Winners: Hugh (Bummer) Stirling, Football
Hugh Stirling catching a football.
Date: 1930’s
Collection: Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
1938 - Feature Story
For Bummer Stirling, the Lionel Conacher Award in 1938 was something of a lifetime achievement. The 1938 season would mark the last of Stirling’s 10 great years with the Sarnia Imperials. He was a dominant power in the old Ontario Rugby Football Union. He was the 60-minute man. Serving as both defensive back and running back, he also handled the punting duties. Stirling had been the driving force behind nine consecutive Ontario titles, leading the Sarnia Imperials to the Grey Cup championships in 1934 and 1936. When Stirling finished his career with the Imperials in 1938, he could see war clouds forming in the distance. He joined the service and in recognition of his career contributions, was named the first football player to win the Lionel Conacher Award.
Career Highlights
- 1975 Inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
- 1938 Lionel Conacher Award (Canada’s male athlete of the year)
- 1936 ORFU Most Valuable Player
- 1934, 1936 Grey Cup with the Sarnia Imperials
- 1928 Dominion Junior Football Championship with St. Thomas Tigers
Hugh Stirling posing with a football.
Date: 1930’s
Collection: Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
Hugh Stirling on the football field.
Date: 1930’s
Collection: Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
Hugh Stirling taking off one of his shoes.
Date: 1930’s
Collection: Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
