PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — The Crescent Heights Football Field in Prince Albert has been officially renamed Wendell Whitter Field, honouring the late coach, pastor, and community leader whose decades of volunteer service helped shape youth sports in the city.
The dedication ceremony, held Saturday morning, brought together family, friends, and city officials, including Ward 8 Councillor Darren Solomon, whose son once played in the River Riders football program. A commemorative sign was unveiled on the exterior of the Crescent Heights Arena, reading: “Wendell Whitter Field – Home of the Prince Albert Minor Football Association.”
A Legacy of Leadership
Whitter, who passed away in 2018, was a central figure in the Prince Albert Minor Football Association (PAMFA). He coached the River Riders pee wee football teams from the program’s inception in 2008 until his death, building a reputation as both a dedicated mentor and a strong advocate for youth sport.
Beyond football, Whitter gave his time to the community as a pastor and as a coach in archery and hockey. His influence extended across multiple generations of athletes, many of whom credit him with instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
In recognition of his impact, PAMFA was named the 2018 Sport Organization of the Year by the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame. Four years later, Whitter himself was inducted into the Hall as a Builder, an honour reserved for individuals whose contributions to sport extend beyond the playing field.
“Wendell Whitter’s contributions have shaped the culture of football in Prince Albert and inspired generations of young athletes,” said Taras Kachkowski, President of the Prince Albert Minor Football Association. “Naming the Crescent Heights Football Field in his honour is a meaningful way to recognize his legacy and ensure his impact is remembered for years to come.”
Community and Facility
The Crescent Heights Football Field, now Wendell Whitter Field, is situated between Branion Drive and Cook Drive and serves as the home field for PAMFA and the River Riders program. The facility is owned and maintained by the City of Prince Albert through its Parks Division, while PAMFA supports the site with ongoing volunteer work — a commitment Whitter personally embodied through countless hours of maintenance and coordination.
The renaming reflects not only Whitter’s direct involvement in football but also his broader role in strengthening community ties. Local officials emphasized that his leadership contributed to the growth of youth sport in Prince Albert at a time when grassroots programs were critical to engaging young people in recreation and teamwork.
Recognizing a Builder
Whitter’s dual recognition by the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame — first for his association’s achievements and later as an individual inductee — underscores the breadth of his contributions. His 2022 induction as a Builder highlighted his ability to establish structures and programs that will benefit athletes long into the future.
For PAMFA, the renaming of the field is part of its ongoing effort to honour the volunteers and leaders who have sustained the organization over the years. Founded to provide youth with opportunities to develop skills, sportsmanship, and a passion for the game, the association continues to operate programs for athletes of all ages, guided by the same principles Whitter promoted throughout his life.
Looking Forward
The unveiling of Wendell Whitter Field serves as both a commemoration and a call to action, reminding the community of the importance of volunteerism and leadership in local sport. For current and future athletes who step onto the field, the name now serves as a symbol of dedication to youth development and community spirit.
The Prince Albert Minor Football Association expressed hope that the new name will inspire generations to carry forward Whitter’s vision of sport as a vehicle for personal growth and community building.
For more details on Whitter’s contributions, the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame provides a dedicated profile under its Builder category.
