Ed Zemrau

University Sports Builder — Inducted 1976

Edwin Zemrau (August 22, 1933 – April 23, 2012) was a distinguished Canadian university sport leader, former athlete, and international sport executive whose influence shaped interuniversity athletics in Canada and abroad for decades.

Zemrau competed in both hockey and baseball at the amateur and professional levels before transitioning into sport administration. As a collegiate athlete, he captained the University of Denver Pioneers to the school’s first NCAA Hockey Championship in 1958. That season he was named an NCAA All-American and helped establish Denver as a national hockey power. He later played minor professional hockey in the Chicago and Detroit systems before returning to Alberta.

In 1960, Zemrau joined the University of Alberta as assistant to Maury Van Vliet, Dean of Physical Education. He eventually became the first Director of Athletics at the University of Alberta, serving for 18 years. Under his leadership, the university grew into a premier host site for national and international amateur athletic competitions.

Zemrau played a major role in Canadian university sport governance. He served as:

• President, Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (1977–1984)
• Vice President, International University Sports Federation (FISU)
• First Vice President, FISU (1994)
• Auditor, FISU (1967–1983)
• President, Supervision Commission – FISU Winter Universiade
• Chairman, Western Canada Football League
• Chairman, Canadian University Centennial Project (1967)

He was Chef de Mission for Canada at the 1972 Winter Universiade and was the driving force behind the successful hosting of the 1983 World University Games (Universiade) in Edmonton, serving as President and CEO of the event from 1981 to 1985.

Zemrau also contributed to major international events including:

• 1970 World Amateur Wrestling Championships (Vice Chairman)
• 2001 World Track and Field Championships (Board of Directors)
• World University Wrestling Championships (Board of Directors)
• 2005 Masters Games (Board of Governors)
• Calgary 1988 Olympic Bid Committee

 

 

Honours and Awards

Throughout his career, Zemrau received numerous honours recognizing his impact on sport:

• 1958 — NCAA All-American & NCAA Hockey Champion
• 1967 — Canadian Centennial Medal of Honour
• 1976 — Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
• 1983 — FISU Honour Award
• 1984 — Edmonton Sportsman of the Year
• 1985 — CIS Austin-Matthews Award
• 1995 — University of Alberta Sports Wall of Fame
• 2001 — City of Edmonton Certificate of Appreciation
• 2003 — FISU Emeritus Honourary Member

Following his passing, he was inducted into the Denver Athletic Hall of Fame.

Legacy

Ed Zemrau’s vision and leadership transformed university sport in Canada. His work strengthened the national structure of intercollegiate athletics and elevated Edmonton’s international reputation as a host city for major sporting events.

Beyond his administrative accomplishments, Zemrau was known for his passion for the outdoors — enjoying camping, hunting, and fishing throughout his life.

He passed away on April 23, 2012, at the age of 78. His legacy endures in Canadian university sport and international athletic competition.

After Induction