Category: Builder

Inducted: Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Place of Birth: Germany

Wulf Stender’s decision to live in Newfoundland and Labrador was a major plus for athletics within the province. First as a competitor and then as a volunteer organizer, his contributions have been important factors in the successes the sport has enjoyed.

His involvement with track and field covers more than five decades and he continues to share his wealth of experience and knowledge with officials, athletes and coaches. He is well respected at home and across Canada for his expertise in officiating and coaching and for his constant positive attitude and high spirits.

Having competed since 1951 in his native Germany, he first came onto the Newfoundland and Labrador track and field scene in the mid-1960’s, emerging as a top finisher in various prestige events.At the 1964 Labour Day provincial track and field championships he captured the Victor Ludorum as top performer in the senior division.

From 1974, as a coach, he became a fixture at club meets, lending his officiating skills to most events. He joined Basil Delaney in the 1977 establishment of the Westerland Track and Field Club. His coaching contributions were on a year-round basis, indoor and out.

He coached five Newfoundland and Labrador teams at the Canada Games, including 1977 in St. John’s, 1985 in Saint John, 1989 in Saskatoon, 1997 in Brandon and 2001 in London. For more than 20 years on eight different occasions in cities coast to coast, he led local up and comers to the Royal Canadian championships, and in 1977 he was Camp Director of the Legion National camp.

From 1985 to 1992 he officiated at six national championships and in 1987 he earned his Level IV jumps certificate. The highlight of his officiating career, so far at least, was in 1993, when he officiated as Chief Official in the high jump at the indoor World Championship at the Sky Dome in Toronto.

Since 1974 his officiating services and experience have been invaluable to the sport. He has officiated at many of the Newfoundland Labrador Summer Games, high school regional and provincial competitions.