In the 1968 summer, the Playboys played in many ball tournaments and were pretty successful,  in their minds they were playing well enough to compete for the Provincial Championships.  However, once they came to that conclusion and then inquired about competing in Provincials, it was too late to take part in the playoffs.  After much discussion with those in charge of Softball Alberta, they found out that the only way they could play in Provincial play-offs was to host the tournament.  The team and coaches accepted the conditions and the challenge and got to work.  They had to get the diamonds in shape and with the help of their parents, the community league and community volunteers everything else was arranged in a short period of time. In the end Falun did a great job of organizing and hosting their first Provincial tournament......and the “underdog” Playboys WON! 

The Playboys were the first team from Falun to register with Softball Alberta and the first Falun team to win the Provincial title.  After 1969, more teams from Falun entered Provincial playoffs and won titles and for the next twenty five years during the summer months, the diamonds at Falun were always a bee-hive of activity with boys' and girls' teams of all levels either practicing or playing games.  Week-end tournaments held in Falun were always successful, teams from all over Alberta wanted to come to Falun to play ball. 

The Induction of the Playboys is the fourth time the Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall of Fame has recognized the great softball program at Falun. Clayton Monaghan, the Playboys coach,  was inducted in our inaugural year and George Stewart and Brian Brown who coached other successful teams have been inducted since. My guess is that there’s more to come.  This group, the Playboys and their coaches, can be proud that they’re the ones that started it all, they established the tone and set the precedent! 

Of course, in the forty-five years since they won, things have changed.  A couple of members of the team remained in the Falun area, but most of the team members moved on to other communities either in Alberta or BC. As well, coach Monaghan and two team members, Brian Jackson and Bill Barnett,  have sadly passed away.   However, the men being inducted tonight share a common bond, they won these championships together.  If I’m not mistaken, this is the first time since they won the two championships that the team has been together.  Gentlemen, tonight we hope you relish the accolades and enjoy your renewed friendship! 

Our celebration tonight recognizes the achievements of the Pigeon Lake Playboys and it is with pleasure that I introduce to you the members of the team that are in attendance tonight.

Don Gamble - 1968 team
Brian Ganske - 1968 and 1969 teams
Lorne Ganske - captain of the 1968 team, assistant coach of the 1969 team
Brian Henke - 1968 and 1969 teams
Dwayne Henke - 1968 team
Dennis Lammie - 1968 team
Bob Martens - 1968 team
Brian Monaghan - 1968  and 1969 team
Dan Monaghan - 1968 and 1969 team
Frank Reglin - 1968 team and assistant coach of the 1969 team
Dennis Schmidt - 1968 and 1969 team
Martin Taje - 1968 and 1969 team
Darol Turnquist - 1969 team
Keith Anderson - assistant coach 1968 team

Also, the three team members who are no longer with us have family members here tonight and they will stand to be recognized: Representing  Brian Jackson  who was on the 1968 and 1969 teams, captain of 1969 team is his son Dan Jackson and representing Bill Barnett a member of the 1969 team are his daughters Pam and Cindy.
Representing Clayton Monaghan the coach of both teams is his wife Irene.