THE ATHLETES

Athletes compete in different sporting arenas, but the elements of their success are the same: determination, innovation, commitment, loyalty, teamwork, a positive attitude, the desire to achieve, and old fashioned hard work.

An athlete's legacy is not just a record of athletic accomplish-ments, but also the individual's ability to lift those around them to
a higher level, who through his or her example in sport, has most inspired the people in our communities.

We celebrate these athletes and their achievements
in sport and life.

 

Inductee 2009

Brenda Vergette - Wrist Wrestling/Arm Wrestling

During her thirteen year career, Brenda won eight World Championships, eleven Provincial titles, six Western Canadian titles, twenty Canadian National titles, five Canadian Open Championships, one Can-Am title and one Golden Bear Invitational Championship in Moscow, and was runner-Up thirteen times - in 182 weight classes  120 first place finishes;  40 seconds; 10 thirds and  6 fourths for a total of 176 times in the top four. Full Story

 
Inductees 2008

Earl Cooper Robertson

Earl was called up to replace Detroit’s injured goalie in game four of the 1936-37 Stanley Cup semi-final playoffs against Montreal.  Against the New York Rangers he posted shut-outs in game four and five and became the hero, leading his team to a Stanley Cup victory.  "Robbie" stopped the first penalty shot ever awarded during Stanley Cup play.  Full Story

Brad Hunker

In over one hundred events in Brad’s career only four times did he not finish in the top three.  In a span of four years (1985-89) Brad was undefeated in left arm competitions.  He won major titles with his left and right arm in both the Stand-up and Sit Down styles of Arm Wrestling and has competed across Canada, in the United States, Mexico, Russia and South America.
Full Story

Gene Ziebarth

After a year competing on the Teacher’s bowling team in Fort Saskatchewan, he began to compete at higher levels.   In a short period of time he was representing the Central Zone in the Alberta “Open” Championships, a feat that he has accomplished for twenty-two of the last twenty-four years. He also holds a national record for the most consecutive strikes, 26 in a row. Full Story

 
Inductees 2007

 Valerie (Greenwall) Weldon

Valerie started playing softball at age five, developed into an exceptional pitcher and during her playing career achieved some incredible accomplishments and garnered many deserved awards.  Softball is still part of her life, as a high school coach she instills the love of her favorite sport in young people.  Full Story

 Tom Dorchester

At the age of eleven he rode a horse in a race in Wetaskiwin and won.  He credits this win for his lifelong desire to race horses. Tom last competed as a driver at the Calgary Stampede in 1981, retiring at the age of  seventy.   Tom’s passion for his sport was passed on to his sons and grandsons and to his pleasure, he was able to compete with and against his sons. Full Story

Inductees 2006

 Norma (Chiddy) MacEachern

Norma trained and competed as a member of the Amateur Athletic Club of Wetaskiwin and became a track phenomenon, dominating Women's' Track and Field in Alberta between 1928 and 1931.  In 1929 she became Women's Dominion of Canada Track and Field Aggregate Champion ‑ Olympic Association of Canada. Full Story

 Val Fonteyne

Val is the first hockey player from Wetaskiwin  to play in the National Hockey League when it only had six teams.   In more than 1,400 games played in the NHL between 1959 and 1974 he is one of the least penalized players to have ever played pro‑hockey.  Full Story

Sandy's achievements have been in several sports (basketball, golf, diving, curling) and on a variety of levels, as an athlete and coach as well as serving in several executive capacities. In 1964 she earned the U of A Bakewall Trophy as Most Outstanding Female Athlete and was inducted into the University of Alberta Hall of Fame in 2006.  Full Story

 Glen Jevne

The most dominant fast‑pitch softball pitcher in Western Canada during the 1980's, Glen Jevne's world class fastball career lasted twenty-three years within which time he pitched two perfect games.   His stellar pitching performance in the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis captured the hearts of North America. 
Full Story

 Randy Wyness

Randy played with the powerhouse Northern Lights Wheelchair Basketball Team for more than twenty years.  In that time he played in 14 NWBA Regional Championship Tournaments and was named All‑star and MVP on 11 separate occasions.  Full Story

Dr. Rodney Schneck

Rod was the #1 goal tender on the Denver University Pioneers Hockey Team.  Among his "brilliant performances" he made unbelievable plays in the "greatest‑ever game played in Denver University History" on January 10, 1959 versus a Soviet touring team.
Full Story

 

More Inductees in other achievement categories

 

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Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall of Fame
P.O. Box 7123, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 2Y9