Head and shoulders image of Joe Griffiths, director of Physical Education, 1919-1951.

Bio/Historical Note: Born in 1885 in Port Talbot, Glamorganshire, Wales, Ernest Wynne (Joe) Griffiths accompanied his family to a homestead at Patience Lake, Saskatchewan. After a youth of varied activity, Joe, as he was known to everyone, joined the Royal North West Mounted Police prior to going overseas with His Majesty's forces in 1915. After his discharge in the fall of 1920, he came to the University as its entire Physical Education Department. For the next 32 years his coaching ability in track and field and in swimming had a great impact on the varsity athletic programs. Among the athletes he coached were Ethel Catherwood, gold medalist in high jump at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics; Phyllis Haslam, who broke the world record in breaststroke in 1934; Orvald Gratias, sprinter; and 1952 Olympic decathlete Bob Adams. For 11 years, his swimming teams were unbeaten. In 1936 and 1948 he was asked to serve as a Canadian Olympic team coach. Griffiths organized the first provincial high school track and field meet. The facility, which has been used for national and world-class meets was named Griffiths Stadium in his honour. Griffiths retired in 1951. He helped shape the Saskatoon Playground Association. In his lifetime he was made a life member of the Royal Life Saving Society and received the honour award of the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation. Griffiths died 22 July 1967.