Edmonton Eskimos draft pick Bennett the forefather of Griffins Athletics

Bob Bennett

(Inducted April 2002)

Bob Bennett joined MacEwan in 1972 in a combined position of Student Counsellor and Athletics Co-ordinator – the first administrator responsible for athletics at the institution.

Bob’s athletics background was in football as part of a national championship University of Alberta Golden Bears team between 1963 to 1965. Bob was a first-round selection of the Edmonton Eskimos, but a knee injury ended his playing career.

Bob turned his athletic talents to coaching football at the high school level with Ross Sheppard in 1970 and with the Golden Bears from 1971 to 1974.

As Athletics Coordinator, Bob helped create the Edmonton Colleges Athletic League (ECAL), providing an opportunity for Griffins athletes to compete. The Griffins competed in men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball for two seasons in the ECAL.

In 1973, Bob presented an application on behalf of the college to join the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) and MacEwan was accepted as an exhibition member in 1974, becoming a full member in 1975.

Because of Bob’s foresight and belief that Grant MacEwan College students deserved the opportunity to be involved in competitive intercollegiate spot, Griffins Athletics had begun.

Bob’s career at the institution led him to focus his efforts on student counselling. Always well-liked by his students, Bob was a choice of many athletes when seeking the advice of a counsellor.

For his efforts and contributions to the initial creation of Griffins Athletics, it is with pride and honour that Bob Bennett is inducted to the Griffins’ Wall of Distinction.