PRESIDENT'S LUNCHEON
President's Luncheon — Presented by Global Calgary
Thursday, May 6, 2010, was a historic day as Stampeders quarterback Henry Burris was honoured at the annual President's Luncheon. This year's event was held at Flames Central and was open to the public for the first time.
Burris, who during the celebration was gently roasted by current and former teammates Ryan Thelwell, Dave Dickenson and Wes Lysack, is the first player to receive the Presidents' Ring three years in a row. Stampeders president and COO Lyle Bauer made the official presentation to Burris.
The Presidents’ Ring has been presented annually since 1967 to the Stampeders player who best demonstrates excellence on and off the field. Burris’ teammates selected him based on his in-game contributions, leadership, inspiration and motivational skills.
Burris is the 27th player to win the award and just the fourth to win in two or more consecutive seasons. Danny Barrett (1989 and 1990), Alondra Johnson (2001 and 2002) and Jay McNeil (2005 and 2006) were the other consecutive winners.
>> List of all-time winners
Burris led the Stamps to a 10-7-1 regular-season record in 2009 and a fifth consecutive post-season appearance while rewriting the club’s record book. The 12-year Canadian Football League veteran completed 339 of 571 passes for 4,831 yards and threw 22 touchdowns while leading all quarterbacks with 552 rushing yards and 11 rushing majors. He was 41-of-66 for 542 passing yards and added three scores in two post-season contests. Burris is now the Stamps’ all-time leader in career passing yards, completions, attempts and touchdown passes.
A pillar in the Calgary area, Smilin’ Hank was again among the team’s leaders in community appearances. In May, he hosted his fourth annual Henry Burris All-Star Weekend, an event which raised more than $150,000 for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and area.
