Legendary football coach Wally Buono will be receiving a prestigious honor from the Calgary Stampeders as he is set to be inducted into their Wall of Fame.
Buono, who has had an illustrious career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), will be recognized for his contributions to the Stampeders organization during his time as head coach from 1990 to 2002.
During his tenure, Buono led the Stampeders to three Grey Cup championships and was named CFL Coach of the Year five times. He also holds the record for most regular season wins as a head coach in the CFL with 282 victories.
In addition to his success with the Stampeders, Buono also had a successful coaching career with the BC Lions, where he won two more Grey Cup titles and was named CFL Coach of the Year four times.
Buono’s impact on the CFL extends beyond his coaching achievements. He also served as the league’s commissioner from 2003 to 2007, where he oversaw the expansion of the league and the implementation of new rules and regulations.
His contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed, as he has been inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and the BC Lions Wall of Fame.
The induction ceremony for Buono will take place during the Stampeders’ home game on September 18, where his name will be added to the Wall of Fame alongside other Stampeders legends.
In a statement, Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel praised Buono’s impact on the team and the league, saying, “Wally’s accomplishments as a coach and a leader are unparalleled and he is truly deserving of this honor.”
Buono himself expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am humbled and honored to be inducted into the Calgary Stampeders Wall of Fame. My time with the Stampeders was a special chapter in my career and I am grateful for the memories and relationships I made during my time there.”
The induction of Wally Buono into the Calgary Stampeders Wall of Fame is a testament to his remarkable career and his lasting impact on the CFL. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football players and coaches.
