CALGARY – Former University of Calgary quarterback Greg Vavra has always been first when it comes to being recognized for one's accomplishments.

Vavra was the first University of Calgary student-athlete to have their uniform retired with his number 17 being retired on Oct. 4, 1983. He became the first University of Calgary football player to appear in 'Faces in the Crowd' in Sports Illustrated. He became the first University of Calgary football player to win the Hec Crighton Trophy as MVP of Canadian university football in 1983. He was inducted in the inaugural class of the University of Calgary Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.

Now, he is the first University of Calgary Dinos player to enter the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. 

Vavra joined the Dinosaurs football program in 1979 after an outstanding High School career at Bishop Grandin High School. Football was not the only sport Vavra excelled in, he was an outstanding baseball player. How good a baseball player was Vavra? He was scouted by Washington State in an era when few Canadian baseball players were scouted by NCAA programs, but elected to join the University of Calgary football team under then-Head Coach Mike Lashuk. 

At McMahon Stadium on Oct. 8, 1983 Vavra gave the University of Calgary football program national and international exposure. Greg completed a record that remains today: 20 consecutive passes, throwing for a national record 627 yards that still stands to this day. He completed 29 of 40 passes – six of them for touchdowns – and added 14 points on kicks in just over three quarters of playing time as the University of Calgary defeated the University of Saskatchewan Huskies 61-30.

Vavra closed out his college career engineering a game winning six-play 73-yard drive in the final three minutes leading Calgary to their first of five Vanier Cups on Nov. 18, 1983 defeating Queen's University 31-21.

Greg becomes the second University of Calgary individual with football ties to enter the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He joins four-time Vanier Cup winning coach Peter Connellan who was inducted in the builder category in 2012.

"I am being recognized but feel it is a team recognition. My first reaction was surprise but have gratitude and appreciation," stated Vavra. "Chris Flynn (three time Hec Crighton Trophy winner from Saint Mary's) is in the Hall and now the late Larry Uteck, (Saint Mary's University) his Head Coach joins him as a tandem. I am proud I am joining Peter (Connellan) in the Hall as a tandem."

"Greg has made a tremendous contribution to the 5th Quarter and the football program over a long period of time," said Connellan, elated to have his former player join him in the Hall of Fame. "The attitude he showed as a player he brought to the 5th Quarter, showing the ability to bring ideas to fruition."

Vavra's involvement with the football program did not end with his playing days. He served as 5th Quarter President, 5th Quarter Dinner Chairman and a member of the 5th Quarter Board of Directors. He found time to help on the field serving as Quarterback Coach and Offensive Coordinator for several seasons.

"With the career Greg had at the University as a player as well his time coaching on the Dinos staff, this honor is well deserved," stated 5th Quarter Vice President Paul Carson. "What is equally matched is the work Greg has done behind the scenes for the last 30 years for his involvement of the 5th Quarter Association. Greg served many years to make the program and the 5th Quarter what it is today. Our alumni are proud to have one of our own in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame."

Singer Tina Turner had a popular song entitled "Simply the Best." In his era of U SPORTS football, Greg Vavra was simply the best!

-UC-