Brian Heffel
In an era when athletic specialization was the norm, Brian Heffel, 1965 BPE, won Block A awards in three sports: wrestling, rugby, and swimming, a rare accomplishment by a superb athlete. Heffel enjoyed rugby and swimming, but his great love was wrestling. He dominated his weight class in Canada from 1964-70. Twice awarded the Beaumont Trophy as the best wrestler in the Western Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union (WCIAU), Heffel was the first wrestler named to Canada's Olympic Wrestling team for the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games and placed ninth.In 1969-70, while studying for a master's degree, his outstanding athleticism was recognized by the University of Alberta when he was awarded the Wilson Trophy as Male Athlete of the Year. During that year, he competed in 70 matches and compiled a record 68 victories and two draws (both to American wrestlers). His is a legacy of remarkable athletic accomplishments.
Heffel has continued to contribute to society as a high school teacher and coach; as a local, provincial, and national wrestling referee; and as a sport administrator for the city and province.
Heffel is a 1999 inductee to the University of Alberta's Sports Wall of Fame.