THE STORY
The story of Stampeders football is about people, vision, leadership, commitment, dedication and achieving success. The present and historical success of Stampeders football is about: longstanding partnerships such as those established with the University of Calgary, The McMahon Stadium Society, the Calgary Stampeder Alumni Association, the City of Calgary and the Canadian Football League; it's about Calgary's corporate community; players such as Willie Burden, Wayne Harris, Herm Harrison, John Helton, Normie Kwong, Earl Lunsford, Don Luzzi, Tony Pajaczkowski, Larry Robinson, Paul Rowe and Harvey Wylie to mention a few who were recognized for their excellence by being inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame;
Stampeders football is about players such as John Forzani, Wayne Harris, J.T Hay, Mike Palumbo, Greg Peterson, Dave Sapunjis, Tom and Tony Spoletini and Bob Viccars who after retirement continue to make a significant contribution to the Calgary community; builders such as Tom Brook, Frank and George McMahon, Tony Anselmo, Roy Jennings, Rogers Lehew and Stan Schwartz; general managers Archie McGillis, Jim Finks, Rogers Lehew and Wally Buono who provided leadership over the years; coaches Les Lear, Jim Duncan and Wally Buono who coached Grey Cup Championship teams; players who have gone on to successful careers in the National Football League, including John Henry Johnson, Harald Hasselbach, Doug Flutie, William Hampton, Marc Boerigter and Jeff Garcia.
Stampeders football is about Red Dutton's construction company building McMahon Stadium in an astounding 103 days after breaking ground; it is about Calgarian's celebration of the 1948 Grey Cup victory that was the beginning of today's Grey Cup festivities; the "Running Horse" Logo recognized across Canada for its present and historical commitment to Canadian football; the many volunteers including Ed O'Conner, Pat Mahoney, Art Evans, Frank Finn, Pat Peacock and Dr. Vince Murphy who all served this proud franchise in various capacities.
Stampeders football is about the team being community owned until October 1991; private owners Larry Ryckman, Sig Gutsche, Michael Feterik and the current ownership group under the guidance of John Forzani, Ted Hellard and Doug Mitchell; it is about the support of Calgary's corporate community, the City of Calgary, the Province of Alberta and the spirit of leadership and volunteerism in successfully hosting the 1975, 1993 and 2000 Grey Cup games and festivities.
Stampeders football is about entertainment; athletic performance; game day support staff; the popularity of tailgating and Stampeders memorabilia; Ralph the Dog and the touchdown horse; the Calgary amateur football community; local and national media coverage; coffee shop and workplace talk; it's about the players' involvement in the community and Calgary and district schools.
The success of Stampeders football is about winning five Grey Cup Championships and 11 Western Division Titles; it's about the ownership, the coaches, the players and the staff that made it all happen and most importantly, the support that the fans have bestowed on this proud franchise.
–Penned by a proud Calgarian who bleeds red and white.
