CFL Commissioner's Award Honours Eskimo Stalwart Dwayne Mandrusiak
Published on November 21, 2013 under Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release
REGINA - One of the most respected and a beloved figure in the storied history of the Edmonton Eskimos is the winner of the Canadian Football League's 2013 Commissioners Award.
"Dwayne Mandrusiak, equipment manager for the team for some 43 years, epitomizes the stars who work behind the scenes in our league," said Commissioner Mark Cohon as the award was presented tonight.
"He is one of the best in the business at his craft, and over the years in the Eskimo team room, he has been a mentor to rookies, a confidant to legends, and a friend to all."
During Mandrusiak's tenure, the team has had 12 head coaches, featured hundreds of players, and called two different stadiums home.
He has been the glue that binds team to team, year to year, and even era to era. Mandrusiak has ten Grey Cup rings - more than any player in CFL history.
He was part of the Eskimos dynasty from 1978 to 1982, which saw the organization win five straight Grey Cup championships. He shared the team's 2003 Grey Cup victory with his sons Matt and Mackenzie, who were members of his equipment staff.
"I've loved every minute with the Eskimos, and count so many great coaches and players among my friends," said Mandrusiak.
"I'm a very lucky man. Most people are fortunate to have one family they can count on. I've had two: my wife Allyson, and our sons, and the Edmonton Eskimos football club."
The Commissioner's Award is presented each year to an individual or group that has made an outstanding contribution to the development of football in Canada.
Making the presentation this evening during the Gibson's Finest CFL Player Awards, Cohon said the league depends on dedicated people like Mandrusiak.
"While we celebrate our great players on the field, there are just as many dedicated people working on the sidelines to make our game strong," Cohon said.
"They are skilled professionals in their own right. And Dwayne is a perfect example of their dedication."
The 101st Grey Cup game, the championship of Canadian professional football, will be played Sunday November 24th at Mosaic Field in Regina, Saskatchewan at 6 p.m. ET. The game between the East Division Champion Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the West Division Champion Saskatchewan Roughriders will be broadcast live in Canada on TSN and RDS, and in the United States on the NBC Sports Network.
Canadian Football League Stories from November 21, 2013
- Jon Cornish, Rene Paredes and Brett Jones Take Home Major CFL Awards - Calgary Stampeders
- Cornish Is CFL's Most Outstanding Player - Calgary Stampeders
- Cornish Becomes First Canadian Since 1978 to Win CFL Most Outstanding Player Award - CFL
- Cornish Repeats as Most Outstanding Canadian - Calgary Stampeders
- Record-Breaker Paredes Wins CFL's Most Outstanding Special Teams Player Award - Calgary Stampeders
- Shea Emry honoured with Jake Gaudaur Veteran's Award - Montreal Alouettes
- Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award Presented at CFL Awards Ceremony - CFL
- CFL Commissioner's Award Honours Eskimo Stalwart Dwayne Mandrusiak - CFL
- Kyries Hebert earns Tom Pate Award for his community involvement - Montreal Alouettes
- Chip Cox rewarded for outstanding season - Montreal Alouettes
- Jones Is CFL's Top Rookie - Calgary Stampeders
- Lulay and Arceneaux Undergo Successful Surgeries - B.C. Lions
- Lions Launch 102-Hour Grey Cup Ticket Sale Monday Morning - B.C. Lions
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
