The Canadian Football League Alumni Association is proud to announce that a pair of revered Edmonton Eskimo Alumni will be recognized as co ā āMan of the Yearā honoureeās at this yearās Canadian Tire CFLAA Legends Luncheon during Grey Cup Festival in Edmonton.
Hector Pothier and Brian Fryer were not only very accomplished athletes during their playing careers but outstanding citizens that continued to give back to the community in their post playing careers.
āMan of the Yearā honourees are chosen by the Edmonton Eskimo Alumni Executive Board to recognize a lifetime of achievements both on and off the field in the host Grey Cup city.
Hector Pothier was green and gold start to finish as he played his entire 12-year career (1978-89) with the Edmonton Eskimos.Ā Hector was an outstanding offensive lineman, as he was recognized as a CFL All-Star, 4-time Western All-Star and winner of the Tom Pate award for dedication to community service. As a leader and key member of the offensive line, he helped the team win 6 Grey Cup Championships.
Post CFL career, Hector has been a teacher and principal in the Edmonton public school system since 1990 and has volunteered extensively in the community as a coach, referee and YMCA Board member.
He has been a member of the Edmonton Eskimo Alumni Board of Directors for last 26 years, a key organizer and participant in many alumni community endeavors and is a Founder and President of the CFLAA from 2009-2016.
As a native Edmontonian, Brian Fryer began his football career at the University of Alberta where he was a two-time CIS All-Star, Most Outstanding Player finalist in 1974 and Hec Creighton Award Winner in 1975.Ā Recognized as one of the best wide receivers of all-time, Brian set numerous CIS records during his 4 year University career.
In 1976, he was the first Canadian college player to be drafted to the NFL and make the team as a rookie for the Washington Redskins.Ā In 1978 he returned to Edmonton and was a member of the five-in-a-row Grey Cup Champions during his 8 year Eskimo career.
Since his retirement in 1985, Brian has been employed as the Executive Director of Football Alberta, administering all amateur football programs in the province. Since 1995, Brian is still an active member of the Edmonton Eskimo Alumni Association as a Director, President and chair of Casino and Scholarship committees.
In 2013, Brian was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his CIS playing career with the Alberta Golden Bears.
He was also inducted into the Alberta Schools Athletic Association Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and inducted into the City of Edmonton’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. As well he is inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as part of the team awards for winning the Grey Cup 5 years in a row (1978ā82).
This yearās Canadian Tire CFL Alumni Association Legends Luncheon is on Friday, Nov. 23rd at the Shaw Centre, Hall D.
Tickets are $125 with proceeds to benefit the CFL Alumni support fund.Ā To purchase tickets, go to www.cflaa.ca.
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