VANCOUVER – The legacy of former UBC Thunderbirds legendary football coach Frank Gnup will continue to shine bright in providing the namesake for the program's Wall of Honour which was founded in 2019.
 
UBC football made the announcement ahead of revealing the 2020 class of standout T-Birds who'll be named to the newly christened Frank Gnup Wall of Honour this Monday, November 2. The announcement will be delivered through the program's Grid Iron Greats newsletter – Wall of Honour edition. This will be just the second group of blue and gold past players to be recognized with the distinction following last year's highly successful inaugural 2019 Wall of Honour celebration.


 
Having Frank Gnup's name forever adorning the Wall of Honour is a fitting tribute to the UBC Hall of Famer and head football coach from 1955 to 1973. During his 18-year reign Gnup enjoyed 54-career victories including three Hardy Cup championships while sending 17 of his players to the professional football ranks. Gnup not only cast a large shadow on the sidelines but was also a giant presence on the vast Point Grey campus where he immersed himself in countless activities. The former CFL all-star was one of UBC's most colourful, admired and recognizable figures and is fondly remembered as a mentor, provider, and character builder, as well as a promoter of UBC.


 
The Frank Gnup Wall of Honour will be celebrated for decades to come following the overall response, energy and engagement from supporters, alumni and honourees alike to the inaugural proceedings last year. The first ever WOH unveiling took place prior to kickoff at the Frank Smith legacy game between the T-Birds and Saskatchewan Huskies on October 19, 2019. The initial induction class included 12 players, one coach and one team (Frank Smith's first Hardy Cup championship squad from 1976-77), many of whom were also recognized at halftime in front of the enthusiastic crowd at Thunderbird Stadium. The game also delivered in every way with the 'Birds engineering a thrilling last minute come-from-behind 38-37 victory.


 
The unveiling will look a little different this year with the inability to coincide the celebration around a Thunderbirds home football game given the realities surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting cancellation of Canada West seasons and championships in all sports.
 
Much of the tireless behind the scenes work in recognizing the T-Birds greats from the past has been spearheaded by assistant football coach Pat Tracey with help from head coach Blake Nill.
 
"UBC has an extraordinary football legacy," said coach Tracey. "We want to honour the outstanding players, legendary coaches, and championship teams by spotlighting their indisputable impact on the program along with their extensive list of monumental achievements."


 
Candidates are considered on the basis of exceptional playing ability, sportsmanship, character, and exemplification of the spirit and ideals of the Thunderbird football program.
 
The primary criteria of selection are determined by football championships, individual awards/records, conference honours, and national recognition while competing for the Thunderbirds.
 
The recognition ceremony is to be held each fall in conjunction with the final regular season home game. There is no official limit to the number of alumni honoured each year, however, a minimum period of five years following graduation from the program will be observed prior to eligibility. The committee does recognize the current UBC Sports Hall Of Fame members as exceptional and they will be profiled as well.
 
This impressive 2020 induction class to be revealed on Monday, November 2, 2020 will consist of a builder, a championship team, and eleven individual players from 1972-2011.