62 years old

By Carolyn Evancio, Alberta Health Services with contributions from Colin Solbak and Tim Young

Terry Connors moved to Fort McMurray in April 1982 and got involved early in coaching fastball at the senior men’s level. Terry became a baseball coach in 1985, initially at the younger kids’ level, even though he had no children of his own playing the sport. He graduated to all-star baseball coaching in 1993 and continued as a baseball coach with Little League Baseball – Fort McMurray Association from 1993 to 2009. He left his mark on the sport that he loved by coaching the 18 and under all-star teams from 1998 to 2009 inclusive, reaching the national championship five times, finishing two times in second place.

Terry worked with young ball players and helped them not only become talented baseball players but more importantly good young men.  Terry had a way of connecting with his players and became a father figure to many of the boys he coached over the years.  The kids in the sport knew that when they were old enough and if they worked hard enough, they would get a chance to play for Terry. He worked with players building respect and skills that would continue into their adult life. Although Terry has been out of coaching baseball for many years, young men continue to reflect and admire the times of success, hard work, rewards, and lessons learned, that came with playing for Terry.

Advertisement

Terry became involved in the community by joining the boards of the Fort McMurray Newfoundlander Club and the Northern Alberta Athletic Association (Fort McMurray Oil Barons). He served for 10 years on the board of the Newfoundlander Club and from 1982 to 1995 on the Oil Barons Board. He has also served on many other boards including Little League Baseball – Fort McMurray Association, Little League Alberta – District #6 (name changed later to Wood Buffalo Baseball Association), 1992 Alberta Winter Games, 2015 Western Canada Summer Games, and recently 2023 Arctic Winter Games.

In the mid-’90s, Terry went to work for the Northern Alberta Athletic Association (NAAA).  Fort McMurray’s Junior A Hockey Team, Fort McMurray Oil Barons.  Terry has been with NAAA for over 25 years and is the Executive Officer, Director of operations.  Terry has held this title for many years and has been instrumental in helping the Oil Barons become one of the premier teams in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

Fort McMurray is very fortunate to have Terry’s dedication to minor sports and the Oil Barons in this community. Terry has had a positive impact on the development of many young people in our region.