Hall of Fame Class 2010
Chris Bauman - Player 1998-2001
Chris began playing for the Vikings in 1998. As a young grade 9 student he scored a touchdown in his first game. The rest is history and The RMFL has never and may never see again such a dominating player. In Chris’ 4 years at Massey he was unstoppable. His athleticism and competitive drive allowed Chris to propel the Vikings to 3 consecutive RMFL championships. The chemistry he had with future Viking hall of famer Tim Feasby was incredible. After a stellar High School Career Chris began play at the University of Regina. At the U of R he became an all Canadian and a star in the CIS. His excellent university career opened doors to the professional ranks and was drafted 1st overall in the CFL draft. This feat combined with Izzy’s Super Bowl appearance was the first time in history a high school football team could claim they had a number one CFL draft pick and a Super Bowl participant. Chris has played the last 4 seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and looks to have a long CFL career in front of him. Chris currently plays for the Edmonton Eskimos.
When Chris is not playing football he is active in the community. Chris has involved himself with numerous charity events in Hamilton. Chris is still very connected to his high school team and has spent countless hours working with the Viking team as a mentor and coach. Whenever Chris is in town he will make time to come by the school to inspire our young athletes. Chris Bauman’s work ethic and character are both something to admire.
When Chris is not playing football he is active in the community. Chris has involved himself with numerous charity events in Hamilton. Chris is still very connected to his high school team and has spent countless hours working with the Viking team as a mentor and coach. Whenever Chris is in town he will make time to come by the school to inspire our young athletes. Chris Bauman’s work ethic and character are both something to admire.
Israel Idonije - Player 1997
Israel “Izzy” Idonije played for the Viking football team in the fall of 1997. Israel had no interest in playing football at first but after some convincing he gave it a try. Izzy joined a young Viking team that was restarting after a 3 year hiatus. During Izzy’s first year the team only played an exhibition schedule in hopes of building a stronger team that would enter the Rural Manitoba Football League the following year. Izzy was a unstoppable force at defensive end and led our team both on and off the field. After a strong graduating season Izzy was convinced to try out for Team Manitoba and drew attention serious from the University of Manitoba. After a stellar career at the U of M Izzy defied all odds and has become a important member of the Chicago Bears. During his time with the Bears Izzy has played every defensive line position and participated in the 2006 Super Bowl.
Izzy’s accomplishments on the field are great but it is his off field commitments that really demonstrate the incredible person Izzy is. Izzy has spent a lifetime of helping young people and he continues to do so through the Israel Idonije Foundation. Izzy’s continuing work in Africa, Chicago and Manitoba is positively affecting many children and youth. Izzy’s off field contributions far outweigh anything he can accomplish on a football field. The example he sets in his service to others is an inspiration to anybody who knows his story. Izzy once said that if he was only remembered for football that would be a tragedy. The legacy Izzy is building off the field will long outshine his accomplishments on the field.
Izzy’s accomplishments on the field are great but it is his off field commitments that really demonstrate the incredible person Izzy is. Izzy has spent a lifetime of helping young people and he continues to do so through the Israel Idonije Foundation. Izzy’s continuing work in Africa, Chicago and Manitoba is positively affecting many children and youth. Izzy’s off field contributions far outweigh anything he can accomplish on a football field. The example he sets in his service to others is an inspiration to anybody who knows his story. Izzy once said that if he was only remembered for football that would be a tragedy. The legacy Izzy is building off the field will long outshine his accomplishments on the field.
Tom Sheppard Player 1997-1999
Tom Sheppard played 3 years for the Vikings from 1997-1999. During that time Tom was a fierce competitor who played every down like it was his last. As a hard hitting linebacker he was feared by opposing teams because of his tenacious and relentless play. Tom never backed down from a challenge and gave his heart and soul to the Viking football team. Tom helped the team capture a RMFL championship in 1999.
Tom has since been playing real defense in our Canadian armed forces. His commitment to freedom and the protection of all Canadians is something we at Vincent Massey are very proud of. Tom has served in Afghanistan and has shown that he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy simple freedoms like playing this football game tonight. The example Tom is setting shows current Viking players the importance of sacrifice and service. Tom is often spoken of before games to inspire our team and to show them how lucky they are to still have Tom Sheppard on their team. Tom Sheppard is a true Canadian hero.
Tom has since been playing real defense in our Canadian armed forces. His commitment to freedom and the protection of all Canadians is something we at Vincent Massey are very proud of. Tom has served in Afghanistan and has shown that he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy simple freedoms like playing this football game tonight. The example Tom is setting shows current Viking players the importance of sacrifice and service. Tom is often spoken of before games to inspire our team and to show them how lucky they are to still have Tom Sheppard on their team. Tom Sheppard is a true Canadian hero.
Doug Steeves - Coach/Builder
In the early ‘70’s, Steeves helped start the Neelin Spartans and they thrived under his guidance. In’78 he started a team at Crocus Plains. While coaching the Plains men, the team played in the Winnipeg High School Football League, and brought glory to Brandon by winning the league championship in 1987.
In the early 1990s, he was asked to start the Vikings’ program. He finally retired from coaching in 1996. Massey was the last team he coached. Having all three Brandon schools in the Winnipeg High School Football League has brought great satisfaction to Doug. “I feel tremendous about it,” he said. “I often go to practices and games. I see some of the players I coached and how involved they are!” “they’re carrying on the tradition. I know what it’s like. It gets in your blood. Once you start coaching, it’s hard to stop.” He was also inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame ’05 and the Winnipeg High School Football League Hall of Fame ’09. The Viking’s most prestigious team award is the “Doug Steeves” All Heart award and the RMFL league Championship trophy is named after him!
In the early 1990s, he was asked to start the Vikings’ program. He finally retired from coaching in 1996. Massey was the last team he coached. Having all three Brandon schools in the Winnipeg High School Football League has brought great satisfaction to Doug. “I feel tremendous about it,” he said. “I often go to practices and games. I see some of the players I coached and how involved they are!” “they’re carrying on the tradition. I know what it’s like. It gets in your blood. Once you start coaching, it’s hard to stop.” He was also inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame ’05 and the Winnipeg High School Football League Hall of Fame ’09. The Viking’s most prestigious team award is the “Doug Steeves” All Heart award and the RMFL league Championship trophy is named after him!
Kenny Wallace - Player 2003-2004
Kenny came to the Viking football program in the fall of 2003. Kenny moved from Ottawa to Brandon to get a fresh start and to live with his Uncle Chris. During his time as a Viking Kenny became an inspiration on and off the field. On the field he played defensive end with a tenacity that is seldom ever seen. He tried to model his game after his football role model Israel Idonije. When Kenny played - a play was never over until it was over; countless times Kenny could be seen storming down the field pursuing a ball carrier. Kenny Wallace never gave up on a play and never ever took a play off. Off the field Kenny was an excellent leader who inspired our team in good times and bad. He was a true friend to everybody on the team.
After his Career with the Vikings Kenny moved back to Ottawa and won a Junior football title with his Ottawa team. Kenny then felt the lord lead him in a different direction and he began attending Bible College in Southern Ontario. Kenny has now devoted his life to serving others and has most recently returned from the tough streets of New York and Philadelphia where he was a street minister in some of those cities toughest neighborhoods. During his time in New York and Philadelphia Kenny worked closely with some of the most lonely and destitute people, he showed them compassion and love. Kenny is also an excellent musician and has excelled as a Christian Rapper. Kenny is a real example of how service to others and compassion can help light the way in a sometimes lonely world.
After his Career with the Vikings Kenny moved back to Ottawa and won a Junior football title with his Ottawa team. Kenny then felt the lord lead him in a different direction and he began attending Bible College in Southern Ontario. Kenny has now devoted his life to serving others and has most recently returned from the tough streets of New York and Philadelphia where he was a street minister in some of those cities toughest neighborhoods. During his time in New York and Philadelphia Kenny worked closely with some of the most lonely and destitute people, he showed them compassion and love. Kenny is also an excellent musician and has excelled as a Christian Rapper. Kenny is a real example of how service to others and compassion can help light the way in a sometimes lonely world.