Fergus Thistles Alumni Association honouring team that won President’s Cup three years in a row

FERGUS – Some 40 years ago, the Fergus Thistles were on a streak that could not be beat.

In 1986, ‘87 and ‘88 they won the President’s Cup, the highest national competition for senior lacrosse.

Rick Wilson has a hard time accepting that was 40 years ago. But facts are facts, said Wilson, one of five members of the Fergus Thistles Alumni Association who are planning a celebration to honour the players who brought honour and glory to the Thistles lacrosse club.

“It was pretty well the same players all three years,” Wilson said in a phone interview. “We were 15 and 0, didn’t lose a game.”

The celebration is planned for Sept. 5 from noon to 4pm at the Fergus Legion’s Riverside Events Centre.

Many past and current players will be there for an afternoon of casual conversation and catching up.

There will be memorabilia on display.

“It’s hard getting everybody together,” Wilson said, noting some players are far-flung by now, with one living in China, some in the U.S. and others out of province.

He said sponsors, fans and players are invited to attend. There is no charge.

The alumni association is also working on an even bigger celebration next year when the club turns 175.

“Fergus is the oldest-running lacrosse club in Canada, since 1857,” Wilson said.

He noted the association is planning to improve the Lacrosse Hall of Fame at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus prior to that event as new players will be inducted during those festivities.

But the 40th reunion will be very special as well, he said.

“There’s quite a lacrosse tradition in this area,” he said, adding everyone is welcome to attend.