Sam Etcheverry named CFL Alumni Man of the Year
Published on September 30, 2009 under Canadian Football League (CFL) News Release
WINNIPEG - The late Sam "The Rifle" Etcheverry is the very first recipient of the new CFL Alumni Man of the Year Award.
"This award means a lot to our family, and would have meant the world to my father," said Sam's son Steve, who accepted the honour on the weekend on behalf of the Etcheverry family.
"The time Dad spent with former teammates and opponents were precious to him, and the work he did on behalf of the game he loved, and the community that loved him, was precious to all of us."
This the first year of the CFL Alumni Man of the Year Award, presented to a former CFL player who is active or previously active in his local alumni association, has achieved a successful transition to a career after football, and has served his community and charitable causes. A nominee was selected from each Alumni Association across Canada.
Reg Low, President of the Manitoba Club, Past President of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Football Club, long time CFL supporter and chair of the event said he and his members were, "honored to host this inaugural prestigious event. We understand the need out there to support our former players and we were just happy to help out."
"So it was natural to choose Sam as our first honouree. He was a legendary player, a Hall of Fame quarterback and a Grey Cup winning player and coach, who made Montreal his home, and football and community service his twin passions."
Etcheverry was instrumental in forming the Montreal Alouettes Alumni Association in 1974, one of the first such groups in the CFL, with a goal to raise funds for the less fortunate, provide financial support to the football community, and give former players a reason to maintain their bond. It has been a driving force in Montreal ever since, even when the city didn't have a CFL team.
He was the first chair of the association's annual golf tournament, a position he maintained for 25 years, helping to raise more than $800,000 for various charities.
"Long after he stopped throwing touchdowns, even after his number 92 was retired, Sam Etcheverry was the face of football in Montreal, lending a hand wherever it was needed," said Peter Dalla Riva, another legendary Montreal Alouette who played for Etcheverry as a coach.
"None of us has achieved more for business, the community and football. The fact he left us so recently makes this honour all the more poignant for all of us who knew him, and respected him."
Etcheverry was actually chosen from a list of deserving nominees for the award prior to his passing on August 29th. The presentation to his family was part of an event held at the Manitoba Club, with all proceeds from the event going to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Alumni, the CFL Alumni Association, the Never Alone Foundation, and the CFL Alumni Dire Needs Fund, which supports former players that have experienced medical or other life challenges.
"As CFL Alumni we are all a member of one extended family, we value the connection we have to one another, our ability to serve the broader community, and the need to act with compassion, towards former players and families in need," said Dave Vankoughnett, President of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers alumni association. "The event was a great opportunity for the local Bomber Alumni and the CFL Alumni Association to work together."
An Alouette player from 1952 to 1960, Etcheverry led Montreal to three Grey Cup appearances. Today, a half century after his playing days in the league ended, he still holds the record for the most passing yards in a Grey Cup game (508 in 1955), and the record for the most consecutive games with a passing touchdown (34 games, from 1954 to 1956).
He is tied for the record for the longest pass completion (109 yards in 1956.) He threw for 586 yards in a game in 1954, setting a single-game record that stood for 39 years, a feat which still stands third on the all-time list.
Etcheverry returned to the Als in 1970 to coach the team, leading them to a Grey Cup title in his first season. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
After the presentation of the award, attendees were treated to the unique experience of listening to CFL Legends Chris Walby, Angelo Mosca, Peter Dalla Riva, John Bonk, and Ken Ploen share personal stories about their playing days in a `hot stove` session emceed by former Bomber Wade Miller.
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