Les Gramantik

Les Gramantik, born in 1949, is a distinguished athletics coach whose five-decade career has greatly influenced Canadian sports. Immigrating to Calgary after coaching internationally, he co-founded the University of Calgary track and field program, leading the Dinos to multiple national championships. As head coach for Athletics Canada, he guided athletes at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games. Les coached numerous elite athletes, the most notable being Michael Smith, Jessica Zelinka, and Damian Warner to international success. He is a well respected international speaker and member of a number of international coaching organizations such as the European Coaching Congress and the North American, Caribbean Coaching association. Les's dedication to athlete development and coaching excellence has left an enduring impact on athletics in Alberta and beyond.

George Hopkins

George Hopkins and Dwayne Mandrusiak are legendary equipment managers who have each devoted over 50 years to Canadian football. Hopkins, with the Calgary Stampeders since 1972, and Mandrusiak, with the Edmonton Eskimos since 1971, have each worked over 1,000 games and been part of multiple Grey Cup championships—six for Hopkins and eleven for Mandrusiak. In 1985, they co-founded the Amateur Football Equipment Inspection Program, significantly enhancing equipment safety in youth football across Alberta. Their unparalleled dedication to their teams and contributions to amateur football have made them iconic figures and true builders of the game in Alberta.

Dwayne Mandrusiak

George Hopkins and Dwayne Mandrusiak are legendary equipment managers who have each devoted over 50 years to Canadian football. Hopkins, with the Calgary Stampeders since 1972, and Mandrusiak, with the Edmonton Eskimos since 1971, have each worked over 1,000 games and been part of multiple Grey Cup championships—six for Hopkins and eleven for Mandrusiak. In 1985, they co-founded the Amateur Football Equipment Inspection Program, significantly enhancing equipment safety in youth football across Alberta. Their unparalleled dedication to their teams and contributions to amateur football have made them iconic figures and true builders of the game in Alberta.

1981-1989 Red Deer College Queens

Between 1981 and 1989, the Red Deer College Queens Volleyball Team dominated Alberta collegiate volleyball, winning eight consecutive ACAC championships—an unmatched record in the conference. With an astonishing 178–5 regular-season record and three undefeated seasons, they showcased unparalleled excellence. Nationally, they earned eight CCAA medals, including a historic gold in 1984, breaking Quebec's longstanding hold on the championship. Renowned for their talent and sportsmanship, the Queens set records with a 90-set winning streak. Their legacy remains a benchmark in Canadian collegiate sports, exemplifying the heights achievable through dedication, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Brian Fryer

Fryer was a five-time Grey Cup champion with the Edmonton Eskimos dynasty from 1978 to 1982, one of only four Alberta-born players to play on all five title teams. Drafted by Washington in 1976 as the first Canadian university player selected to the NFL, he later starred with the Golden Bears, winning a Vanier Cup, two All-Canadian honours, and the Hec Crighton Trophy. Following his playing career, he served as executive director of Football Alberta and was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

William Connelly

Connelly was a driving force behind harness racing in Alberta, personally leasing tracks and advancing shipping costs to keep the sport alive in the early 1960s. He helped build racing from the grassroots, introduced night racing in Edmonton, Calgary, and Ladner, and focused on developing the breeding industry. Connelly was an original member of the Edmonton Eskimos Board of Directors and was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame (1985) and the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame (1987).

Orv Franchuk

Born near Wandering River, Franchuk’s baseball journey began as a batboy before earning a scholarship to Pepperdine University and playing semi-pro in Alberta. He spent decades coaching, managing, and scouting at every level, including the Edmonton Tigers, Trappers, Capitals, Prospects, Canada’s national team, and multiple MLB organizations, earning a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2004. Recognized for his lifelong contribution to the sport, he was inducted into the Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Wilf Girletz

Girletz was one of Canada’s top rodeo competitors from 1948 to 1960, winning five Canadian Bull Riding Championships—including a record three straight—as well as three Canadian All-Around titles. He also claimed victories in wild cow milking and saddle bronc riding, and later founded Girletz Rodeo Stock when his sons took up the sport. A true rodeo legend, he was inducted into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1994.

Dr. Randy Gregg

Edmonton-born Randy Gregg, five-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Oilers and Canadian Olympian, excelled in hockey, baseball, and academics while making significant community contributions. He is a medical professional, founder of FunTeam Alberta, Managing Director of the Edmonton Riverhawks, and has been inducted into numerous Halls of Fame.

Al Hamilton

Al Hamilton began his junior career with the Edmonton Oil Kings, winning the Memorial Cup in 1966 before joining the New York Rangers and later the Buffalo Sabres. He returned to Alberta as the first captain of the Edmonton Oilers, playing seven seasons in the WHA with multiple all-star selections and recording the most games and points in franchise history, before finishing his career in the NHL. Hamilton represented Team Canada in the 1974 Canada-Russia Series, coached in junior hockey, and was inducted into the Manitoba, Alberta Hockey, and Edmonton Oilers Halls of Fame.