Calgary Stampeders director of video operations Ross Folan has been honoured by Football Alberta for his involvement in high school and minor football in the Calgary area.

A member of the Stampeders organization for 29 years, Folan received the Rob and Grace Zittlau Media Award as part of Football Alberta’s announcement of 2021 honourees earlier this month.

Football Alberta says Folan received the award because he and the Stampeders have “supported Calgary High School Football and the Calgary Spring Football Association with professional-level support with both leagues’ HUDL (video) systems . . . It’s safe to say that the technological advances in film and video work for high school football in Calgary has been made better, more consistent and affordable thanks to Ross’ efforts.”

Since 2005, the Stampeders have worked closely with amateur football, filming games and assisting with technology for players and coaches to review film. In a typical football season, the Stampeders currently film more than 150 community games per year.

“It’s long been a mandate of the Stampeders organization to coordinate with and support amateur football organizations and we’re extremely proud of the work Ross and his team have done over the years,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “I congratulate Ross for this very well-deserved award.”

A native Calgarian, Folan played football at Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School and for the bantam Colts. In 2019, he won the Canadian Football League’s Jane Mawby Tribute Award which goes to a league or team employee “who demonstrates consistent high performance and resilience while working tirelessly behind the scenes.”

“I’m extremely humbled to receive the Rob and Grace Zittlau Media Award and thank Football Alberta for this honour,” said Folan. “This would not be possible without the unwavering support of the CSEC organization, especially the owners and John Hufnagel who have always been behind our work with amateur football.

“It’s been a privilege to work with the high school and other youth coaches over the years. I must mention longtime Stampeders video team member Dave Kanaroski, whose efforts in the community laid the foundation for the work we do today. I thank him, Bruce McCabe and the many filmers who have helped us with this program over the years.”