Jim McLachlan – Athlete/Builder

Jim McLachlan had a tremendous career as a football player and then as a builder in the sport in Prince Albert.

On the field Jim excelled as a linebacker for the Tech Tigers from 1966 to 1970. He would move on to the Saskatoon Hilltops Junior football organization where he played from 1970 to 1971 which earned him a scholarship to attend school and play football at Bemidji State University, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings of the NFL would take notice of the skill level of McLachlan and invited him to a try- out camp. An unfortunate knee injury at the Vikings camp ended Jim’s playing career.

Upon retirement Jim McLachlan returned to Prince Albert and would be a big part of the Carlton Crusaders High School coaching staff for over 30 years. In 1995 he coached the Crusaders to the Provincial 3A final were they were edged 21-20 by North Battleford Vikings.

After the St. Mary High School football program folded in the mid 1990’s, McLachlan would organize a parent/alumni group at Carlton to keep football alive in Prince Albert. The group was successful in getting into the Saskatoon High School league that year.

He also was a key person in the start-up of the Kinsmen Minor Football program in the mid-2000’s, again rallying Carlton and high school alumni in the city to be organizers and coaches.

Another important facet of Jim’s contribution to the sport is the attaining of scholarships for a number of his high school athletes like Dane McArthur, Roy Charles, Rob Trebelcock and Ryan Molitwenik to name a few.

Jim was awarded the Outstanding Citizen of the Month Award by CKBI in January, 2000, for his involvement in Prince Albert Football. Also, in September, 2002, the Saskatchewan Roughriders presented Jim with an Appreciation Award for developing amateur football in Saskatchewan.

He also was involved with the Prince Albert Raiders Hockey Club as Strength and Conditioning coach under Terry Simpson.