From Whitecourt to the CFL: Morgen Runge’s football journey

By Haylee Winger

Whitecourt native Morgen Runge continues to make strides in his professional football career with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. Since joining the team, Runge has shown steady progress on the field. His recent contract renewal further solidifies his position with the Roughriders, marking another step forward in his journey as a professional athlete.

When he’s not training or studying, Runge enjoys spending quality time with his family and hopes to take advantage of any free moments on the golf course. However, for now, all his energy is devoted to football — a sport that has been a central part of his life for over a decade.

Runge’s football journey began in the spring of 2013 during Grade 10, when he attended spring camp with the Whitecourt Cats. At that time, hockey was still his main passion, but football gradually gained ground as he explored his athletic potential.

“Growing up I was more of a hockey guy,” Runge explained. “It wasn’t until I started playing junior football with the Edmonton Huskies in 2015 where I was kind of more thinking football was, you know, more of what I was doing. When you have the opportunity to play at a higher level, you get to see how the game branches out and the possibilities .”

Runge spent five seasons with the Edmonton Huskies, starting in 2015 and completing his junior eligibility in 2019. His time with the Huskies gave him valuable experience and helped shape his skills, discipline, and understanding of the game. After finishing his junior career, he transitioned to university football, dedicating five seasons to the University of Alberta Golden Bears. His years with the Golden Bears further developed his abilities and prepared him for the challenges of professional football.

Reflecting on his progression to the CFL, Runge speaks with pride about the journey that brought him to the Roughriders.

“It’s been a very long football journey for me. I started in 2013 in high school and played five years of junior with the Huskies and then five years with the Golden Bears. So now having the opportunity to play at the highest level with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and being part of the culture is just incredible. Being able to be a part of that and chase our goal of winning the 112th Grey Cup is quite special. It’s awesome.”

As someone who has worked his way through every level of Canadian football, Runge offers practical advice to young athletes who dream of making it to the professional ranks.

“Number one: take care of school,” he said. “Most of the players who go on to play at the professional level, who are Canadians, go to university. It’s not easy to get into university — and not only that, but it’s also not easy to continue to do well in school so that you can continue to play at that level. So, take care of your studies and get to the gym. Find all the ways to improve your skills. It’s not just a matter of being a good athlete. Building your body up and being able to compete with guys at the higher levels is also very important.”

The community of Whitecourt is immensely proud to see one of their own reach the professional level. Runge’s dedication, perseverance, and humble attitude have made him a role model for young athletes throughout the region. Local coaches, teammates, and family members have watched his journey with admiration, inspired by his commitment both on and off the field.

As Runge continues to forge his path in the CFL, his hometown remains firmly behind him, eager to cheer him on every step of the way. His story serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work, passion, and determination, dreams that begin in small towns can indeed lead to big stages.