SSK Women's Track & Field Dynasty Inducted into Canada West Hall of Fame

June 4, 2024 - The University of Saskatchewan Women’s Track & Field team was the most dominant side in the nation over a three year span from 2002 through 2005, capturing multiple Canada West and CIS national championships.

Now, the team's legacy will forever be enshrined as part of the Canada West Hall of Fame's Class of 2003-24.

The Huskies are a deserving addition after capturing both the Canada West and CIS national titles in 2003 and 2004, while also adding another national title in 2005. Over the three-year span, the team featured a remarkable 23 First Team All-Canadians, led by pole vaulter Kelsie Hendry who captured three straight CIS national gold medals. Hendry would go on to represent Team Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

The team joins an impressive Canada West Hall of Fame Class of 2023-24 that also includes:

​ ​ ​ ​ • Dr. Lou Goodwin (Builder)

​ ​ ​ ​ • Kelly Grosky (Athlete - Calgary Dinos Men's Volleyball)

​ ​ ​ ​ • Jessica Kaczowka (Athlete - Simon Fraser Women's Basketball)

​ ​ ​ ​ • Manitoba Bisons Men's Volleyball 1977-85 Dynasty

​ ​ ​ ​ • Kathy Preston (Athlete - Manitoba Bisons Women's Volleyball)

​ ​ ​ ​ • Alberta Pandas Gymnastics 1988-91 Dynasty

Team Category - University of Saskatchewan Women's Track & Field, 2002-05

The early 2000s were a period of dominance for the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Track & Field team, building a dynasty on both the conference and national stage. The Huskies captured both the Canada West and CIS national titles in 2003 and 2004, and added another CIS national title in 2005.

The championship teams in 2003 and 2004 were built under the leadership of legendary track and field coach Lyle Sanderson. The 2002-03 version of the Huskies set the bar with a deep and talented roster featuring 13 All-Canadians. The Huskies captured the CIS title that year on the strength of five gold medal performances at national championships, including Kelsie Hendry in Pole Vault, Megan Reid in shot put and weight throw, as well as wins in the 4x400m and 4x800m relays.

While the 2003-04 team experienced some degree of change, the dominant results remained the same. The Huskies set a new CIS record for the most points scored by a team at national championships by posting top-six finishes in every event they entered. Hendry led the way with another CIS record in pole vault, while Angela Collinge was golden in the High Jump. The Huskies depth on the track was unmatched, bringing home gold in the 4x200m and 4x400m relays.

Sanderson retired as head coach after the 2004 season, but the Huskies’ dominance continued in 2005 under the guidance of Ivan Tam and Scott St. Pierre. After a second place finish at Canada West championships, the team went on to capture a third straight national title. Hendry won a third straight CIS gold, with additional gold medals coming from Amber Mosewich in the 600m, Andrea Vinet in the 60m hurdles, and a win in the 4x400m relay.

Over a three-year span, the team featured a remarkable 23 First Team All-Canadians. Hendry also went on to represent Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

The legacy of the Huskies’ run of dominance lives on, with the dynasty serving as inspiration to current student-athletes to this day.

ABOUT THE CANADA WEST HALL OF FAME

For the last century, organized university sport has been a central part of the student experience at institutions across Western Canada. Beginning with the University of Manitoba capturing the first Western Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union (WCIAU) men's hockey banner in 1919-20, student-athletes have been competing to reach their full potential in sport and the classroom, while enriching campus life. 

To commemorate 100 years of university sport across Western Canada, the Canada West Hall of Fame was created in the spring of 2019. This year's induction class will be unveiled throughout the 2023-24 season.