The growth of sport in our communities
would be impossible if it were not for the volunteers, the special people, who unselfishly commit to serve on committees, initiate programs, assume administrative responsibilities, referee games,
organize tournaments, coordinate schedules, make travel arrangements, plan fundraising events, maintain facilities, and work hard behind the scenes at
sporting events to support our athletes, teams, and coaches.
Please access their full stories and photographs by following the links.
"I personally never had opportunities to play
sports. I lived my dreams as I watched the kids play."
Active between 1953 and 1988, the Colwell's exemplified the meaning of unselfish
commitment to our sporting world. Their distinguished service is
honoured as the first Inductees in The Special Awards Category.
Vern’s philosophy about coaching was simple “teach them the game so they can enjoy it, they will decide if they want to win or lose”. For Vern it was all about the kids and it was about having fun. Vern used to say, “If they didn’t have fun they wouldn’t stay, and then what would be the point of that?” Vern wasn’t just a coach. He cared about each and every one of his players and their personal well being.
Full Story
Frank came to Wetaskiwin in 1962 as a Physical Education teacher at the Wetaskiwin Composite High School. He taught and coached football, basketball, track and field, badminton and wrestling. From 1970 to the present Frank has spent much of his spare time coaching young people within the community or being involved with organizations that cater to young athletes.
Full Story
Evva is recognized for her unselfish commitment to Minor Hockey and Minor Fastball. It started shortly after she moved to Wetaskiwin and Minor Hockey needed someone to serve as secretary. Ev agreed. Shortly after she was approached with another request - a secretary-treasurer was required for a new Midget Hockey League - and again, Ev agreed. The role expanded very quickly and then she added Minor Fastball to the mix, as well as tournaments - well, the story is that she was one busy, but very unselfish lady.
Full Story
Vlad Brecka was not just a one sport official. When he moved to Wetaskiwin in 1966, he began an officiating career that impacted the sports of basketball, fastball, slow pitch, football, hockey. From 1969 to 1974 he coached High School basketball. In 1967, he was introduced by Jack Abram to the joys of umpiring fastball. He went from umpiring house league fastball to umpiring major men’s fastball (Car Capitals) and eventually to umpiring slow pitch. He also refereed basketball from 1974 to 1990 for the North Central High School League. This included zone playoffs and championship games. He also had the opportunity to referee basketball games for Camrose Concordia College.
Full Story
Upon arriving in Wetaskiwin Burt spent his first night at the Driard Hotel. There he met Bob MacDonald, the manager of the hotel, who was a promoter of the Colonels Hockey team. Bert realized that being the new “head man” of the Wetaskiwin Times, he would do well to take advantage of Bob’s knowledge of the Colonels and all other sports and community groups that existed in the City of Wetaskiwin. Bert Taylor is being recognized for his contributions to and involvement in the sporting community from two aspects. The first aspect is that of publisher - reporter - photographer with the Wetaskiwin Times from 1968 to 1985. The second that of volunteer chairing the Can Am Carnival.
Full Story
An outstanding athlete who garnered MVP recognition in several sports Dave is being inducted for his volunteerism. He started his volunteer career early, as a teenager he coached the Wetaskiwin Olympia Swim Team from 1972-1974. He also coached the Wetaskiwin Kinsmen Kings Hockey Team in 1983-84. As soon as Dave completed his chiropractic training in 1981 he put his expertise to work and volunteered to be the team chiropractor and assistant trainer for the Wetaskiwin High School Sabres Football Team, donating his time and knowledge to the them for an amazing 33 years. He also contributes a considerable amount of time to other teams in the area.
Full Story
Know someone worthy of induction to the Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall' of Fame. Complete a nomination form and submit it by October 30. Selection Committee will review all nominations and select inductees based on the criteria and merit. New nominations are received to supplement the pre-existing nominations on file.
Learn MoreDelve into the highlights of another Category of Induction
athletes builders teams athlete buildersExplore another feature of the WCSHF
sports memorabilia champions speak