By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator
On behalf of its Board of Directors and Selection Committee, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to introduce the Class of 2023.
This year’s class encompasses six sports, including three individual athletes, two builders, and one team.
“It is an honour to recognize these athletes and builders, not only for their achievements in sport but their contributions to their communities,” said Brittani Lutz, Chair of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Each individual has done so much for Manitoba, and I cannot wait to thank them in person at our Induction Ceremony.”
“Storytelling is a fundamental part of history and who we are. And sport is no exception,” said Janet McMahon, President & CEO of Sport Manitoba. “This November, we are honoured to gather at the annual Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony to journey back through the inspiring careers of five individuals and one team who’ve made incredible impacts in sport. Congratulations to the class of 2023! We can’t wait to celebrate with you as our passionate sport community recognizes your stories and accolades.”
The inductees, who will formally be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 2, include:
Chris Glowach, Athlete, Marathon/Road Racing
Chris Glowach is not only the first Manitoban to capture the provincial Marathon gold but took home the title in consecutive years (1997 and 1998). Before these victories, Glowach finished as the top Manitoban twice in the competition (1992 and 1996). Glowach was also a four-time Edmonton Marathon winner and staged clinics for road running for both the Manitoba Marathon and Run for the Cure.
Kelly Stefanyshyn, Athlete, Swimming
A Winnipegger, Kelly Stefanyshyn is one of the most dominant women to swim competitively in our province. The height of Stefanyshyn’s career came at the 1999 Pan American Games in her home city, where she captured three medals, including gold in the 100m backstroke. Stefanyshyn competed in three disciplines at the 2000 Olympic Summer Games in Sydney, Australia, including the 100m and 200m backstroke and the 4×100 medley relay.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Milt Stegall, Athlete, Football
Born in Cincinnati, OH, Milt Stegall spent 14 seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. A nine-time All-Star, Stegall spent his entire CFL career with the blue and gold, earning one Most Outstanding Player Award and one Tom Pate Memorial Award. At retirement, Stegall held the CFL record for most receiving yards and still holds the league record for receiving touchdowns. Stegall continues contributing to the Canadian game as a commentator on TSN broadcasts.
Brent Bottomley, Builder, Cross-country Skiing
In the political world, Winnipeg’s Brent Bottomley was an advisor to the likes of former Premier Gary Filmon and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney; but in sport, Bottomley was a force in cross-country skiing. His impact can be felt locally from his 14 years as the Chair of the Cross Country Skiing Association of Manitoba and a founder of groups like the Red River Nordic Ski Club and the Prairie Storm, Canada’s first all-women’s ski team. He also coached Olympians such as Jim Carrabre and Paget Stewart.
Alex Gardiner, Builder, Athletics
Starting in 1974 at Arthur Day Junior High, Alex Gardiner was a fixture in the coaching world. A former Athletics Canada Coach for more than 10 years, Gardiner led his athletes to success at a wide variety of competitions, including at the Olympics, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and several others. His roster of athletes includes the likes of Cal Langford, Andre Smith, Tanya Brothers, and Colin Mathieson. In 2022, Gardiner was named to the Sport Manitoba Order of Excellence, the latest in a string of accolades that includes the Pat Gill Legacy Award and Coach of the Year honours from the CIS.
1965 Terry Braunstein Rink, Team, Curling
The team of Terry Braunstein (Skip), Ray Turnbull (Lead), Ron Braunstein (Second), and Don Duguid (Third), as well as alternate Gord McTavish, were the 1965 Brier winners. The Braunstein rink’s roots date back to 1958, when the core of the team won the Manitoba Provincial Championship before any member had turned 20. Braunstein’s 1965 team finished their season with a silver medal at the Scotch Cup world championships.
Tickets On Sale Now
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame Annual Induction Ceremony presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries will take place on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. Tickets are on sale now at MBSHOFClassof2023.eventbrite.ca.
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is a registered charitable organization, managed by a volunteer board of directors. Every year, we host a series of fundraising events—like the induction ceremony–that allow us to fulfill our mandate of honouring and celebrating those who have left their mark on Manitoba’s rich sports history.
