the Great Canadian Award. In 1996, she was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Sports Hall of Fame.

Diane has remained active in Canadian sports, having worked as a coach and sports administrator for many national athletic boards including Fair Play Canada, Coaching Association of Canada, Canadian Olympic Association, as well as the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. In 2000, Diane led Canada’s Olympic Team to the Sydney Olympics as the Chef de Mission. Diane continues to volunteer on many national boards and committees aimed at improving sports within Canada. Diane was presented with an Honourary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2002.

Diane formerly resided at 317 Bottomley Avenue North.

This information was gathered from the following sources:
– Coneghan, D. & Stoffel, H. (n.d.). Jones Konihowski, Diane (1951-). In The
Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan. Retrieved from http://esask.uregina.ca/entry/jones_konihowski_diane_1951-.html
– Henderson’s Saskatoon Directory, 1975.
– Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (n.d.). Diane Jones-Konihowski. Retrieved from
http://sasksportshalloffame.com/inductees/diane-jones-konihowski/


Edward Kent Phillips

Photograph B-11158(1) by Leonard A. Hillyard courtesy Saskatoon Public Library- Local History Room
Photograph B-11158(1) by Leonard A. Hillyard courtesy Saskatoon Public Library- Local History Room

Edward Kent Phillips was born in Ottawa on July 31,1904. He came to Saskatoon as a young boy with his family. He graduated from Nutana Collegiate and received a Master of Art in Engineering in 1925 from the University of Saskatchewan. He received his Masters in Civil Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan in 1927. From 1925 until 1947, Edward was a lecturer in the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. From 1960 until 1966, he served as a member of the University Board of Governors. Edward was also a member of the University Senate and president of the University Alumni Association.

Aside from his academic career, Edward was also a prominent athlete. He played forward for the University of Saskatchewan hockey team in 1921-1922, the year the team became champions of the Saskatoon-Prince Albert Hockey League. He was also involved in rugby, having been part of the Saskwanis Rugby Club when they were Western Canadian Champions in 1922. From 1928 until 1937, Edward coached the Huskie football team and was an assistant coach from 1941 until 1943. In 1947, he became the first president of the Saskatoon Hilltops Junior Football Club. In 1948, Edward became the president of the Canadian Rugby Union. In 1951, Edward became Commissioner of the Western Interprovincial Football Union, the precursor to the Canadian Football League’s West Division. He was also a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Executive. Edward passed away on March 5, 1972 in Saskatoon. He was inducted posthumously into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1980.

The E. Kent Phillips trophy is one of the Major 7 Awards given out by Husky Athletics every year. The first E. Kent Phillips trophy was given to Dan Marisi in 1966. Prior to 1989, the award was only given out to an outstanding male athlete of a team sport. After 1989, the award was also given out to male recipients competing on an individual basis.

Edward formerly resided at 1333 Elliott Street.

This information was gathered from the following sources:
– Henderson’s Saskatoon Directory, 1935.
– Saskatoon Land Surveyors Association (2009). Member Biography: Edward Kent
Phillips. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sk.ca/biographies/078.php
– Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (n.d.). Kent Phillips. Retrieved from
http://sasksportshalloffame.com/inductees/kent-phillips/
– University of Saskatchewan Huskies Athletics (n.d.). E. Kent Phillips Trophy-Presented
to the Male Athlete of the Year. Retrieved from http://www.huskies.usask.ca/award_recipients.php
– University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph
Collection A-10674. Ca. 1965. Finding aid (biographical note).


James Balfour “J.B.” Kirkpatrick

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph Collection A-8700. Head and shoulders of J.B. Kirkpatrick, University of Saskatchewan Dean of Education 1956-1976. Picture created in 1968
University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph Collection A-8700. Head and shoulders of J.B. Kirkpatrick, University of Saskatchewan Dean of Education 1956-1976. Picture created in 1968

J.B. Kirkpatrick was born on April 20, 1909 in Saskatoon. He enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan in 1926. In 1929, he received his Bachelor of Arts and in 1930, he received his Bachelor of Education degree. He went on to obtain his Master of Education degree in 1935, all degrees coming from the University of Saskatchewan. In 1944, J.B. graduated with a Doctorate degree in Physical Education from the Teachers’ College at Columbia University in New York.

Throughout his academic career, J.B. held many prominent positions. From 1944 until 1948, he was the Director of Physical Fitness and Recreation in the Saskatchewan Department of Education. From 1948 until 1956, he was the Director of the McGill School of Physical Education. J.B. was appointed Dean of the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan on August 15, 1956. He would remain in this position until his retirement in 1976. Prior to his retirement in 1976, the University of Saskatchewan established an award in his honour. The award is an annual travel grant enabling a faculty member or alumnus from the College of Education or a Saskatchewan teacher to spend up to a week observing a project, process, or program that promises to advance education. J.B. also played a prominent role in the advancement of Native education. He established the Indian and Northern Education program in 1963, the Indian Teacher Education Program in 1973, and helped establish the Northern Teacher Education Program in 1976. In 1990, he received an Honourary degree from the University of Saskatchewan Colleges of Education and Physical Education.

Aside from his academic career, J.B was also a life-long athlete. He became proficient in track and field while being mentored by Joe Griffiths. J.B. was also a skilled tennis player, having won the first Men’s Singles Championship for Saskatoon in 1937. From 1955 until 1966, he reigned as the Provincial Senior Men’s Champion. During his university years, J.B. was a starting player on the Men’s Huskies Basketball team. After the Second World War, he established the Saskatchewan Recreation Movement. In 1981, he partnered with John Leicester to win the Over 55 Provincial Doubles Championship. J.B. received many awards, including the R. Tait McKenzie Award for his outstanding contribution to physical education. He held a lifetime membership from the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. After his retirement from the University, J.B. helped establish many tennis clubs and facilities all over the province. He was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. J.B. died on November 5, 1998.

J.B. Kirkpatrick, his wife Mary, and their eight children all resided at 1410 Main Street in Varsity View and the house remains in the family today.

This information was gathered from the following sources:
– Henderson’s Saskatoon Directory, 1965.
– University Archives and Special Collections, University Library, University of
Saskatchewan, RG2103, Faculty Biographies, J.B. Kirkpatrick.
– University Archives and Special Collections, University Library, University of Saskatchewan, RG2129, Faculty Biographies, J.B. Kirkpatrick.


Russell “Rusty” Holmes Macdonald

Photograph PH-89-97 by Western Producer courtesy Saskatoon Public Library- Local History Room.
Photograph PH-89-97 by Western Producer courtesy Saskatoon Public Library- Local History Room.

Russell Macdonald was born on September 29, 1915 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1938 from the University of Saskatchewan. In honour of his father, an athlete who was killed during the battle of Vimy Ridge, he established the Macdonald Trophy. Recipients of this award demonstrate strong values of leadership and sportsmanship.

During WWII, Russell trained to be a fighter pilot and also helped to train front line pilots. After the war, Russell worked briefly for the Regina Leader Post. However, in 1945, he accepted a position to advise the University President James S. Thompson on conditions of returning war veterans. He fulfilled this position until 1949. In that same year, Russell joined the Western Producer and became the first full-time magazine editor. He was instrumental in ‘Canadianizing’ the magazine, which had previously only featured stories from the US and UK. Macdonald often bought stories from Canadian artists. One of those stories became the first book published by the Western Producer. As a result, Russell became known to many as the Father of Western Producer Prairie Books.

Russell became a trustee of the Saskatoon Library Board in 1960 and was Chairman of the building committee for Frances Morrison Public Library. The Rusty Macdonald Library Branch is named in his honour and opened on April 28, 1989. During his last year at the Western Producer, Russell published his first book entitled Four Seasons West (1977), which was a compilation of his photographs over many years. He went on to author nine books, one of which covered the history of the College of Engineering. After 28 years of service, Russell retired from the Western Producer in 1977. He passed away in Victoria on December 24, 1997.

Although Russell spent most of his life being an author and publisher, he was also a prominent athlete. He was centre and middle linebacker for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies Football team and was also a champion diver. The Rusty MacDonald Cup is one of the Major Seven Awards handed out by the Huskies every year. The award goes to the all-around male athlete who exhibits proficiency in sportsmanship and citizenship. The award has been presented annually since 1939.

Russell formerly resided at 1011 Temperance Street.

This information was collected from the following sources:
– Henderson’s Saskatoon Directories 1950.
– R.H. (Rusty) Macdonald (1915-1997). (1998). In Green and White: University of
Saskatchewan Alumni Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.usask.ca/greenandwhite/issues/1998/fall1998/features/910733569.php
– University of Saskatchewan College of Kinesiology. (n.d.). Huskie Athletics Major 7
Awards. Retrieved from http://www.huskies.usask.ca/award_recipients.php


Alpheus Colborne “Colb” McEown

University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph Collection A-3310. Head and shoulders of A.C. (Colb) McEown, first Vice-President (Acad), University of Saskatchewan, 1961.
University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph Collection A-3310. Head and shoulders of A.C. (Colb) McEown, first Vice-President (Acad), University of Saskatchewan, 1961.

Colb McEown was born in 1901. He received an education at the University of Saskatchewan and taught at both Bedford Road Collegiate and the University of Saskatchewan. In 1949, Colb joined the University of Saskatchewan as the first Assistant to the President. In 1961, he became the first Vice President of Academics at the University of Saskatchewan. His responsibilities included general administration as well as managing the University’s finances. In 1968, Colb was appointed Vice President of the University of Saskatchewan. He held this position until he passed away in 1968.

Aside from his academic career, Colb had an athletic career as a player, trainer, and coach. From 1921 to 1922, Colb was player and trainer for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies hockey team. In 1921, Colb was also acting manager of the Saskatoon Hilltops. Colb was also a major driving force behind the establishment of the Rutherford Rink, which opened on campus in 1929.

In 1932, he was hired by Walter Murray and Joe Griffiths to coach the men’s Huskies basketball team. Between 1932 and 1948, Colb coached the men’s basketball team to eight Rigby Cup Championships. These eight titles came in consecutive years, beginning in 1935. Colb coached the men’s Huskies football team in 1939, 1940, 1943, 1944, and 1945.

McEown Park residences at the University of Saskatchewan as well as McEown Avenue in Nutana are named in his honour. The Colb McEown Award at the University of Saskatchewan is also named in his honour and is given annually to the coach of the year.

Colb formerly resided at 1008 Osler Street.

This information was gathered from the following sources:
– Henderson’s Saskatoon Directory, 1955.
– University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections, Photograph
Collection A-3310. Finding aid (biographical note).
– University of Saskatchewan (n.d.). Rutherford Rink. In Campus Buildings. Retrieved
from http://scaa.usask.ca/gallery/uofs_buildings/


Maureen Rever-DuWors

Image Source: Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame
Image Source: Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame

Maureen Rever-DuWors was born on July 21, 1938 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Maureen attended Luther High School and held both the Saskatchewan Open and high school all-around track and field titles. Maureen was the 1955 Canadian champion in the 60-yard and 100-yard events. She held the Canadian record for 50-yard, 60-yard, and 100-yard sprint events as well as the Canadian Juvenile Long Jump record.

Throughout her career, Maureen participated in many international events. In the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, she competed in the 100-metre, 200-metre, and 4×100 metre relay events. At the Pan Am Games, British Empire, and Commonwealth Games, Maureen won bronze in the 4×100 metre relays.

Maureen also has several accomplishments as a professor, coach, official, and administrator. She is part of the Department of Biology at the University of Saskatchewan and holds the title of Professor Emeritus. Maureen was a member of the Saskatchewan branch of the Athletic Association of Canada. She was the director of the Saskatoon Track and Field Club. Maureen is also recognized as an internationally rated official. She was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1977. Maureen is also a founding member of Sask Sport.

Maureen has also received many awards throughout her career. In 1999, she was a recipient of the Fellows Award. This award is given out by Nature Saskatchewan. The annual award has been given out since 1987 and recognizes individuals who have shown leadership and have contributed outstanding time and work to the Fellows of the Saskatchewan Natural History Society.

Maureen currently resides in the Varsity View neighbourhood.

This information was gathered from the following sources:
– Coneghan, D. (n.d.). DuWors, Maureen (1938-). In The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan. Retrieved from http://esask.uregina.ca/entry/duwors_maureen_1938-.html
– Nature Saskatchewan (n.d.). Awards. Retrieved from
http://www.naturesask.ca/what-we-do/awards
– Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame (2012). Maureen (Rever) DuWors. Retrieved from http://www.saskatoonsportshalloffame.com/class/1986/maureen_duwors.php
– University of Saskatchewan. University Archives & Special Collections (n.d.).
“Honourary Degree Recipients.” Campus History, (http://library.usask.ca/archives/campus-history/honorary-degrees.php?id=469&view=detail; accessed July 28, 2014). University of Saskatchewan, University Archives & Special Collections.