The Calgary Stampeders and the Wall of Fame selection committee are pleased to announce the six men who will be added to the Stampeders’ Wall of Fame in 2014.
Being inducted in the players’ category are offensive lineman Jamie Crysdale and defensive lineman Stu Laird while running back James Sykes and lineman Ron Allbright will be added in the veteran players’ category. Longtime director of medical services Pat Clayton and veteran equipment manager George Hopkins will go in as builders.
“I would like to congratulate all of this year’s honourees, and what a remarkable group it is,” said Stampeders president Gordon Norrie. “These men have done so much for the Stampeders over the years and they are very worthy additions to our prestigious Wall of Fame.”
“The 2014 inductees are all very deserving of this prestigious honor due to their accomplishments, commitment and contributions to the Calgary Stampeder Football Club and the Community,” said selection committee chairman Rocco Romano. “I look forward to the September induction events and the celebration of these fine individuals.”
This year’s class will be officially honoured during the days leading up to the Sept. 13 Wall of Fame game against the Toronto Argonauts. More details about the induction dinner and other ceremonies will be announced at a future date.
Here is a closer look at the Class of 2014:
Jamie Crysdale (No. 67, offensive line — 1993-2005): Durability was Crysdale’s calling card during his distinguished career with the Red and White. He played in 210 consecutive games, a remarkable feat for any football player but particularly impressive for an offensive lineman who endures so much punishment over the course of a season and a career. With 216 contests over 13 seasons, Crysdale — a centre — is one of only five players to have played more than 200 regular-season contests for Calgary. He was Presidents’ Ring winner in 2004, the Stamps’ nominee for the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award in 1995 and a West Division all-star in 1998. The Mississauga, Ont., native was a member of the Stamps’ Grey Cup-winning clubs in 1998 and 2001.
>> Article: Crysdale part of 2014 class
>> Stamps TV: One-on-one interview
Stu Laird (No. 75, defensive line — 1984-96): Laird played 170 games over a dozen seasons for the Stamps and his No. 75 is one of only seven jerseys retired by the team. His 72 career sacks rank second in franchise history to Will Johnson and represented the best total by a Canadian player at the time of his retirement in 1996. He was a three-time winner of the Stamps’ Presidents’ Ring award and was a four-time team nominee for the Tom Pate Memorial Award for community service, winning the honour in 1991. He was a Grey Cup champion in 1992 and a West Division all-star in 1994. Though born in Assiniboia, Sask., Laird grew up in Calgary and played at Lord Beaverbrook High School before joining the University of Calgary Dinos.
>> Article: Laird gets a spot on the Wall
>> Stamps TV: One-on-one interview
James Sykes (No. 11, running back — 1978-83): It is a testament to Sykes’ ability that Hall-of-Famer Willie Burden accepted a supporting role in the Calgary offence in order to allow the Rice University alum to become the Stamps’ feature back. Sykes delivered by producing more 10,000 total yards in his six-year career in Calgary. He was a CFL all-star in 1978 and 1980 and the league’s rushing champion in 1980 and 1981. He turned in four 1,000-yard rushing seasons with Calgary and scored double-digit rushing touchdowns in three separate seasons including a then-club record of 13 in 1978. Sykes had 5,361 rushing yards, 225 receptions for 2,224 yards, 2,028 kickoff-return yards, 485 punt-return yards and 49 total touchdowns for the Stamps before finishing his CFL career in Winnipeg. He won the Stampeders’ Presidents’ Ring in 1978 and 1980.
Ron Allbright (Nos. 57 and 64, lineman — 1956-67): Nicknamed “Badger,” Allbright was primarily an offensive lineman but played on both sides of the ball during his 12-year career with the Stampeders. He was the franchise’s all-time leader in games played upon his retirement in 1967 and his total of 188 regular-season contests held up as the Stamps’ all-time high until 1972 when he was passed by longtime teammate Larry Robinson. He played 26 more games in the playoffs. Allbright is a local product, having attended Western Canada High School and played for the Calgary Bronks juniors.
>> Stamps TV: One-on-one interview
Pat Clayton (Builder — 1984-2012): Clayton served 29 years as an athletic therapist and later as the director of medical services for the Stampeders. He joined the Stamps in 1984 after previously serving as athletic therapist for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. During his time in Calgary, Clayton treated hundreds of players — including 10 members of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame — and the Stampeders won four Grey Cup titles.
>> Stamps TV: One-on-one interview
George Hopkins (Builder — 1972-present): A native Calgarian, Hopkins joined the Stampeders in 1972 and he’s still with the club as he is entering his 43rd season of service. The veteran equipment manager has worked 727 regular-season games, 38 playoff contests and eight Grey Cups with the Red and White. He has missed only three games during his more than four decades with the club and he worked alongside fellow Wall of Fame honouree Clayton for 29 years. Hopkins was a part of Grey Cup teams in 1992, 1998, 2001 and 2008.