June 18 ­ The Bison Football Alumni and Friends annual fundraising dinner was held on Wednesday, May 2 at University Centre at the University of Manitoba. This night honors the late Bud Harden, former Bison and Blue Bomber Quarterback, whose Memorial Award is presented to a fifth-year Bison Football athlete who exemplifies character, leadership, athletic ability and academic achievement. The 2001 dinner featured as a keynote speaker David Asper, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Football Club.

There was much for the Alumni to celebrate and talk about this year. The team was coming off of a season which saw its first win in Vancouver since 1973, fittingly accomplished on Friday the 13th (October, 33 - 23). The second annual Harvest Bowl was held in Saskatoon, which saw the Bisons defeat the Huskies of the University of Saskatchewan 39 -5 to reclaim the honor of holding the trophy until next year. With this victory, the team ended the year in first place with a 6 - 1 - 1 record. The team then went on to win its first playoff game since 1973, with a 14 - 4 victory over the UBC Thunderbirds. Unfortunately, the season ended (prematurely) against the Regina Rams in the Hardy Cup. Needless to say, all the returning veterans are looking forward to exacting some revenge on Sept. 1st in Regina, when the Bisons open up the 2001 campaign against our newfound arch-rivals, the Regina Rams.

The evening started with a special presentation made to three former coaches who were instrumental in building the program in the early 1960's, paving the way for the Vanier Cup championships won by the Bisons in 1969 and 1970. Essentially building the program from scratch, George "Jeep" Wooley, George Depres and Keith Pearce were honored for their outstanding contribution towards developing their former players into successful people, as well as top athletes. Former players Gerry Mercier (MLA (Osborne) 1977 -1988, Attorney General of Manitoba 1977-1981), Ab Clearwater (Provincial Court Judge) and Nick Liping (Birchwood Group) each made heartfelt presentations, and their professional success stands as testament to the positive influence these coaches were able to achieve. It is this legacy that Bison Football is working to reclaim.

The 2001 recipient of the Bud Harden Memorial Award was selected because he typifies the type of player that Bud, "Jeep", George and Keith would have loved to coach. Bison Receiver Cory Larsen was presented the award in absentia, as he is in Norway playing semi-professional football. Originally from Edmonton, Cory came to Winnipeg after a stellar Junior football career with the Edmonton Huskies. In his five years with the Bisons, Cory became the all-time leading receiver in Bison Football history. Cory set a Bison single season record with 52 receptions in 1998, and was selected team MVP for that year. The consummate team player, Cory accepted a change of position during his fifth and final season. A fitting end to his career, Cory was selected a CanWest All-Star for the 2000 season. Cory has graduated from the Faculty of Arts with a degree in Economics.

The keynote speaker of the evening was current Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Football Club, David Asper. The organizing committee was ecstatic that Mr. Asper agreed to speak, as he is a prominent member of the local sport and business community. Along with his duties with the Bombers, Mr. Asper also owns Daremax Enterprises, a Winnipeg-based investment company. Mr. Asper is also a former Executive Vice-President of CanWest Global Communications Corp., and is currently a member of CanWest Global's Board of Directors. Mr. Asper gave a passionate speech about how much he enjoyed coming to Bison Football games as a student, and just how important of a contribution Bison Football makes to the local sports community. Mr. Asper's enthusiasm for Bison Football left an indelible impression on all of the Alumni and other supporters at the Dinner. Bison Football would like to once again thank Mr. Asper for his kind words and we hope to see him at a few home games in 2001.

The 250 people who attended the dinner were then treated to the comedy of Jon Lundberg, host of the "A" Channel's "Big Breakfast". Originally from Boston, Mass., a world-class sports city, Jon brings a unique perspective on sports to his comedy. Also, as the host of the "Big Breakfast" he likely sees more of Winnipeg than most Winnipegers do! Along with his anecdotes from being a father of two, all those who remained were left in stitches and went home with a smile of their face.

Without question, this was the most successful Bison Alumni and Friends dinner in years. Bison Football would like to thank Dale Driedger and Geordie Wilson for their tireless efforts in making the dinner all that it was. Look for the dinner to be even bigger and better in 2002.

**Bison Alumni will be hosting its annual Golf Tournament Friday August 10th at the Elm Creek Golf Course. The group will be meeting at the Pony Corral on Pembina at 11 a.m. that morning to head out as a group.**

For more information, please contact Dale Driedger at 958 5700.