CHAMPIONS SPEAK - 2014 Hall of Fame Inductee Don Siler - Athlete
by Kristi Paukstat
Good evening and welcome!
“Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” Don Siler has
made this motto an integral part of his life.
Growing up in a family of five
children, Don lived a carefree, happy childhood; playing any
sport that coincided with the season. He found great role
models in his brother Richard, his father Bud and his
grandfather Si. In fact, his father – a well known Southern
Alberta baseball player - was invited to try out in the
major leagues. Don, too, had his chance in the major
leagues when his first ball team beat the Yankees. The
Vulcan Yankees, that is – in the Wheat League.
For Don, it wasn’t always
about competition or winning, but about playing the game and
having fun. He has fond memories of spending countless days
at Ballhorn’s outdoor rink, skiing at the Gwynne Hill,
running relay at track and field, lifeguarding, and kite day
to mention a few.
His more vivid memories
include scoring his first goal in hockey at Camrose,
catching his first pass in football from Dale Swanson at
Clear Vista School, as well as his first high school pass
from Bob Larson in Sedgewick. Scaring crows to death with
the car horn while riding with Frank Lockhart on the way to
his brother Richard’s games was also a fond way to spend a
day.
His passion for sport didn’t
end with his retirement from football; it just morphed into
coaching. Don spent many seasons coaching his children in
various sports-even when, like girls’ golf, he knew very
little about them. He did his best and the love for his
children and the value he placed on participation helped
create the next generation of well rounded athletes.
Don Siler is being inducted
tonight because of his outstanding football career, but his
achievements in all sports provide a good example for young
athletes of what can be attained with hard work and
dedication. “Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” These
are words to live by.
At this time, I would like to
call upon Don to join me at the front.
I am very pleased to introduce
our third inductee into the Wetaskiwin and County Sports
Hall of Fame for this evening...Mr. Don Siler.
