Jo-Anne Polak and Pat Stoqua will be inducted to the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame on May 28th, 2025. Their journeys are a celebration of talent, leadership, and dedication, leaving their mark on Ottawa’s sports community. Jo-Anne shattered barriers and set standards for women in sports management. Pat’s dynamic athletic career showcased his exceptional prowess and leadership in both football and basketball.
Jo-Anne Polak (Builder)
Jo-Anne Polak made history as the first female general manager in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and North American professional sports when she took the helm of the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1988. Her appointment came during a turbulent period for the CFL, with financial instability threatening the league’s future. Despite facing skepticism and gender-based criticism, Polak’s leadership helped stabilize the Rough Riders, earning her respect within the organization and among fans. Her innovative approach to management and her ability to navigate the challenges of a struggling franchise left a lasting impact on the CFL and paved the way for greater representation of women in sports leadership roles.
In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to sports and her enduring influence, Jo-Anne Polak will be inducted into the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame in 2025. This honour celebrates her trailblazing career and her role as a pioneer for women in sports management. Polak’s induction, alongside her husband Don Campbell, marks a significant moment in the Hall of Fame’s history, as they became the first couple to be honoured together. Her journey serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Jo-Anne is also a long-time member of the CFLOAA. Congratulations Jo-Anne!
Pat Stoqua (Athlete – Football/Basketball)
Pat Stoqua is being honoured by the Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame as an Athlete for both football and basketball. From the outdoor basketball courts in downtown Ottawa to shining as a star athlete at Lisgar Collegiate and Carleton University, Pat’s sports career was extraordinary. As a Carleton University Raven, he was a team MVP and a conference all-star in both sports. He was Ontario-Quebec conference football Rookie of the Year in 1977 and earned All-Canadian honours in 1979 before being drafted by the Ottawa Rough Riders. Among his many highlights, he was named Player of the Game in the 1981 CFL East final after scoring a thrilling, game-winning 102-yard touchdown, which became the Panasonic CFL Play of the Year. Pat came incredibly close to achieving a Grey Cup victory that same season, further cementing his place in Ottawa sports history.
Beyond his playing days, Pat never stopped giving back to the community. He became a dedicated coach for local youth basketball teams, served on the Goulbourn Basketball Association executive, and played a pivotal role in reviving the Ravens football program in 2013. A talented golfer as well, Pat was a club champion at Eagle Creek and an enthusiastic volunteer at the Commissionaires Ottawa Open, where he helped raise substantial funds for Soldier On. His commitment extended to fundraising for Carleton’s basketball and football programs. In additon, Pat is a long-time CFLOAA member and our perennial golf tournament champion. Congratulations, Pat, on this well-deserved recognition!
