The Calgary Stampeders would like to congratulate Wally Buono for being part of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2014.

Buono, who coached the Stampeders from 1990-2002 and is being added to the Hall in the builders’ category, is part of a group of honourees that also includes Ben Cahoon, Uzooma Okeke and Moe Racine in the players’ category, former University of Western Ontario coach Larry Haylor in the builders’ category and former University of Ottawa Gee-Gees star Neil Lumsden in the amateur player category.

When Buono was handed the Calgary coaching reins in 1990, the Stampeders hadn’t been to the Grey Cup or finished first in the West Division since 1971. Under Buono’s leadership, the Red and White finished first seven times, went to the championship game on six occasions and won three titles.

Buono, who added the general manager’s duties to his job description in 1992, holds the Calgary franchise records for most games coached (234), most victories (153), most playoff victories (12) and most championships (three).

After leaving Calgary, Buono joined the BC Lions in 2003 and became that franchise’s leader in wins with 162. He became the winningest coach in CFL history on Sept. 19, 2009, as he passed Don Matthews’ previous mark of 231.

Born in Potenza, Italy, on Feb. 7, 1950, Buono moved with his family to Montreal when he was three years old. He played collegiately at Idaho State and was a linebacker/punter for the Montreal Alouettes from 1973-82.

Buono has a total of seven Grey Cup rings — two as a player and five as a head coach. He was named the Annis Stukus Trophy winner as CFL coach of the year four times.