Eskimo greats Estay and McGowan headed for the Hall
February 6, 2003 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
Edmonton, AB â Two stars from the great Edmonton Eskimo teams of the 1970's and early 1980's will be inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Defensive end Ron "Swampdog" Estay and receiver George McGowan join a long list of former Eskimo players and management in the Hall of Fame.
A product of Louisiana State University, Ron Estay started his CFL career in 1972 with the BC Lions. The following season, Estay was traded to Edmonton where he immediately became an impact player and a key part in the Eskimos "Five in a Row" Grey Cup winning teams. Estay appeared in nine Grey Cup games and was on the winning side six times (1975, 1978-'82). A two time CFL All-Star (1977, 1980) and a four time West Division All-Star (1973,'77,'78,'80), Estay closed out his CFL career in 1982. A native of Raceland, Louisiana (born: December 22, 1948), Estay has spent the last three seasons as the defensive line coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
If the Eskimos needed a big play, chances are they got it from George McGowan. A standout at Kansas University, McGowan signed with Edmonton in 1971 and would enjoy eight record setting seasons with the Green and Gold. Winner of the Schenley Most Outstanding Player Award in 1973, McGowan caught 81 passes for 1,123 yards and 9 TDs. In 1975, McGowan posted 98 receptions for 1,472 yards and 8 TDs. He is still second on the CFL's all-time list for most catches in a regular season game with 15 receptions for 249 yards. A three time CFL All-Star and West Division All-Star (1973, '75,'76), McGowan appeared in five Grey Cup games in eight seasons and was on the winning team twice (1975,'78). In 1985, McGowan's name was added to the prestigious Wall of Honour at Commonwealth Stadium. Born in Bethesda, Maryland (March 10, 1948), McGowan now resides in California.
Recent Eskimo inductees Canadian Football Hall of Fame include Warren Moon and James "Quick" Parker in 2001 and Danny Bass and Hugh Campbell in 2000.
Canadian Football League Stories from February 6, 2003
- BC Lions sign Damon Allen - B.C. Lions
- Five Headed to the Hall - CFL
- Eskimo greats Estay and McGowan headed for the Hall - Edmonton Elks
- Robokicker and Swamp Dog Enshrined Forever - Saskatchewan Roughriders
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