Almonte resident Wayne Giardino will be inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday, May 7, at Ottawa City Hall. Mr. Giardino was a key member of the Ottawa Rough Rider football team from 1967 to 1975 when he retired because of injuries. Although a linebacker he also played fullback and earned the Canadian Football League’s Rookie of the year award in 1967. Mr Giardino was with the football team in its glory years winning the Grey Cup in 1968,1969 and 1973.
Wayne Giardino and his wife Nancy have lived in Almonte since 1968 when Mr. Giardino was offered a job teaching phys ed at Almonte and District High School. Nancy also joined the staff teaching Grades 9 and 10 English. Mrs. Giardino taught at the high school for 23 years while Wayne moved on to play football and to scout and coach in Ottawa and Hamilton.
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