HUMBOLDT — Shaun Gardiner, Humboldt Collegiate Institute’s vice-principal, has received a service award for outstanding leadership, service and promotion for high school athletics.
The Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association (SHSAA) presented him for his work with the Horizon Central Athletic Association.
Gardiner’s teaching career has spanned nearly 30 years, with two years at the Athahkakoop Cree First Nation, followed by seven years in Prince Albert, and 20 at the Humboldt Collegiate Institute where he now serves as vice-principal.
Before he went into teaching, Gardiner had a five-year career as a member of the University of Saskatchewan Huskies football team and was drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The association described Gardiner’s coaching at the Humboldt Collegiate Institute as “extensive.”
Gardiner has held the role as athletic director for the majority of his time at the school, and served as head coach of the tackle football program for 13 seasons. In 2008 and 2010 the team received Provincial Championship titles.
Other sports he’s coached include the track and field program, basketball teams, and badminton at both the senior and junior level.
Outside of school, Gardiner is the original co-founder and coordinator of the Kelly Bates Football Camp, which has served the needs of rural football players and teams for 10 consecutive years, and has coached Humboldt Minor Hockey and Humboldt Minor Baseball.
He has also served as the defensive coordinator/linebacker coach at the Football Saskatchewan Senior Bowl and at the Saskota Bowl, a 9-aside all-star football game between Saskatchewan and North Dakota.
“Shaun’s dedication and commitment to athlete and program development at both the school and community level have been immeasurable, and the positive impact he has had on the athletic community is pronounced,” the SHSAA said in a statement.
“He has for years spent countless hours leading Humboldt Collegiate’s athletic programming to ensure that every sport, coach, and athlete has the potential to achieve excellence.”
The award presentation was made at Humboldt Collegiate in front of Gardiner’s staff and colleagues.
“Coaching has always been one of Shaun’s biggest passions. If Shaun chooses to coach a sport, you can expect him to put in hours and hours of planning and coaching in an effort to develop his players to compete at the highest level. He then takes the responsibility of developing the entire team surrounding his players including coaches, parents and officials.”
