Green and Gold legend Dwayne Mandrusiak added to EE Builders Wall
Longtime equipment manager honoured at Kickoff to 75 Dinner
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EDMONTON — For 49 years, Dwayne Mandrusiak was the standard bearer of the Edmonton Football Club and helped set the bar for what Green and Gold excellence looked like.
The Edmonton football legend will soon take his rightful place among the most impactful builders in Club history.
Mandrusiak, who started his career with the EE in 1973 as a ball boy, was announced Thursday at the Club's Kickoff to 75 Dinner as the newest member of the EE Builders Wall. The wall, which will be unveiled Saturday at Edmonton's 75th season home opener, is the highest honour non-players can receive from the Club.
Mandrusiak's uncanny ability to anticipate problems and find solutions helped give players and coaches everything needed to be their best on game day. He was on the sidelines for 18 Grey Cup appearances and was part of 11 championships during his time with the Club.
"I'm honoured to be included alongside this amazing group of community leaders," Mandrusiak said. "They are a huge reason why this organization became the flagship of the CFL and I'm blessed to have had a small part in it."
Mandrusiak’s meticulous equipment room became a gathering place for players, coaches, and staff. A stickler for detail, he was an innovator, who somehow always knew what kind of shoes worked best on a frozen field in November.
"For decades, Dwayne was a true pro who selflessly served our players, coaches, and overall organization," said Elks President and CEO Rick LeLacheur. "We're thrilled to add Dwayne's name to our EE Builders Wall, and give him the recognition he deserves."
Both Mandrusiak and LeLacheur will be available to media on Friday at Commonwealth Stadium, along with a host of other EE icons who are in town for this week's 75th season celebrations.
Details on Friday's Legends Club unveiling and media availability can be found below.
Legends Club unveiling and EE Alumni media availability
- WHO:
- Rick LeLacheur - President and CEO, Edmonton Elks
- Dwayne Mandrusiak - Former EE equipment manager and EE Builders Wall inductee
- Rod Connop - President, EE Alumni Association
- Additional EE Alumni, including: Michael Reilly, Warren Moon, Ricky Ray, Brian Kelly, Henry 'Gizmo' Williams and others
- WHAT: Unveiling of the Legends Club (renovated and rebranded season seat holder lounge) at Commonwealth Stadium and media availability with EE Alumni
- WHERE: Legends Club (Commonwealth Stadium)
- NOTE: Media are asked to meet at the Elks Team Store inside the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre beginning at 10:00 a.m.
- WHEN: 10:30 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony
- Media availability to follow
