Hall of Fame
Dr. Dennis Kadatz joined the University of Calgary in 1964. He served as the first football coach from 1964 through 1968. In 1966 he became the first Athletic Director and served in that capacity until January 15, 1985.
Kadatz was responsible for the start of the athletic program and seeing the program grow from being competitive in a couple of sports at the conference level to being competitive at the national level in all sports.
Dr. Kadatz was instrumental in the introduction and approval of athletic awards in the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union and was involved in the formation of the Jimmie Condon Scholarships for Alberta student-athletes attending post secondary institutions in Alberta.
Dennis also served as chairman of the Physical Education Expansion and Olympic Oval Committees.
He always found time to serve the community in which he resided. He was Treasurer of Calgary Booster Club (1971-72) and President (1974-75). In addition he served President of the Canada West University Athletic Association and was Secretary-Treasurer of the CIAU. In addition Dennis also was involved internationally serving as Chef de Mission at various international competitions.
After leaving the University of Calgary Dennis became President of the Calgary Olympic Development Association (CODA). When he resigned from the University of Calgary he was Associate Dean in the Faculty of Physical Education. He was appointed an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Physical Education in 1985.
Dennis passed away on June 11, 2019 at age 80 and was inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame September 4, 2019.
