Local connections dominate Canadian Football Hall of Fame’s 2020 class
Posted Jul 16, 2020 12:01 pm.
Last Updated Jul 16, 2020 12:06 pm.
HAMILTON (660 NEWS) — There’s a distinct Calgary flavour when it comes to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020.
Entering as players are Henry Burris and Fred Childress, Greg Vavra will go in as an amateur player, while John Hufnagel gets the nod in the builder category.
“I would like to thank the selection committee for their commitment and dedication in selecting a truly deserving class,” Mark DeNobile, the hall’s executive director, said Thursday. “Like the classes which have come before them, this year’s inductees showcase the best of our game, and we are very pleased to see significant representation from throughout the storied history of Canadian football.”
READ MORE: Calgary connection to 2020 NFL draft
Hufnagel has been with the Stampeders for nearly 25 years as a player, offensive coordinator, head coach, and is currently general manager and president, bringing four Grey Cup championships to Calgary.
Burris spent 10 of his 18 Canadian Football League seasons with the Stampeders. The quarterback was the Grey Cup MVP in 2008, leading Calgary to the title.
Offensive lineman Childress earned CFL all-star recognition six times over his career, five of them while he was a member of the Stamps.
Vavra, a quarterback, was the first player in University of Calgary history to win the 1983 Hec Crighton Trophy and led the Dinos to the first Vanier Cup championship in program history.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CFHOF ceremony planned for August 14 has been postponed.
“This was a difficult, but necessary decision — the health and safety of our Hall of Famers, fans and staff remains our top priority. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating the Class of 2020 alongside our 2021 inductees in a special event next August,” DeNobile stated.
