The B.C. Football Hall of Fame has unveiled this year’s induction class, headlined by players Paul McCallum and Glen Suitor and builder Farhan Lalji.
McCallum played 340 career CFL games over 24 seasons as a member of the B.C. Lions, Ottawa Rough Riders, and Saskatchewan Roughriders, making 722-of-898 field goal attempts (80.4 percent), 812-of-815 convert attempts (99.6 percent), 2,030 punts for 84,093 yards, and 1,188 kickoffs for 68,432 yards.
The native of Surrey, B.C. was a two-time CFL all-star, six-time West Divison all-star, two-time Grey Cup champion, and was named the league’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player in 2011. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Suitor played 11 seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, recording 51 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries, and five sacks over 194 career games. The native of New Westminster, B.C. was a three-time CFL all-star, five-time West Division all-star, and one-time Grey Cup champion. He was inducted into the media wing of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Lalji, a longtime reporter for TSN, is being inducted as a builder in recognition of his 31 years of service as a high school coach. He spent 18 of those years as the head coach of the New Westminster Hyacks, leading the team to a provincial championship in 2017. The Simon Fraser University product also served as president of the British Columbia Secondary Schools Football Association and is being inducted into the media wing of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame later this year.
“Our class of 2024 is star-studded and includes individuals who have made their mark on and off the field over the years,” said Hall of Fame CEO Tom Malone in a statement.
“We are looking forward to welcoming our newest class in our ceremony prior to the Lions game on October 19 and we are extremely grateful to the B.C. Lions Football Club, team owner Amar Doman, and president Duane Vienneau for once again being a tremendous partner for us and for hosting our induction ceremony.”
Also being inducted alongside McCallum, Suitor, and Lalji are athletes Shawn Olson and Mike Emery, colour commentator Giulio Caravatta, builders Dave Hawkshaw and Doug Staveley, the 1984-1996 North Delta Razorbacks flag football team, and the late Brian MacKay.
The B.C. Football Hall of Fame was established in 2011 and its induction ceremony will take place during the Lions’ game against the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday, Oct. 19.
