Longtime men's soccer coach Orvis set standard for teamwork, success

Murray Orvis

(Inducted April 2004)

Murray attended Brampton high school, just outside Toronto where he competed in football, basketball and high levels of baseball. Murray attended George Brown College, where he specialized in architecture.

In 1976, tired of the big city, he and his wife Debby and family traveled to Edmonton with no particular job prospects. Murray was hired by the ATCO Gas Company and was there for many years.

In 1978, when there was a need for coaching volunteers for his daughter’s soccer team, Murray’s involvement with the sport began.

Since that time, Murray coached men’s and women’s soccer at various levels, including Alberta Summer Games, Edmonton Major League at the Senior Level and Harry Ainlay’s high school team, which went undefeated under his tenure for nine-straight seasons.

Murray also served in leadership positions with the Southwest United Soccer Club, Edmonton Minor Soccer Association and the Alberta Soccer Association.

In 1988, he was invited to join MacEwan Athletics to assist with the men’s team and was with the program for 20 seasons until 2008.

During his time, the Griffins were consistently competitive in the ACAC, receiving numerous medals, including winning the conference championship in 1998. Murray won three ACAC coach of the year awards.

In 1996, Murray was honoured with the Ron Lavery Fairplay Award for informing the NAIT coaching staff they were at risk of forfeiture by potentially playing an ineligible player. Serving as ACAC Soccer Convenor for several seasons, Murray was instrumental in guiding the growth of soccer in the conference.

His name now emblazons a trophy awarded annually to MacEwan’s team of the year.

For his efforts and contribution to the growth and development of Griffins Athletics, it is with pride and honour Murray Orvis is inducted to the Griffins’ Wall of Distinction.

More on Murray Orvis:

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