Sawatzky-Koop takes her place among Manitoba’s sporting elite

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This article was published 13/11/2022 (1242 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One of Steinbach’s sporting legends was recognized Nov. 3, as Michelle Sawatzky-Koop became an honoured member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.

“This is unbelievable. I’m not sure I belong here, but thanks for thinking that I do,” she said during the induction ceremony.

“An honour like this isn’t just about volleyball, it wouldn’t be possible without those who supported me, my family, my teammates, and my coaches,”

Sawatzky-Koop was an excellent high school volleyball player, winning Steinbach’s athlete of the year in grade 12 before moving to become the starting setter for the University of Manitoba Bisons.

There, she helped the university to multiple national championships. It was just collegiate athletics where she excelled, as Sawatzky-Koop was a regular in a Canadian national team jersey after graduating.

She helped Canada to a bronze medal at the 1995 Pan Am Games, and was part of the Canadian team which qualified for the 1996 Olympics. At those Olympics, she earned back her starting setter spot after losing it, orchestrating Canada’s first Olympic victory when the team defeated Peru.

The class of 2022 included four other individuals and a team.

Professional hockey agent Don Baizley earned the honour posthumously for his work to bring European hockey players to North America in the 70s. He also played a key role in mediating the 2004/2005 NHL lockout.

“If my dad were here tonight, he would say he was so lucky, and then start to list all the people he owed thanks to,” Gord Baizley said on behalf of his father.

“It’s an honour to have him a part of this class, and he’d be truly happy for you and all your accomplishments.”

Halldor Bjarnason helped found the Manitoba Cerebral Palsy Association, also collecting medals from around the world as an athlete. He competed at the Paralympic Games and is Manitoba’s first inductee from Cerebral Palsy sport.

“I was always told, ‘he can’t,’ and I still get a small sense of satisfaction when I hear, ‘oh, I guess I underestimated him,’” Bjarnson said.

“It is all possible, and you can succeed.”

Ringette players also now have representation at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, as Andrea Ferguson was inducted. Ferguson competed in eight consecutive national championships as a player or coach, earning all-star honours twice and representing Canada at the national level. She is currently coaching the national U22 team.

“For almost as long as I can remember, ringette has been a huge part of my life,” the 2002/2003 national player of the year said.

“From the second I started playing, I was hooked.”

Patrick Jebbison was also an outstanding collegiate athlete, suiting up for the Brandon University Bobcats on the basketball court from 1984-1985. Jebbison quickly racked up awards and accolades, culminating in his selection as the top men’s university player in the country.

Many of the members of the 1990 Winnipeg Blue Bombers team, including head coach Mike Riley, were on hand as they received recognition for winning the Grey Cup. It would be the franchise’s last championship until the drought ended in 2019.