CFL’s Newest Inductees

The Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Museum announced its new inductees during the half-time at the Hall of Fame game that featured the Stampeders and Saskatchewan.

Dave Dickenson a former Calgary and BC Lions QB along with Leroy Blugh, Eddie Davis, and Gene Makowsky recognized along with (builders) Bob O’Billovich, Larry Reda and Bob Wetenhall.

Players Category

Leroy Blugh

Leroy Blugh had a successful collegiate and professional career. During his time with the Bishop’s Gaiters, Blugh amassed numerous records with Bishop’s University and in the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union (CIAU).

Following his college career he spent 14 seasons with the Canadian Football League, the Eskimos, Toronto and Argonauts.

While with the CFL, he managed two West Division All-Star selections and when his playing career was over he returned to Bishop’s (his Alma matter)  and  was the head coach of the Gaiters for six full seasons ranging from 2006- 2011.

Eddie Davis

Eddie Davis started his CFL career in 1995, when he was part of the Birmingham Barracudas.

He then moved on to play to play for the Calgary Stampeders where he spent five seasons, winning his first Grey Cup in 1998.

While with the Stamp’s he had his best season in 1998 managing 77 tackles, three sacks, and four interceptions for 127 yards and in 2001 he joined the Roughriders in Saskatchewan.

He was a “rider” until he retired in 2009 and  while there he led Saskatchewan in interceptions (2001) with 4 and (2004) managed 6 and was successful getting his second Grey Cup in 2007.

Dave Dickenson

Dave Dickenson started his career with Calgary and in his first 5 years he took part in two Grey Cups, being successful for his first in 1998.

He was named CFL and West All-Star, & won the Most Outstanding Player award in 2000 and joined the NFL for three seasons.

He returned in 2003 as QB for BC and lead the Lions to the Grey Cup win in 2006., but he finished his career with the Stampeders.

Gene Makowsky

Gene Makowsky played his entire 17-year career for only one team and that was with Saskatchewan and played 284 regular season games, 16 playoff games, and 4 Grey Cup games with Saskatchewan.

Upon retirement he is listed first in most seasons played by a Roughrider with 17 and in 2013 he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Roughriders Plaza of Honour.

Builders Category

Bob O’Billovich

Bob O’Billovich began his football career with the University of Montana, where he is a member of their Hall of Fame. O’Billovich then played five seasons with the Ottawa Rough Riders from 1963 – 1967.

During that time he was an Eastern divison All-Star in 1965 and a Grey Cup participant in 1966.

Once O’Billovich retired as a player, he became an Assistant Coach for the Ottawa Rough Riders from 1976 – 1981. Bob’s first head coaching position was with the Toronto Argonauts where he stayed for eight seasons from 1982 – 1989 and won his only Grey Cup in 1983.

Following that, O’Billovich moved to Vancouver and took on the role of Head Coach/General Manager of the BC Lions from 1990 – 1992.

When he moved back to Toronto he took on the role of Head Coach/General Manager from 1993 – 1995 then he was named to the GM role with the Tiger-Cats in 08. Throughout his career he managed a total of 107 wins as a head coach.

Larry Reda

Larry Reda is the man behind the Western Canada All-Star football camp that runs (annually) at SFU on the hill.

While coaching he participated in every level of amateur football and while working as an administrator he was the Director and President of the BC Junior Football League.

He is a lifetime member of the Canadian Junior Football League, a trustee of the selection committee for the BC Sports Hall of Fame, the recipient of the lifetime achievement award which are presented by the BC Lions, was a charter member of the BC Football Hall of Fame, awarded the Commissioner’s Award for outstanding service to football in Canada in 2011.

So for those in BC, he’s done it all!!

Bob Wetenhall

Bob Wetenhall was the key person in the expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the restoration of Percival-Molson Stadium at McGill University.

As an owner Montreal had 10 first-place finishes, eight Grey Cup appearances, three Grey Cup championships as well as having the city of Montreal host two Grey Cup games.

Since 1997 he brought former CFL commissioner Larry Smith into the group and the two designed the “Adopt an Alouette” project.

This is where Alouette players go into schools and talk to the students and build the excitement about the CFL.

He was also part of the Board of Governors from 1997 until 2013, and in 2011 was granted/awarded McGill University’s highest honour which is the Honourary Doctor of Laws Degree.

Congrats to all the inductees on their success and to the CFL’s selection committee