The University of Victoria (UVic) Department of Athletics and Recreation has announced that is will induct Brent Fougner, recognized in the coach category for his legacy of outstanding leadership in cross country and track.
Brent Fougner
Brent Fougner led the UVic cross country and track teams for 31 years, guiding them to nine U SPORTS Cross Country Championships and producing 60 U SPORTS track medallists. Fougner earned the U SPORTS Cross Country Coach of the Year award nine times — five with the men’s team and four with the women’s.
Fougner’s success with the Vikes launched a prolific coaching career with the Canadian national team. In 2008, he was an assistant coach at the Beijing Olympic Games, working with Canada’s middle-distance competitors. He also served as head coach of the Canadian national team at the 2002 World Cross Country Championships and has coached and organized numerous junior and international events, including the 1989 and ’95 World Student Games.
Fougner’s contributions to the sport extend far beyond the track. Not only did he touch the lives of countless student-athletes during his tenure, but he made an enormous impact on the program’s reputation of excellence. As founder of the Legacy Club, a UVic cross country alumni committee, he transformed a small group of contributors into an established community that now supports an alumni endowment fund of approximately $120,000. There is also an endowment in his name that further provides financial support for annual awards.
Fougner remains a dedicated advocate and builder within the Vikes alumni and running communities. He has served on several boards, including 94Forward, RunSport, the Victoria Running Society, and PacificSport Victoria, continuing to promote the sport and foster community engagement in Victoria, B.C.
“UVic has been part of my life for 50 years as a student and coach. The opportunity to work with so many amazing young adults has been a privilege and has left me with so many great memories and lasting friendships. This has definitely been a dream job and this induction in the UVSHOF is a great honour,” said Fougner.
Also inducted…
Moreno Stefani whose legacy with the Vikes extends beyond his playing days. Although narrowly missing a national title with the men’s soccer team as a student-athlete, his contributions as a builder, supporter, advocate and coach have had profound influence on the program.
“I am honoured and humbled by this announcement. I am so grateful to the many people in my life who helped to make this nomination successful. I’m feeling thankful and blessed,” said Stefani.
The inductees are part of the 24th class of the UVic Sports Hall of Fame, founded in 2002 to honour varsity athletes, coaches, teams and builders who have contributed significantly to sport or recreation at the University of Victoria. The awards will be presented next year at a joint celebration for the 2024 and 2025 Hall of Fame class where Fougner and Stefani will join 2024 inductees Kelly Boucher and Ed Fairhurst.
