2023 Vincent Massey Viking Hall of Fame class
Mason Kaluzniak (Player 2006-2009) Coach (2010 -2019)
Mason has spent time as both a player and a coach over the years with the Vikings. Mason is the perfect example of what it means to be a Viking both on and off the field. As a player Mason was competitive, hard working, tough, and versatile. Mason started as a true freshman and played receiver for most of his career. The only time he switched positions was in 2008 when the team's starting QB got hurt in the first game and Mason led the Vikings to the 12-man RMFL title that year with a win over the Neelin Spartans. In 2008 Mason showed his true selflessness and love for his team by playing a position that was completely new to him. The following year Mason’s leadership was relied on even more as the Vikings moved from the Rural Manitoba Football League to the Winnipeg High School football league. Mason took on the new challenge with enthusiasm and his positive attitude and leadership set the tone for a new era in Viking Football.
Mason had many qualities that made him an excellent football player but perhaps his greatest was his enthusiasm and positive attitude. Whether it was a scorching summer practice or a bitterly cold game day, Mason approached every moment with an infectious passion that uplifted everyone around him. Mason's love for the game was palpable, and it was impossible not to be swept up in his excitement and dedication. He always injected his teammates and coaches with renewed optimism and positivity despite any difficult situation that arose.
After Mason’s high school career was over, he reconnected with the team to act as a coach at both the Varsity and Junior Varsity levels. Mason was an instant role model to the young players in his charge. The young Viking football players appreciated and loved Mason’s competitive spirit but most of all they appreciated how Mason saw them as people and not just football players. Mason developed positive relationships with the players and was always supportive and caring towards them.
After Mason completed his teaching degree, after a couple of other stops in Wawanesa and at Maryland Park, Mason got a teaching job at Crocus Plains where he now serves as the Head Football Coach. Mason continues to do great things at Crocus by focusing on character and building relationships that will develop the young athletes’ character well beyond their playing days. Mason has created an environment where the young Plainsmen can thrive in a safe and supportive environment. No matter what colors Mason wears we, at Massey, will always be proud of him for all of the amazing contributions he has made to our football community.
Mason had many qualities that made him an excellent football player but perhaps his greatest was his enthusiasm and positive attitude. Whether it was a scorching summer practice or a bitterly cold game day, Mason approached every moment with an infectious passion that uplifted everyone around him. Mason's love for the game was palpable, and it was impossible not to be swept up in his excitement and dedication. He always injected his teammates and coaches with renewed optimism and positivity despite any difficult situation that arose.
After Mason’s high school career was over, he reconnected with the team to act as a coach at both the Varsity and Junior Varsity levels. Mason was an instant role model to the young players in his charge. The young Viking football players appreciated and loved Mason’s competitive spirit but most of all they appreciated how Mason saw them as people and not just football players. Mason developed positive relationships with the players and was always supportive and caring towards them.
After Mason completed his teaching degree, after a couple of other stops in Wawanesa and at Maryland Park, Mason got a teaching job at Crocus Plains where he now serves as the Head Football Coach. Mason continues to do great things at Crocus by focusing on character and building relationships that will develop the young athletes’ character well beyond their playing days. Mason has created an environment where the young Plainsmen can thrive in a safe and supportive environment. No matter what colors Mason wears we, at Massey, will always be proud of him for all of the amazing contributions he has made to our football community.
Thomas Weber (Player 2002 -2005) Coach (2006-2012)
Thomas Weber played for the Vikings from 2002-2005, he was also a coach with the team for several years. Thomas was a hardworking and dedicated football player who despite having some injury issues during his grade 11 year always displayed a “do anything for the team” attitude. Thomas was the ultimate team player who was willing to do whatever it took to help his team be successful. During his first couple of years in High School, Thomas played receiver and back-up quarterback for the team and it soon became clear that Thomas was a young skill player with many offensive abilities. During his grade 11 year, Thomas was poised to become the team’s starting Quarterback but a broken thumb, on his throwing hand, during the first week of practice put an end to that idea. Despite Thomas’ ultimate disappointment, he continued with the team as a backup receiver and special teams player. The team made it to the RMFL final in 2004 and on the way to the game our starting Linebacker got very ill and was unable to play. After a brief discussion on who should take his place, it was unanimous that Thomas was the guy. Thomas’ pure grit determination and love for his teammates made him a natural fit even if he had never played linebacker before. The Vikings went on to win the game in upset fashion with help from Thomas’ outstanding linebacker play.
During his final year, Thomas moved back to Quarterback and led a high-powered Viking attack. Thomas was also part of the 2006 Viking rugby team that captured the provincial championship. Thomas will always be remembered for his positive attitude, his love for his teammates, and his incredible work ethic. Thomas also spent some time coaching with the Vikings where he continued to be a positive role model for the young players who came after him. Thomas spent many years coaching the Major Junior football team the Westman Wolverines. Thomas is currently a PE teacher in the Brandon school division, and he is involved with a fitness initiative called “Let’s get active Westman!” where he continues to implement the life lessons he learned as a young Viking so many years ago. Thomas lives in Brandon, and he is very proud of his young son Henry.
During his final year, Thomas moved back to Quarterback and led a high-powered Viking attack. Thomas was also part of the 2006 Viking rugby team that captured the provincial championship. Thomas will always be remembered for his positive attitude, his love for his teammates, and his incredible work ethic. Thomas also spent some time coaching with the Vikings where he continued to be a positive role model for the young players who came after him. Thomas spent many years coaching the Major Junior football team the Westman Wolverines. Thomas is currently a PE teacher in the Brandon school division, and he is involved with a fitness initiative called “Let’s get active Westman!” where he continues to implement the life lessons he learned as a young Viking so many years ago. Thomas lives in Brandon, and he is very proud of his young son Henry.
2009 Varsity Football Team
The 2009 team was a very integral part of the history of Viking football. 2009 marked the year when the Vikings moved from the Rural Manitoba Football League to the Winnipeg High School Football League (WHSFL). This also marked the year current head coach Kevin Grindey stepped down as head coach and current Viking Head Coach Mike Steeves took over the helm. The 2009 team established that the Vikings could be competitive in the very tough Winnipeg High School Football League. The team that year had a very difficult schedule and ended the year with a 3-4 record which was good enough to earn the team with their WHSFL first playoff appearance. Some of the highlights that year included the “6 down” goal line stand vs. the Tec Voc hornets, playing both St. Paul’s teams (one team after a blizzard), and playing for the first time as a Viking 12-man team in the stadium. 2009 was also the year that Coach Jones, deservedly so, received the WHSFL Volunteer of the Year award. By the end of the 2009 year, the team, both players and coaches had the confidence and belief in themselves to continue with this new challenging chapter in the History of Viking Football.