Karen Wharington (far right) is stepping down after 26 years with the Battlefords Legion Track Club (Submitted Photo/Karen Wharington).

By Austin Mattes

More Than A Coach

‘A big part of my life’: Karen Wharington steps down after 26 years with North Battleford Legion Track Club

Jun 17, 2025 | 2:02 PM

After more than a quarter century of dedication and leadership, Karen Wharington is stepping away from her coaching role with the North Battleford Legion Track Club. While her departure marks the end of an era for the club, her impact will be remembered forever.

Wharington served as the coach for 26 years, being a mentor and role model for generations of athletes. From helping young runners find their stride to shaping the confidence of countless teens, her influence went far beyond the finish line.

“I’ve seen the kids go from nine years old to graduating and getting married. One of my first athletes now has two kids, and I see them at track meets. It’s like, oh, I used to watch you high jump,” said Wharington.

For Wharington, her journey into coaching began as a parent looking for something to keep her son active.

“We were trying to find something for my son to do. He was a good runner and his buddy wanted to get into it too. So, his mom and I took over because the other two coaches were stepping away. We got our certifications, and when she left, I thought, ‘I’m not going to let the club just fold.’ So, I’ve kind of just been hanging around for 26 years,” Wharington explained.

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Her “hanging around” included a long list of achievements and recognitions, including the 2018 Bob Adams Foundation Coach of the Year Award and Saskatchewan Athletics’ 2023 Coach of the Year. However, as a coach, Wharington never cared about the medals.

“You don’t need to get a medal. You just want to improve. Be proud of yourself. And if you get on the podium, it’s great. And if you don’t, as long as you’ve achieved something better than what you did before, that’s what you have to go for,” she said.

Wharington’s legacy is not built on personal accolades, but on the culture she created within the club, one of growth and love for sport.

Her departure, while bittersweet, is not a farewell from the track entirely. Wharington still plans to remain active in the sport as an official.

“It was a big part of my life and I’ll definitely miss it, but I’ve got new adventures. I’ll keep with my officiating, so I still get to watch them — I just can’t talk to them. I’ll still see our club there, but I’ll spend more of my time officiating,” Wharington said.

As the North Battleford Legion Track Club prepares for life without Wharington, her presence will continue to echo through the club and athletes she inspired. Her impact, like the laps around the track, will come full circle for years to come.

Robin Tomaz has been named the new coach for the club.

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes