July 16, 2025 (WINNIPEG, MB) – On behalf of its Board of Directors and Selection Committee, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame has announced the Class of 2025.
This year’s class encompasses two individual athletes, two builders, one athlete/builder, and one team, and features football, soccer, volleyball, softball, multi-sport, and sport medicine.
“The inductees are inspirations in so many ways, as athletes or builders in sport of course, but above all, as wonderful people who chose to dedicate themselves to making a real difference,” said Jeff Palamar and Don MacDonald, Co-Chairs of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. “All Manitobans, whether or not directly involved in sport, owe them a debt of thanks for all they have accomplished and inspired.”
“These inductees have made an incredible impact—not just in their sport, but in the lives of so many around them,” said Janet McMahon, President & CEO of Sport Manitoba. “We can’t wait to hear their stories, celebrate their achievements, and welcome them into the Hall of Fame at this year’s ceremony. It’s going to be a special night.”
This year’s inductees are:
Troy Westwood – Athlete – Football
Born in Dauphin, Manitoba, Troy Westwood became one of the most prolific kickers in Canadian football history. A CFL All-Star and two-time Eastern All-Star, Westwood was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and went on to become their all-time leading scorer with 2,741 points. He holds multiple Blue Bomber and CFL kicking records, including most field goals (617), most converts (732), and most consecutive converts (663). Inducted into the Winnipeg Football Club Hall of Fame in 2011, Westwood was a two-time nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian and remains one of the franchise’s most iconic figures.
Ashley Lanz – Athlete – Softball
Ashley Lanz rose to international prominence as a dominant pitcher for Team Canada, capturing gold at the 2007 FISU Games and silver at the 2011 Pan Am Games. Her career took her overseas where she won titles in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, earning Top Pitcher honours (2005, 2012). A 2005 NAIA All-American and Pitcher of the Year, Lanz set tournament records for strikeouts and wins, including two perfect games. Inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame in 2017, she continues to shape the game as a coach and certified pitching instructor, mentoring players across North Dakota and Manitoba.
Russ Paddock – Athlete/Builder – Volleyball
A standout on the court and in the coaching ranks, Russ Paddock represented Canada at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and served as captain at the 1994 World Championships. With the University of Manitoba Bisons, he earned four CIAU medals, including three silvers. As a coach and athletic director at Brandon University, Paddock led his teams to multiple national medals and the school’s first-ever Canada West volleyball championship. Off the court, he has been a tireless builder of sport, helping create scholarships and alumni reunions to support generations of Bobcat athletes.
Glen Bergeron – Builder – Sport Medicine
With over four decades in athletic therapy, Glen Bergeron played a vital role in Canadian sport at the highest levels. He served on the medical teams for five Olympic Games and was chief therapist for both the FISU and Pan Am Games. As a leader in sport medicine, Bergeron helped shape the profession through his work with CATA and his development of the University of Manitoba’s athletic therapy program. Known for his clinical expertise and kindness, Bergeron has influenced countless athletes and practitioners through his care, innovation, and dedication to education.
Colonel Gary Solar – Builder – Multi-Sport
As a former athlete, educator, and military leader, Colonel Gary Solar was instrumental in building major recreational facilities, including the Pan Am Pool, launching dozens of community programs, including Winnipeg’s aquatic initiatives that once led North America in attendance, and has spent a lifetime shaping sport and sports heritage in Manitoba and beyond. As chairman of the Sports Federation of Manitoba, he advanced sport development province-wide and supported Canada’s national and international Games. A decorated officer and former Honourary Colonel of The Fort Garry Horse, Solar led heritage efforts commemorating Canada’s military and curated initiatives honouring Sir William Stephenson, “The Man Called Intrepid.” His visionary work continues to impact sport, culture, and remembrance across generations.
1987 Lucania Football Club – Team – Soccer
The 1987 Lucania Football Club etched its name in Canadian soccer history by winning the national championship, a first for a Manitoba-based team. Dominating the MSSL Premier Division that season, Lucania also secured its inaugural MSSA Cup and earned the Manitoba Sports Federation Achievement Award. Celebrated for their teamwork, grit, and historic run, the club was later inducted into the Manitoba Soccer Hall of Fame in 2000. The 1987 squad remains a proud symbol of Manitoba’s golden era in amateur soccer.
The Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame annual induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. Tickets will go on sale starting July 16, 2025 at https://activitymessenger.com/p/kwKLAtd
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.
About
A program of Sport Manitoba, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame’s mandate is to collect, preserve, showcase and celebrate the history and heritage of sport excellence in Manitoba. For more information, please visit the website.
Sport Manitoba is a not-for-profit organization and the lead planning, programming and funding agency for the development of amateur sport in Manitoba. Located at 145 Pacific Avenue in Winnipeg, Sport Manitoba partners with over 100 organizations to deliver sport in the province and is responsible for programs including the Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro, Sport Manitoba Coaching, Team Manitoba, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, Fit Kids Healthy Kids, and KidSport. Services provided include the Sport Manitoba Clinic, Sport Manitoba Performance, Sport Manitoba Fitness Centre, and the Paul Robson Resource Centre for Leadership and Coaching. Safe Sport Line: 1-833-656-SAFE (7233)
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For more information please contact:
Sam Cortes
Communications Manager, Sport Manitoba
204-290-7630
sam.cortes@sportmanitoba.ca