BRIT Bedford Road Invitational Tournament

In 1967, the Bedford Road "Redmen" travelled to the Luther Invitational Basketball Tournament in Regina as Saskatoon's representative in that Centennial year. The LIT in 1967 was perhaps one of the finest high-school tournaments ever held in Western Canada.

Although the Redmen did not bring back any trophies, they did bring back the enthusiasm and excitement of their experience and a dream. It seemed unlikely that the University of Saskatchewan would continue to sponsor a Christmas tournament for high-schools, and the Bedford Coaches felt that Saskatoon needed a tournament in this city if the calibre of high-school basketball was to continue to improve.

In 1968, the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate sanctioned the first Bedford Road Senior Boys' Invitational Basketball Tournament. This was the very beginning of what BRIT is known as today. A large number of changes have taken place since 1968, these include: changing the draw format to include more teams, including out-of-city / out-of-province / out-of-country teams. Media coverage has also evolved; from live-radio early on to television as well as Internet broadcasts. Local newspaper The Star Phoenix continues to be a longstanding supporter of the tournament.

The tournament continues to assist with the development of basketball in Saskatoon. Hundreds of students and staff have ensured that the tournament remains a Classic. Many coaches marvel at the atmosphere in the school and Rich Goulet, Coach of the Pitt Meadows Marauders sums up his thoughts after a tournament: "Our players are fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to many prestigious high-school basketball tournaments, but no where do they encounter the unequalled enthusiasm, organization, and hospitality that have become the trademarks of the Bedford Road Invitational Tournament."

Thank you to everyone for being part of the BRIT.