MOOSE JAW — Eight new names will soon be etched into local sports history as the Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame unveiled its 2025 induction class during a ceremony at Temple Gardens Centre recently.
The upcoming induction ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26, will mark the largest single class since the Hall of Fame’s creation, honouring athletes and builders whose achievements span decades and multiple disciplines.
“This is our largest single induction class, and we’re excited to announce the 2025 induction class of the Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame,” said Larry Graham, Hall of Fame president during his presentation.
The inductees
Lorraine Arguin (builder, curling): Arguin spent more than 40 years coaching, including 16 years leading wheelchair curling. She guided Saskatchewan to five national titles and was a key force in expanding the sport provincewide.
Norm Balderston (builder, curling): A lifelong contributor to curling, Balderston helped build the Hillcrest Sports Centre clubhouse in 1967 and served as both a local and provincial administrator. He was named Moose Jaw’s Citizen of the Year in 1968 and inducted to the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 1988.
Ron Friesen (athlete, diving): A seven-time Canadian champion and Olympic diver, Friesen represented Canada at the 1972 Munich Games and the 1970 Commonwealth Games, where he earned bronze. He was the first Canadian to complete a reverse two-and-a-half somersault from the 10-metre tower in competition.
Verna Kergan (builder, speed skating): With 36 years in the sport, Kergan served more than two decades as head coach. She developed athletes for provincial, national, and Olympic competition and served on the board of the Saskatchewan Amateur Speed Skating Association.
Jim Large (builder, hockey and cycling): Large coached hockey at nearly every level for five decades, helping establish the female hockey program in Moose Jaw in 1995. He also revived the Moose Jaw Pavers Cycle Club and contributed to developing young athletes in both sports.
Len Nielsen (athlete, hockey): A prolific scorer, Nielsen starred with the Regina Pat Canadians and the WHL’s Regina Pats, where he remains fifth on the all-time scoring list. His career included international appearances with Team Canada and coaching stints with the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Jim Runzer (athlete, wrestling): Runzer captured seven consecutive provincial titles between 1956 and 1961 and represented Canada at the 1958 British Empire Games in Cardiff. His career later extended into judo, where he became a leading competitor and administrator.
Cliff Wiens (builder, judo): Wiens developed the Moose Jaw Koseikan Judo Club into a nationally recognized program. He played a pivotal role in building opportunities for local athletes and served as a leader with Judo Saskatchewan for decades.
Graham acknowledged the role of sponsors, volunteers, and community support in sustaining the Hall of Fame.
“Just a little shout out to the rest of our board members … they stuck with us while it took us some time to get on our feet, so thanks for that …,” he said. “We’re a local non-profit, and we depend on support from the community. JGL is our title sponsor, but we have many other sponsors from the community … and we’re extremely thankful.”
The Sept. 26 induction ceremony will be held at the Temple Gardens Centre. Tickets are $70 each plus applicable fees and taxes, available at the Temple Gardens Centre box office, online at SaskTix.ca, or by phone at 306-624-2050, and must be purchased by 6 p.m. on Sept. 19.
The Temple Gardens Centre is located at 110 First Avenue Northwest.
