Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Alberta Woman “in a league of her own” passes away at 93

Duane Rolheiser

Published

6 years ago

4 minute read

Betty Carveth Dunn (nee Carveth), enshrined in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame just 2 years ago, has died.

Betty, a member of the Rockford Peaches back in 1945, was one of just 64 Canadian women to play in Phil Wrigley’s World War II era All American Girls Professional Baseball League. The league and in particular the Rockford Peaches were the inspiration for the Tom Hanks / Geena Davis movie A League of Their Own.

Dunn was 93.

The day of her induction into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame I was fortunate to sit down and interview Betty. Here’s a post we made for that interview followed by her Induction video for The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

Born in 1925, Betty Carveth grew up in Grande Prairie, Alberta and became a part of baseball history.

Betty Carveth was one of only sixty-four Canadian women to play in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. A right-handed pitcher, she played during the 1945 season with the Rockford Peaches and was traded mid-season to the Fort Wayne Daisies. She returned home to Edmonton and became the city’s first female Little League Baseball coach and coached the boys for 10 years. At the age of 12, she pitched for the Twilight Ladies Softball team which won three Peace River Championships in a row. In the mid-1940s, she pitched for Edmonton’s top-rated Walk-Rite women’s baseball team.

Betty played for the Walk-Rite team from 1943-1945 at the age of eighteen to twenty. It was during this time that a scout saw her play and asked her to try out for the All American Girls Professional Baseball League in the United States; a league that was featured in the 1992 movie “A League of Their Own.” Betty played from April to October in 1945, earning $75 a week – which was four times more than she had made as a secretary back in Edmonton. There was a list of rules and a dress code the players had to abide to, both on and off the field. They attended a half day of beauty school and were told to look and act like ladies, however while on the field, they were to play ball like men. Sliding into a base or making a flying catch was not pleasant as the uniforms were short dresses, knee socks, and caps which provided very little protection.

When the 1945 season closed, Betty returned to Edmonton and demonstrated her love for baseball by promoting and signing autographs throughout the years that followed. She was named Ambassador of Baseball for the inaugural IBAF (International Baseball Federation) Women’s World Baseball Championship in 2004 and then named Special Ambassador in 2012. She threw the ceremonial first pitch at both tournaments and did again in 2015 at one of the Edmonton Prospects games.

As a member of the AAGPBL, Betty was inducted into the American Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, USA in 1988. She was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 with the Canadian AAGPBL players.

Related Topics:Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Betty Carveth Dunn

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Duane Rolheiser

After 15 years as a TV reporter with Global and CBC and as news director of RDTV in Red Deer, Duane set out on his own 2008 as a visual storyteller. During this period, he became fascinated with a burgeoning online world and how it could better serve local communities. This fascination led to Todayville, launched in 2016.

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Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame announces Class of 2025

Published on November 25, 2024

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce the Class of 2025 Inductees. These extraordinary athletes, coaches, and builders have demonstrated immense dedication to their respective sports, bringing pride to Alberta and Canada through their achievements. This year’s inductees represent a wide array of sports, from winter Olympians and Paralympians to builders who have shaped sports communities across Alberta and beyond.

The 2025 Induction Ceremony will be held at the Red Deer Resort & Casino on June 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM, where these individuals will be honored for their outstanding contributions to Alberta’s sports legacy.

Class of 2025 Inductees:

Alex Gough – Luge Athlete
Calgary-born Alex Gough, Canada’s most successful luger, will be inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. Gough made history by winning Canada’s first Olympic medals in luge—a bronze in women’s singles and a silver in the team relay—at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. Throughout her career, she amassed 6 World Championship medals and was a nine-time Canadian champion. Since retiring in 2018, she has served as President of Luge Canada, fostering the sport’s growth nationwide. Gough’s ground-breaking achievements have elevated Canadian luge on the world stage and inspired future generations of athletes.

Brady Leman – Alpine Skiing Athlete
Calgary native Brady Leman, born October 16, 1986, is celebrated as one of Canada’s most successful ski cross athletes. Overcoming a broken leg at the 2010 Olympics and a near-podium finish in 2014, Brady achieved gold in men’s ski cross at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. With 6 World Cup victories and 32 podiums, he retired in 2023 after winning his final race on Canadian soil. Beyond his athletic achievements, Brady actively supports future athletes through fundraising and leadership roles, including serving on the Alberta Alpine Ski Association Board. His induction honors his remarkable career and contributions to Canadian skiing.

Brian & Robin McKeever – Para Nordic Skiing
Canmore natives Brian and Robin McKeever are celebrated for their monumental contributions to Para Nordic skiing. Brian, Canada’s most decorated Winter Paralympian, secured 20 Paralympic medals (16 gold) from 2002 to 2022. Despite vision loss from Stargardt’s disease, he excelled remarkably. Robin, a 1998 Olympian, became Brian’s guide, and together they won 10 Paralympic medals. Transitioning to coaching, Robin led Canada’s Para Nordic team to 41 Paralympic medals from 2010 to 2022, with Brian succeeding him as Head Coach in 2022. Their induction honors their athletic achievements and enduring impact on Canadian sports and the Paralympic movement.

Clara Hughes – Cycling & Speed Skating Athlete
Clara Hughes, born in Winnipeg and trained in Alberta, is a six-time Olympic medalist and the only athlete to win multiple medals in both Summer and Winter Games. Excelling in cycling and speed skating, she earned Olympic medals from 1996 to 2010, including gold in the 5,000 meters speed skating event in 2006. Beyond sports, Clara is a leading mental health advocate, founding spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk, and undertook “Clara’s Big Ride” to promote mental health awareness across Canada. Her induction celebrates her exceptional athletic achievements and her significant contributions to mental health and humanitarian causes.

Ross Norton – Wheelchair Basketball Athlete
Calgary’s Ross Norton is a celebrated wheelchair basketball athlete and coach. Overcoming transverse myelitis at a young age, he rose to prominence, winning gold medals at the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, and a silver at the 2008 Beijing Games. A key player for the Alberta Northern Lights, he helped them become the first Canadian team to win the NWBA championship in the U.S. Transitioning to coaching, Ross has led teams to success nationally and continues to advocate for para sports development in Alberta. His induction honors his outstanding athletic achievements and lasting impact on the community.

Viviane Forest – Paralympic Multisport Athlete
Viviane Forest, born in Quebec and based in Edmonton, is a distinguished Paralympian who made history by winning gold medals at both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games—the first Canadian woman to do so. With only 4% vision, she excelled in goalball, securing gold at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. Transitioning to alpine skiing, she achieved remarkable success at the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics, medaling in all five events, including gold in Downhill, despite competing with injuries. A passionate advocate and mentor, Viviane’s extraordinary accomplishments and dedication to inspiring others make her a celebrated inductee into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

Dianne Greenough – Cheerleading Builder
After 46 years dedicated to cheerleading, Dianne Greenough is celebrated as a builder of the sport in Alberta. Starting in 1978 at Edmonton’s Victoria High School, she led her teams to over 200 championships, including a world title in 1994. Dianne was pivotal in having cheerleading recognized as an official sport by the ASAA in 1984 and founded the Alberta Cheerleading Association. As head coach of the Edmonton CFL Cheer Team for 23 years, she elevated acrobatics, stunting, and co-ed participation and created the annual Grey Cup Cheer Extravaganza. Co-Founder of Perfect Storm Athletics, she championed inclusivity by offering programs for all athletes including those with special needs. Dianne’s visionary leadership transformed cheerleading provincially and nationally.

Hugh Hoyles – Volleyball Builder
A seminal figure in Alberta volleyball, Hugh Hoyles transformed the sport through decades of dedication. After moving to Alberta in 1960, he became involved with the Edmonton Phoenix Volleyball Club and later coached the University of Alberta Golden Bears to a National Championship in 1980, earning CIAU Coach of the Year. He co-founded the Alberta Volleyball Association and launched the Jasper Volleyball Camp in 1974, revolutionizing coach and athlete development. As Director of Volleyball for the 1976 Montreal Olympics, he elevated the sport’s national profile. Inducted into multiple halls of fame, Hugh’s enduring legacy is the robust volleyball community he helped cultivate.

Les Gramantik – Athletics Builder
Les Gramantik, born in 1949, is a distinguished athletics coach whose five-decade career has greatly influenced Canadian sports. Immigrating to Calgary after coaching internationally, he co-founded the University of Calgary track and field program, leading the Dinos to multiple national championships. As head coach for Athletics Canada, he guided athletes at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games. Les coached numerous elite athletes, the most notable being Michael Smith, Jessica Zelinka, and Damian Warner to international success. He is a well respected international speaker and member of a number of international coaching organizations such as the European Coaching Congress and the North American, Caribbean Coaching association. Les’s dedication to athlete development and coaching excellence has left an enduring impact on athletics in Alberta and beyond.

Red Deer College Queens Volleyball Team
Between 1981 and 1989, the Red Deer College Queens Volleyball Team dominated Alberta collegiate volleyball, winning eight consecutive ACAC championships—an unmatched record in the conference. With an astonishing 178–5 regular-season record and three undefeated seasons, they showcased unparalleled excellence. Nationally, they earned eight CCAA medals, including a historic gold in 1984, breaking Quebec’s longstanding hold on the championship. Renowned for their talent and sportsmanship, the Queens set records with a 90-set winning streak. Their legacy remains a benchmark in Canadian collegiate sports, exemplifying the heights achievable through dedication, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Arnie Jackson – Bell Memorial Award
A fixture in Alberta sports broadcasting, Arnie Jackson began his career in 1962 at age 18. Over six decades, he became renowned for his coverage of rodeo and chuckwagon racing, as well as hockey and football. Arnie worked with broadcasting legends like Eric Bishop, Joe Carbury, and Ed Whalen. He co-founded the Chuckwagon Radio Network, enhancing the profile of chuckwagon racing. Committed to education, he mentored aspiring broadcasters at Calgary Christian School and SAIT. Honored as WPCA Media Person of the Year twice and PRCA Broadcaster of the Year in 2005, Arnie’s dedication to sports and integrity have left an enduring legacy.

George Hopkins & Dwayne Mandrusiak – Achievement Award
George Hopkins and Dwayne Mandrusiak are legendary equipment managers who have each devoted over 50 years to Canadian football. Hopkins, with the Calgary Stampeders since 1972, and Mandrusiak, with the Edmonton Eskimos since 1971, have each worked over 1,000 games and been part of multiple Grey Cup championships—six for Hopkins and eleven for Mandrusiak. In 1985, they co-founded the Amateur Football Equipment Inspection Program, significantly enhancing equipment safety in youth football across Alberta. Their unparalleled dedication to their teams and contributions to amateur football have made them iconic figures and true builders of the game in Alberta.

Join us as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of these inductees and their contributions to Alberta’s rich sports history on June 7, 2025.
For more information, please contact Tracey Kinsella, Executive Director at 403-341-8614 or via email at [email protected]

Alberta

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Celebrating Big Wins and Olympian Meet and Greet

Published on October 11, 2024

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame Wins Achievement AwardWe are thrilled to announce that the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame has been awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Government of Alberta in recognition of its exemplary leadership and long-term contribution to preserving and presenting Alberta’s rich sports history.

This prestigious accolade honors individuals or organizations with over 10 years of dedication to heritage in the province, highlighting contributions that extend well beyond the scope of any heritage-related employment. The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, with its commitment to celebrating the achievements of Alberta’s athletes and preserving their legacies, exemplifies this standard.

At the award presentation, we were honored to be joined by Chelsae Petrovic (MLA for Livingston-Macleod) and Ron Wiebe (MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti), who shared in the celebration of this remarkable milestone.

For decades, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the stories of Alberta’s sports heroes, while inspiring future generations through engaging exhibits, interactive programs, and outreach efforts. This award stands as a testament to the Hall of Fame’s dedication to Alberta’s history, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement!

Olympian and Paralympian Meet and Greet: A Day of Inspiration and Celebration

This past week, the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame hosted an unforgettable Olympian and Paralympian Meet and Greet, bringing together sports fans and some of Canada’s most inspiring athletes. The event featured both past and present Olympians and Paralympians, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to meet their sporting heroes in person.

The lineup of athletes was nothing short of extraordinary, including honoured members Diane Jones Konihowski, Olympic pentathlete; and Lyndon Rush, Olympic bobsleigh medalist. The event also included Olympians Marco Arop, Olympic silver medalist and world champion middle-distance runner; Molly Simpson, a rising star in BMX racing; Rebecca Smith, Olympic swimmer and relay medalist. The event also honored the incredible contributions of Paralympians, with appearances by Reid Maxwell, Nicholas Bennett and Tammy Cunnington, three accomplished Paralympic athletes who have made their marks in swimming and para-athletics.

Fans of all ages gathered to hear personal stories of triumph and perseverance, ask questions, take photos, and get autographs from these exceptional athletes. The day was filled with inspiring conversations, as the Olympians and Paralympians shared insights into their training, challenges, and what it takes to compete on the world stage. Their stories sparked excitement and admiration, reminding us all of the power of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees energized and motivated by the athletes’ remarkable journeys. It was a true celebration of sport, community, and the lasting impact these athletes have on inspiring the next generation.

Thank you to everyone who came out to make this day so special! Stay tuned for more exciting events and opportunities to connect with Alberta’s sporting legends!

Save the Date: 2025 Honoured Member Class Induction Ceremony

Mark your calendars! The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame is excited to announce that our 2025 Honoured Member Class Induction Ceremony will be held on June 7, 2025, at the Red Deer Resort and Casino.

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the newest inductees into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. This prestigious event will honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to sports in Alberta, recognizing their outstanding achievements and lasting impact on our province’s sporting legacy.

Stay tuned for more details, including ticket prices and the announcement of our 2025 Honoured Member Class. This is a night you won’t want to miss—save the date and prepare to be part of this incredible celebration of Alberta’s sporting heroes!

Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates. We look forward to seeing you there!

Alberta Sport Award Nominations Now Open!

We’re excited to announce that nominations for the 2024 Alberta Sport Recognition Awards are now open! This program honors exceptional athletes, teams, coaches, officials, and sport volunteers who have made significant contributions to our province’s sports community. There are five annual awards and two biennial awards available for nomination.

Nominations will be accepted from October 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to recognize someone who has had a positive impact on Alberta sports! For more details, click the box below. Let’s celebrate our sporting heroes!

Nominate Now

Thank You from The City of Red Deer!

We are pleased to share a heartfelt thank you letter from Charlaine Rausch, Corporate Events Specialist with The City of Red Deer, expressing appreciation for our participation in the AB Muni Convention Host Night, titled The Eras Tour: Red Deer.

Good Afternoon Tracey,

On behalf of The City of Red Deer, please accept my thanks for participating in our AB Muni Convention Host Night, The Eras Tour: Red Deer.

The AB Sports Hall of Fame is a gem in our community, and as our delegates came from across the Province, it was great to have your booth and items there for our guests to enjoy.

Thanks again.
Char

Charlaine Rausch | Corporate Events Specialist
Community & Public Relations
The City of Red Deer

We appreciate the recognition and are proud to represent the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in our community!

Honoured Members Visit Our Booth at the PointsBet Invitational!

We were excited to set up our booth at the PointsBet Invitational in Calgary, where we showcased a collection of artifacts celebrating the rich history of curling in Alberta. Our display provided attendees with a unique glimpse into the sport’s legacy, highlighting significant milestones and achievements that have shaped curling in our province.

We were especially honored to have Diane Jones Konihowski and Cheryl Bernard, both esteemed honoured members of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, stop by our booth.

We are always open to participating in more events throughout Alberta, and we welcome opportunities to bring our artifacts and stories to new audiences. If you know of an event that could benefit from our presence, please reach out!

Thank you to everyone who visited us at the PointsBet Invitational! We look forward to continuing to celebrate the incredible history and achievements of Alberta’s athletes.

This newsletter is sponsored by Tourism Red Deer.

Honoured Member Profile- Donald Moore

Multisport Builder, Inducted in 2010Don Moore was a vital force in shaping Red Deer’s sports community from 1956 to 1987. As an athlete, coach, referee, and administrator, he contributed to hockey, football, swimming, and skiing. Don served on the Alberta Sport Council and played a key role in developing Red Deer’s sports facilities and the Waskasoo Park system, enhancing recreational opportunities.

A mentor to many and an advocate for accessible sports, Don’s leadership left a lasting impact on the community. His notable achievements include receiving the Alberta Centennial Salute for Sport and Recreation Award in 2005 and the G.H. Dawe Memorial Award of Excellence in 2008. Don’s commitment to sport and volunteerism continues to inspire future generations.

Click below to see his honoured member profile.

Honoured Member Profile

Provincial Sport Organization – Football AlbertaFootball Alberta is the governing body for amateur football in the province of Alberta. It oversees and supports the development of the sport at all levels, from youth and high school programs to junior and senior leagues. Football Alberta provides resources, coaching certification, competitions, and player development opportunities, ensuring the growth and success of football in the province. The organization is dedicated to promoting safe, inclusive, and competitive environments for athletes, coaches, and officials to thrive in the sport of football.

Football Alberta

Artifact in Focus!

Donald Moore’s leather football cleats with metal pages in the sole.

Let’s Champion Our Local Sports Heroes and Inspire the Champions of Tomorrow

Your donation will ensure your Hall can continue to champion our Alberta sports heroes. Donate through our website, attend our events, and be a part of our Sports Hall of Fame’s legacy. Thank you for your support!

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