WATERLOO, Ont. – Laurier Athletics and Recreation is excited to announce this year's inductees for the 23rd annual Legends of Laurier Football Gala, proudly supported by presenting sponsor Izzio Financial & Sun Life and Waterloo Brewing on Thursday, May 4.

The fourth "Legends of Laurier Football" class of inductees, honouring one Golden Hawk from each decade of the program's history, will include John Kruspe (1960 -1969), John Glassford (1970-1979), Ken Evraire (1980 - 1989), Stefan Ptaszek (1990 - 1999), Yannick Carter (2000 -2009), Shamawd Chambers (2010 - 2019), and former head coach Rick Zmich - who will be honoured as a lifetime achievement inductee.

Kruspe (DB, 1966-1968) was a member of Lauier's 1966 and 1968 championship teams. He played seven years in the CFL with Montreal, Ottawa and Hamilton. 

Glassford (DL, 1973-1976) was on the 1973 Yates Cup-winning team and was drafted in 1976 by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was the 1981 Grey Cup defensive player of the game while playing with the Ottawa Rough Riders. 

Evraire (REC, 1985-1988) was the 1985 OUAA rookie of the year and the 1987 OUAA MVP. He was a Yates Cup winner in 1987 and a two-time All-Canadian. Ken played nine years in the CFL with Hamilton, Ottawa and Saskatchewan.

Ptaszek (REC, 1990-1994) was a three-time All-Canadian and part of the 1991 Vanier Cup team. He holds many of Laurier's receiving records, including most career receiving yards and touchdowns. Ptaszek was drafted by the BC Lions in 1994 and played with the Lions, Toronto and Hamilton. 

Chambers (REC, 2008-2011) was a three-time OUA second-team All-Star and ranks in the top 10 in Laurier football history for career receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Drafted sixth overall by Edmonton in 2012, he won a Grey Cup and was named Most Outstanding Canadian in the 2015 title game. Chambers also played for Saskatchewan and Hamilton.

Carter (LB, 2003-2006) was a two-time OUA All-Star and an All-Canadian in 2006. A member of Laurier's back-to-back Yates Cup-winning teams in 2004 and 2005, and the Vanier Cup championship team in '05, Carter ranks fifth all-time in Laurier football history in career sacks. Drafted by Saskatchewan in 2007, he won two Grey Cups; once with the Roughriders (2007) and another with Calgary in 2014.

Zmich (head coach, 1994-2002) was a former Hec Crighton award winner and the 1995 CIS Coach of the Year. During his tenure with the Golden Hawks, he compiled a 42-26 record. He was also the team's offensive coordinator in 1991 for its first Vanier Cup victory.

Returning as emcee of the evening is Mike Hogan. Hogan, the current Communications Manager and radio play-by-play voice for the Toronto Argonauts is no stranger to the Golden Hawks. From 2003 to 2006, he was the voice of the team on 570 News (now CityNews 570), covering four Laurier Yates Cup appearances and the 2005 Vanier Cup championship.

Another highlight of the night will be a fireside chat with five Laurier football alumni that were key contributors to Toronto's 2022 Grey Cup-winning team, including Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Robbie Smith, Sam Acheampong, Braydon Noll, and Brandon Calver. 

The Grey Cup trophy will also be on-hand for photo opportunities.

Everything begins at 5:00 pm and will include a welcome reception, silent and online auction, sit-down dinner, and a "State of the Union" address by Laurier football's manager of football operations and head coach Michael Faulds.

Tickets are still available for purchase online!