New, annual honor to acknowledge Ottawa's most outstanding Canadian player
October 25, 2005 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Ottawa Renegades News Release
OTTAWA - Today CHUM Radio, partners with the Ottawa Renegades since the franchise's inception in 2002, have teamed up with the football club to unveil the Don Holtby Award, to be awarded annually to the most outstanding Canadian player on the Renegades roster.
For over 20 years Don Holtby scouted and recruited hundreds of non-import junior and university-level football players who would later go on to lay the foundation of so many memorable Ottawa Rough Riders teams. Players such as Peter Stenerson, Pat Stoqua, Jeff Avery and Rick Sowieta were all products of Don's commitment to finding and developing the best young football players in Canada.
Holtby, who was also a beloved member of the CHUM family for over 40 years, began his association with the Rough Riders in 1964 when he became the Canadian player development co-coordinator. He later became the general manager and vice-president of the Rough Riders from 1983 to 1986, when the Riders were owned by CHUM Radio patriarch Allan Waters. In 1987, Don returned to his executive position at CFRA.
"Football was Don's passion. He did so much to advance the Canadian game at so many levels as a player, coach, general manager and broadcaster," said Chris Gordon, VP and general manager of CHUM Radio-Ottawa. "This award will be a legacy to Don and his lifelong contributions to Canadian football."
"We are pleased to have Don's name attached to this new, prestigious honour for one of our Canadian players," said Lonie Glieberman, president of the Renegades. "To have an award attached to one of the most influential people in Ottawa's rich football history is going to be special for recipients year after year."
In addition to his role with the Rough Riders, Holtby's football background saw him play quarterback at the high school of commerce and coach the Ottawa Sooners through the 1960's. From 1971 until 1980, Mr. Holtby served as Sooners president.
The award will be selected annually by two members of the Renegades football operations department (in 2005 it will be Ottawa head coach/general manager Joe Paopao and media relations director, Arash Madani), as well as TEAM 1200's broadcast team; this year featuring Dave Schreiber, Jeff Avery, Glenn Kulka, Duke Ellingson and Stephen Jones.
MEDIA NOTE: CHUM Radio-Ottawa VP and general manager Chris Gordon will join Renegades head coach and general manager Joe Paopao at the pre-game news conference on Friday, October 28 (second floor of football building, Frank Clair Stadium, 11 a.m.) to unveil the new Don Holtby Award trophy and answer questions regarding the award. One-on-one's with Mr. Gordon and Coach Paopao will be available at approximately 11:25 a.m. on Friday morning.
PHOTOGRAPHERS' NOTE: Joe Paopao and Chris Gordon will be available, with the trophy, for photo opportunities on Friday, October 28, 2005 (second floor of football building, Frank Clair Stadium, 11 a.m.) to unveil the new Don Holtby Award trophy.
The Renegades return to action at home on Sat. Oct, 29 when they host the Montreal Alouettes at 3 p.m. Tickets to the Oct. 29 game are available either at the Renegades ticket office (1015 Bank Street), on the Internet (http://www.capitaltickets.ca), by phone (613.599.3267 or 877.788.3267), any Sports Experts location in the Ottawa and Gatineau regions as well as the Corel Centre Box Office in Kanata. The Renegades wrap up the regular season schedule with a home affair against the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts on Saturday, November 5 at 3 p.m.
Canadian Football League Stories from October 25, 2005
- Chiu to remain Alouette until 2008 - Montreal Alouettes
- Allen takes home first player of the week award as an Argo - Toronto Argonauts
- Roberts on today's pin - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Rogers CFL Players of the Week - CFL
- Ottawa pass-rusher honored after recording three sack performance Friday against Hamilton - Ottawa Renegades
- New, annual honor to acknowledge Ottawa's most outstanding Canadian player - Ottawa Renegades
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