The Herd Hoops Club, representing University of Manitoba Bisons men's basketball alumni, has announced its Class of 2027 Honour Roll inductees.
The class includes players Joe Ogoms, Bob Town, and Carl Ridd; builders Bud Fraser and Don Hunter; and the 1971 University of Manitoba Bisons men's basketball team.
The Herd Hoops Honour Roll recognizes individuals and teams whose achievements and contributions have made a significant impact on the University of Manitoba Bisons men's basketball program. Recognition includes accomplishments as players, coaches, or staff, along with continued alumni contributions in support of the program.
The induction ceremony will be held Saturday, January 9, 2027, at 5:30 p.m. at the Investors Group Athletic Centre, before the Bisons men's basketball home game against the Mount Royal Cougars. An induction reception will follow Sunday, January 10, 2027, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Niakwa Country Club.
PLAYERS
Joe Ogoms
Ogoms played three seasons with the Bisons from 1984 to 1987 and was a leader on the program's 1985 CIAU bronze-medal team. He earned CIAU First Team All-Canadian honours in 1985-86 and was named a CIAU Second Team All-Canadian and Championship Tournament All-Star in 1984-85.
He was selected as a GPAC First Team All-Star in 1984-85 and 1985-86 and a GPAC Second Team All-Star in 1986-87. As a rookie in 1984-85, Ogoms was named GPAC Rookie of the Year and selected to the GPAC All-Rookie Team. He later represented the Canadian National Team and played professional basketball for several years.
Bob Town
Town played five seasons with the Bisons from 1967 to 1972 and was a leader on the program's 1971 CIAU silver-medal team. He earned CIAU Second Team All-Canadian honours in 1970-71, was selected to the WCIAA First Team in 1970-71, and was named a GPAC First Team All-Star in 1971-72. He also received the Bisons' Most Valuable Player Award in 1971-72.
Following his university career, Town played for the St. Andrews Super Saints, winning two national championships. He also spent four seasons with the Canadian National Basketball Team, highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
Carl Ridd (Posthumous)
Ridd played four seasons with the Bisons from 1947 to 1951 and led the team in scoring each year. At his peak, he averaged approximately 25 points per game, placing him among the leading collegiate scorers in North America at the time.
Following his university career, Ridd represented Canada at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki and competed at the FIBA World Championship, where he was named to the All-Tournament Second Team.
BUILDERS
Bud Fraser (Posthumous)
Fraser served as head coach of the Bisons from 1951 to 1966 and was a foundational figure in the program's early development. Before his arrival, the University of Manitoba had withdrawn from the Western Canada Inter-University Athletic Union, which included universities from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Fraser successfully advocated for the university's reinstatement and secured administrative approval to renew the Bisons' membership. He established standards, culture, and a competitive spirit that influenced the program for decades. Under his leadership, the Bisons won three consecutive WCIAU championships in 1955, 1956, and 1957, before a national university championship existed.
Don Hunter
Hunter served as head coach of the Bisons from 1972 to 1981, compiling a record of 186 wins and 72 losses for a .721 winning percentage.
During his tenure, the Bisons won CIAU gold in 1976, CIAU silver in 1975, and the CIAU consolation championship in 1974. The program also reached the CIAU Final Eight in 1978 and won four GPAC championships. Hunter, a dedicated educator and coach during his time at the University of Manitoba, was named CIAU Coach of the Year in both 1974 and 1975.
TEAM
1971 University of Manitoba Bisons Men's Basketball Team - CIAU Silver Medallists
The 1971 Bisons won the WCIAA championship and earned the CIAU silver medal. The team finished with a 17-1 league record and a 32-6 overall record.
Back row, from left: Angus Burr, Ted Stoesz, John Loewen, Ross Wedlake, Greg Gillies, Bob Town, Jon Gurban, Don Lamont, Gord Puttaert, and Frank Cooney (posthumous).
Front row, from left: Jack Lewis, head coach (posthumous); John Restivo, assistant manager; John Brown, manager; Jamie Spack, trainer; and Hank Tatarchuk, assistant coach (posthumous).
For more information, contact Greg Daniels at 204-799-3756 or greghdaniels@outlook.com.
Additional information about the Herd Hoops Club is available at bisonbasketballalumni.blogspot.com.