Bob Coffin – Builder
Bob grew up in Colonsay where he participated in a number of school and community sports programs. From there, he moved to Saskatoon in 1970 to attend the U of S where he was a member of the Huskie football program for 5 years and the track program for 4 years. He still holds a Canadian Intercollegiate Sport football record for most career interceptions. He completed his Physical Education and Education degrees at the U of S. In 1974, Bob received a College of Physical Education Award for excellence in university academics, athletics, and leadership.
During Bob’s teaching and administrative career he has received a number of coaching and service recognition awards from Football Sask., the Saskatoon Hilltops, the Saskatchewan Amateur Wrestling Association and the Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association. Bob taught and coached in the Saskatoon Public School Division for 26 years. In 2001, Prince Albert, Carlton and the North Central District hit the lottery as Bob moved to Prince Albert to take the position of vice principal at Carlton.
While doing his administrative duties at Carlton Bob coached football, basketball, track and field. He was part of organizing committees for provincial championships hosted by Carlton. Bob was instrumental in organizing the annual PA High Schools Small Communities Wrestling Tourney. During his time at Carlton he was a coach in either of their senior or junior football programs. He continued to be involved with Football Saskatchewan and was recognized by them for his dedication.
Upon retirement, community football in Prince Albert became his prime focus as he worked even more closely with the PA Minor Football Association and PA Football Officials’ group. The people he has worked with in Minor Football say he has been key to their program with the expertise and energy he brought to PA Minor Football. PA Minor Football is now a recognized member of Football Sask. and the Association is actively promoting the growth of the sport of football in PA and area by hosting coaches clinics. As an executive member of the PA Minor Football Association he has worked with program co-ordinators to facilitate the growth of new programs such as Indoor Flag Football, Little Tykes and the Spring 6 Aside leagues. Upon retirement he joined the local football referees association and has worked with Barry Mihilewicz in building a prospering referees group. Bob has not only helped to build and revive a sustainable football program in a hockey town, but has built the morale of those clubs by making every player, coach and parent feel they are the ones most important to the organization’s success. He has been a builder of more than an organization as he has built confidence, perseverance and passion within the hearts of many young athletes in and around the Prince Albert area.
