Kellen Forrest for Dinos Athletics
Special to Postmedia Network
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more dedicated University of Calgary Dino than Gord Franson.
Franson (BComm ‘72) is the lone builder in the Dinos’ 2024 Hall of Fame class, a fitting tribute to a man who has volunteered 37 years of his time to the men’s soccer program, and counting.
Despite his unwavering and unselfish commitment to the Dinos, Franson admits news of the induction came as a bit of a shock. Especially when he saw the other names he’d be honoured alongside.
“To be perfectly honest it was rather a humbling experience,” said Franson of his emotions when he received the Hall of Fame call. “And then to see the people that I was nominated with and what they’ve actually accomplished. You know, I sort of feel some of my contributions failed by comparison.”
But anyone who had the pleasure of getting to know or work with Franson would tell you that’s far from the case.
Franson began with the Dinos men’s soccer program in 1988 when the head coach at the time, Andy Gibbs, asked him to help out in an assistant role.
“I thought, well, this would be something I do for a year or two,” Franson said. “And here we are now, 37 years later.”
In those 37 years, Franson has done it all for the Dinos program, from ordering team gear, providing sports medicine equipment and keeping accurate statistics. He has been a critical contributor to organizing fundraising events, managing fundraising, and constructing the home field.
Franson’s impact was felt by not only the Dinos, but the Canada West conference as a whole. After his first year as a member of the Dinos, Franson was recommended to become the first-ever soccer convener for the conference.
So for 33 years, Franson not only was an integral part of the Dinos men’s soccer team, but was a crucial part of keeping accurate stats for the entirety of Canada West.
He was also the secretary of the men’s soccer coaches association at the university level, a role that enabled him to go to the national championships every year.
But for Franson, he knew what he really wanted to do was go to nationals as a member of the Dinos. In 2019, it finally happened.
“In 2019 we actually, for the very first time, were able to qualify to go to nationals,” Franson said. “And so I guess when I look back on my time with the Dinos, that probably has been, to date, anyway, the greatest sense of accomplishment was that we finally got to the national championships.”
It would be impossible to name all the athletes, coaches and staff that Franson has touched in his time with the Dinos. He’s continued to maintain strong relationships with current and former Dinos, and specifically credits Gibbs and former head coach and player Brian McDonnell for being so gracious with their time.
“I don’t think I could have ever stayed as long in this program if you didn’t have good people to work with,” Franson said.
Franson will be inducted into the Dinos Hall of Fame on Oct. 28, along with the other five inductees:
- Sam Effah — Athlete (track & field)
- Dan Federkeil — Athlete (football)
- Erica Wiebe — Athlete (wrestling)
- Hayley Wickenheiser — Athlete (hockey)
- Les Gramantik – Coach (track & field)