Some of the greatest athletes and builders in Saskatchewan athletic history will be recognized this fall.
The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame has announced the induction class of 2022.
The inductees in the Athletics category for 2022 are pole vaulter, Kelsie Hendry, sprinter, Harry Jerome, and football player Rueben Mayes.
The inductees in the Builders category are longtime official Toni Beerling and artist Bill Brownridge.
Hendry began her athletic career at the University of Saskatchewan before claiming two national titles, she attended a pair of Commonwealth Games and won a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The native of Saskatoon also competed in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.
Hendry said the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame is very important for the province. “I know as a young athlete, having visible models in my community was very important, I know it made a difference in my own athletic career.”
Jerome was born in Prince Albert and would go on to win seven world records as a sprinter. He would go to compete in the Olympics on three different occasions including winning a bronze medal in the 1964 Summer Olympics. When he was 19, Jerome ran a world record time in the 100m at the Olympic trials in Saskatoon.
Jerome’s daughter Debbie Jerome-Smith says it is great to see historical sports figure in the province being recognized. “It’s just great that this new generation is starting to recognize the importance of athletes from the past especially our grandchildren who are deeply honoured as well.”
After achieving success playing high school football in North Battleford, Mayes would go on to achieve success south of the border. During his time with the Washington State, Mayes collected 15 different records and is the only Canadian who is currently in the US College Football of Fame. Mayes was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1986 and would be selected to compete at the Pro Bowl on two separate occasions.
Mayes says being named to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame is very meaningful honour. “Because of the core values of giving back and building long term relationships and being the best was all shaped when I was growing up in North Battleford and surrounding communities.”
The 2022 induction ceremony will be taking place on September 24 at the Conexus Arts Centre. Along with the class of 2022 being recognized, the class of 2021 will also be recognized since their ceremony was restricted to a virtual ceremony last year.
Some of the 2021 inductees include 2013 Saskatchewan Roughriders, 2000-01 University of Regina Cougars, soccer player Kaylyn Kyle and Olympic bobsledder Lyndon Rush.
