University of Alberta

University Of Alberta Golden Bears & Pandas

University Of Alberta
Golden Bears & Pandas

Sports Wall of Fame

Blake Dermott

Class
Induction

2012
Sport(s)

Golden Bears Football, Golden Bears Wrestling

• Started in all 41 games as a Bears football player, winning two Canada West Championships and the Vanier Cup (1980).
• Two-time Canada West All-Star.
• Canada West wrestling champion and CIAU bronze and gold medalist in the heavyweight division (1982-83).
• Played 216 games for the Edmonton Eskimos in the CFL, named a CFL West All-Star twice, and nominated for the CFL's outstanding offensive lineman award.
• Played in five Grey Cup games, winning in 1987 and 1993.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Blake attended Bonnie Doon high school where he was a star football and track and field athlete. He was a City of Edmonton champion in javelin and a silver medalist in the discus at the under-16 national championship. At the University of Alberta Blake continued his excellence as an outstanding two-sport athlete; competing with Golden Bears’ football from 1979-1982 and with Golden Bears’ wrestling from 1982-1984. In his tenure as a Golden Bears football player, playing mostly as a defensive lineman, Blake started in all of the 41 games he played; was a key member of three Canada West championship teams; played in two Vanier Cup finals, winning in 1980; and was a two time Canada West all-star in 1981 and 1982. As a Golden Bears’ wrestler, Blake won a Canada West gold medal and a CIS bronze medal in 1982 and was the CIS gold medalist in the heavyweight division in 1983. In his final year of university sport competition Blake was a nominee for the Wilson Challenge Trophy awarded annually to the University of Alberta’s most outstanding male athlete.

Blake joined the Edmonton Eskimos football club in 1983 and went on to enjoy a distinguished fourteen year career in the Canadian Football League—all with the Eskimos. During this time, Blake played in 216 games (fifth most in team history) and was a CFL West all star in 1989 and 1994; twice was the Eskimo player’s nominee for the CFL’s outstanding lineman award; played in five Grey Cup games (on the winning team in 1987 and 1993); and was selected in a fan vote as a member of the Eskimo “All Century Team.”

Blake was a consummate CFL offensive lineman; a crushing blocker in the running game and a quick-footed pass protector. He was a line coach’s dream because of his skills and versatility (Blake at one time or another played all five interior line positions for the Eskimos). At his retirement press conference, Eskimo General Manager Hugh Campbell introduced Blake as “Mr. Eskimo,” and praised him for “epitomizing all of the qualities that are truly representative of this successful community-based franchise.”

After retiring from the Eskimos, Blake has given back to the game of football in the capacity of a highly successful assistant and head coach at the Pee Wee, Bantam, high school and provincial levels of Alberta amateur football. For six years Blake was an invited guest coach with the Golden Bear football program.

Known for his wicked sense of humor and outgoing personality, Blake has served as a colour commentator on Golden Bear football radio broadcasts and is a popular after dinner speaker.

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