With files from Sun West SD
A longtime educator and coach in west-central Saskatchewan has received one of the province’s highest honours in high school athletics.
Lance Morrison, a teacher at Dinsmore Composite School, was recently awarded the Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association (SHSAA) Merit Award, recognizing decades of service to student athletics as a coach, official, mentor, and leader.
Morrison, whose career has taken him to schools across the region — including Beechy, Lucky Lake, Loreburn, and Outlook — was praised by colleagues for his leadership, integrity and commitment to student success both on and off the field.
“Every school you've been at has been better with you in it,” said Mitch Wintonyk, president of the West Central District. “Winning seemed to follow you, and that’s no coincidence. You know how to get the most out of your athletes while expecting them to represent their schools with class.”
Wintonyk also credited Morrison for his years of service on local and provincial athletic executives, calling him a valued mentor and tireless advocate for student athletes.
Sun West School Division Director of Education Vicki Moore echoed those sentiments.
“You’ve been a true champion for student athletes across the province,” Moore said. “Whether it was organizing events, mentoring students or young coaches, or serving on provincial committees, your leadership and passion have made a lasting impact.”
In accepting the award, Morrison said he was honoured to be named among those he considers the province’s top leaders in school sport.
“I have been fortunate to teach in a number of schools alongside so many great people,” he said. “Together we’ve worked to give students the opportunity to participate in athletics because we understand how important school sport is in our communities.”
Morrison credited his family — wife Shauna, and children Zach and Ally — for their unwavering support, allowing him to dedicate countless hours to building athletic programs that offer more than just competition.
“I believe good programs begin with good people,” he said. “Sometimes all a student needs is a chance to try. These experiences create lasting memories — not just for the athletes, but for us as coaches and teachers, too.”
The SHSAA Merit Award is presented annually to individuals who have shown outstanding dedication to high school sport in Saskatchewan. Morrison was nominated by Becky Divorski of the West Central District.
Watch the SHSAA video recognizing Lance Morrison