St. Paul's High School Archives: A Blue Bomber Connection

The organization of the St. Paul's Crusaders during the 1931-1932 school year coincided with the formation of the Winnipeg Football Club, or the ‘Pegs, in the early 1930s. The development of the club - which was renamed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1935 - attracted many skilled rugby-football players to Winnipeg. With their dedication to the sport, several of these early players became involved with local high school teams, including the St. Paul's Crusaders.

The relationship began in 1932 when the high school team was coached by 'Pegs player, ‘Toots’ Wiggins. Following Wiggins’s short stint as coach, the team was taken over by revered footballer, Greg Kabat. Kabat coached the Crusaders from 1933 to 1940. Under Kabat’s guidance, the Crusaders won the Manitoba Schools Rugby League championship title six times.

With Kabat’s departure from both teams, several Blue Bomber players succeeded him, serving in the role of coach and assistant coach. Counted amongst these ranks were Wayne Sheley (coached 1941-1942), Ches McCance (1943), Cam Doherty (1934-1935, 1946-1947), Harry Fitzgibbons (1948), Dean Bandiera (1951-1952), and Joe Zaleski (1954). A number of these coaches had a history as both a Blue Bomber and Crusaders player, including Steve Shiska ’33 (1936), Kas Vidruk ’42 (1944), Larry Desjardins ‘41 (1945, 1947-1950), and George Depres ’46 (1947-1950).

The long-term relationship lasted until the mid-1950s when Joe Zaleski was picked up by the Montreal Alouettes. Since then, Crusaders coaches have been chosen - for the most part - from amongst the faculty and alumni. Recently, this historic connection was revived as former Blue Bombers defensive back, Kevin Fogg, served as an assistant coach during the 2017-2018 season.

Donovan Alexander '03

Lee Benard 

Steve Bohunicky '44

Paul Cholakis '46

George Depres '46

Larry Desjardins '41

Cam Doherty

Harry Fitzgibbons '39

Paul Fredrickson

Roger Hamelin '60

Bob Hansford '44

Stan Kaluznik

DJ Lalama '11

Ron Latourelle '52

Rod McDonald

James McPherson '48

Ed Ogelski '44

Ross Richardson '63

Kevin Robson '88

Steve Shiska '33

Gordon Sturtridge

Ron Vaccher '45

Kas Vidruk '42

Gene Zakala ' 43