EDMONTON – Fifty years ago, they won their first of two Vanier Cups. Now, the 1968, 1969 and 1970 Bisons football teams are heading into the Canada West Hall of Fame.

The University of Manitoba Bisons of 1968-70 were the first and one of only three Canadian university teams to win the football national championship (Vanier Cup) in back-to-back seasons. They won the Canada West Hardy Cup in three consecutive seasons, from 1968 to 1970.

Members of the 1968-70 Bisons football teams will be honoured at halftime of tomorrow's Homecoming Game — Saturday, September 21 at 2 p.m. vs. UBC — as they receive their Hall of Fame award and celebrate the 50-year anniversary of their first national title.

Head coach Henry Janzen and his staff coaches; Ray Ash, Gord Rowland and John Shanski were in charge of the first football dynasty at the Canadian university level. The Bisons became the first team to win two consecutive Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (now U SPORTS) Vanier Cup championships.

In the 1969 season, the Bisons spotted the University of Windsor Lancers seven points before handing out a 41-7 thrashing in the Western Bowl. Then, the Bisons won the Vanier Cup 24-15 over the McGill University Redmen to cap a perfect 8-0 season.

In 1970, the Bisons met a tough test hosting the Western Bowl against the Queen's Golden Gaels. Still, they prevailed in a 24-20 come-from-behind overtime victory. The Bisons went on to hammer Ottawa 38-11 in the 1970 Vanier Cup.

All members of the 1969 team received the Order of the Buffalo Hunt for their achievement. Bob Kraemer, Walt McKee & Bob Toogood went on to play professional football in the CFL (Winnipeg Blue Bombers), while Dennis Hrycaiko went on be the head coach of Bisons football from 1979 to 1989 and Associate Dean of Academics in the Faculty of Physical Education at Manitoba.

The 1969 and 1970 Bisons football teams have already been inducted into the Sport Manitoba Hall of Fame and the Manitoba Football Hall of Fame.

More information on the Canada West Hall of Fame.