Five Headed to the Hall
February 6, 2003 - Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release
Ron Estay (Player): Ron Estay began his CFL career as a B.C. Lion in 1972. This outstanding defensive end was traded to the Edmonton Eskimos in 1973 and quickly became the defensive captain of the team for four seasons. Estay was a two time CFL All-Star in 1977 and 1980, and Western All-Star four times in 1973, 1977, 1978 and 1980. He played in nine Grey Cup championships and was on the winning end six times. Ron Estay retired in 1982 after nine years in the CFL. He has since been recognized for his contributions to football through his induction into the Louisiana State University Hall of Fame and the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. For the past three years Ron Estay has been the Defensive Line Coach for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Ed Henick (Builder-Posthumously): A true, devoted football supporter, Ed Henick began his involvement in football at a young age. From high school at Bedford Road in Saskatoon, Henick joined the Saskatoon Hilltops in 1947 as a player for two seasons. He quickly moved into coaching and administration until he became President of the Hilltops in 1963 and 1964. Ed Henick's involvement in football never wavered. He helped form the Saskatoon Minor Flag Football League, was Commissioner of the Kinsmen Tackle Football League, President of Football Saskatchewan, President of the Prairie Junior Football Conference and won more awards and honours than we can list. Mr. Henick passed away on November 24th, 2000 shortly after handing out plaques at the Hilltops year end banquet.
George McGowan (Player): George McGowan joined the Edmonton Eskimos in 1971 and played eight years as a receiver with the team. He produced some impressive statistics throughout his career including the most number of pass receptions in 1973 and 1975 with 81 and 98 respectively. McGowan was a CFL All-Star three times and Western All-Star three times. He received the Schenley Most Outstanding Player Award in 1973 and was named the Jeff Nicklin Award Winner as well in 1973. McGowan played in five Grey Cup games in eight years and was on the winning end two times. He retired from CFL action in 1978.
Dave Ridgway (Player): Dave Ridgway played his entire fourteen year CFL career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders starting in 1982 as their kicker. Ridgway still holds the CFL League record for most field goals in a regular season (59 field goals in 1990), most field goals in a regular season game (8 field goals) and most consecutive field goals regular season (28). He won many awards and honours including CFL All-Star accolades six times and Western All-Star seven times. Dave Ridgway was the Dave Dryburgh Memorial Trophy Winner three times throughout his career. He played in the 1989 Grey Cup game which was a momentous one for Ridgway as he kicked the winning field goal in the final seconds of the game. Ridgway retired from the Roughriders in 1996 and has since become a member of the Saskatchewan Plaza of Honour and had his jersey #36 retired by the team.
Chris Walby (Player): Chris Walby began his CFL career with the Montreal Alouettes in 1981. After playing five games with the team he finished off the season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This towering offensive tackle played sixteen years in the CFL and was known for making players feel part of the group. Walby won CFL All-Star honours nine times, was Western All-Star four times and Eastern All-Star seven times. He won the Schenley Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award in 1987 and the CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award in 1993. Chris Walby played in five Grey Cup games, winning three. He retired from CFL action in 1996 and continues his involvement as a colour commentator for CBC during the CFL season.
INDUCTION WEEK 2003: - SEPTEMBER 11TH - 14TH, 2003
The Calgary Stampeder Alumni Association in co-ordination with Tourism Calgary and the Stampeder Football Club, will be hosting the Canadian Football Hall of Fame Induction Week in Calgary, Alberta.
Dates to remember:
Annual Golf tournament - Thursday, September 11th, 2003
Induction Dinner - Friday, September 12th, 2003
Hall of Fame game - Sunday, September 14th, 2003
These individuals will be formally inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame during the Induction Week festivities in Calgary, Alberta. Tickets are now available for the events and can be obtained by contacting George Hansen at (403) 247-4053.
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
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.
