CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Bombers Dedicate Press Box as Two Jacks Press Box

Published on July 24, 2014 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB., July 24, 2014 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are proud to honour the late Jack Matheson and Jack Wells today, two men who made a significant impact upon the Winnipeg Football Club and the CFL through journalism. In acknowledgement for their decades of dedication, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are naming the press box located in the Bob Irving Media Centre, the Two Jacks Press Box to credit the men and their contributions to the team.

"The two Jacks were both esteemed journalists, each a master at his craft. But more than that, they were good men who were admired and respected by everyone who knew them. Many of the journalists covering the Bombers today credit the two Jacks as being the inspiration for their own careers," said Bombers President and CEO Wade Miller. "This is one of many initiatives we are undertaking to recognize individuals who have made an impact on the Football Club."

John Hampson "Jack" Wells (1911 - 1999), better known to most as Cactus Jack Wells, was a Winnipeg-based sports broadcaster who covered the Winnipeg Blue Bombers extensively during his illustrious career, which began in 1939. Cactus became the play-by-play announcer for Bombers games in 1941 and eventually became the first television voice of Western Division games for the CFL on CBC. Cactus Jack was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1988.

John "Jack" Matheson (1924 - 2011) was a legendary Winnipeg-born sports journalist who covered the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the Winnipeg Tribune and CJOB radio for nearly four decades. Jack was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1986. The Jack Matheson Award is annually presented by the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association to a student with aspirations in sports journalism.

The completion and naming of this press box was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Amenity Health Care and David, Ruth, Daniel, Rebecca and Maxwell Asper.

The Bombers will hold a dedication ceremony on Thursday, July 24th at 11:30am in the Press Box, located in the Bob Irving Media Centre on the west side Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Suite Level. There will be a brief presentation followed by a light lunch.

Members of both the Wells and Matheson families will be in attendance.

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