Noel Dunford
| Noel Dunford |
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Noel Dunford was a professional football player from Kenora who played as an end and flanker for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League. Noel Dunford was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1993 as an athlete.[1]
Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame
Noel Dunford was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame on 25 September 1993 in the athlete category for football, basketball, rowing, track and field and baseball, representing Kenora.[1]
Career
Raised in Kenora, Ontario, Dunford was a versatile athlete during his youth. He participated in Rowing and Basketball, winning championships in both sports, and earned awards as a Track and Field competitor. He began developing his Football skills during the early 1950s while competing in the Kenora Little League system. Playing for the Kenora High School Mustangs, he was named the Rookie of the Year in 1956.[1]
His performance in high school led to his recruitment into the Winnipeg Blue Bombers developmental system, known as the Big Blue Farm System. During this period, he played junior football for the St. James Rods and senior football with the St. James Rams. In 1963, he joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League, playing under head coach Bud Grant.[1]
Dunford spent his entire six-year professional career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as an end and flanker. He was noted for his speed and his ability as a blocker, providing depth behind teammates Farrell Funston and Ernie Pitts. One of his most notable individual games occurred against the Montreal Alouettes, where he recorded 139 yards on seven receptions, including a touchdown in the final quarter. In 1965, the team reached the Grey Cup final against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, though a severe back injury prevented Dunford from playing in the championship game.[1]
Following the conclusion of the 1968 CFL season, Dunford retired from professional competition. He remained active in sports in the Winnipeg area by serving as an assistant coach for youth Baseball and Football programs.[1]
Honours and achievements
- Won championships in basketball and rowing in Kenora
- Named Kenora High School Mustangs Rookie of the Year in 1956
- Played six seasons in the Canadian Football League with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1963 to 1968
- Recorded 139 receiving yards and one touchdown in a single game against Montreal
- Reached the Grey Cup finals with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1965[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Noel Dunford", athlete profile, Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, https://www.nwosportshalloffame.com/athlete-profile/6a5fe2ad-e424-4141-acea-2949fb5d75c9 (accessed 31 October 2026). Archived copy on datum.locker.