Class of ’63 rugby player is still in the game

Doug Sigler’s mornings often went like this: First, he would walk out of the family home in Scarboro Heights and hop into his chum’s car.

Then, driving northward on city streets for only a few minutes, the two teenagers would motor into the great wilderness — the location of the brand-new permanent campus of the University of Alberta in Calgary.

“It was all prairies, except for McMahon Stadium, which had just gone up,” recalls Sigler, chuckling. “You got to the top of University Drive and there were two buildings (Arts and Education, Science and Engineering). That’s all there was. There was a parking lot there and you went into it.”

That school year, 1960-61, Sigler had been one of four students pursuing a math degree.

The following two years, he fortified his post-secondary experience by playing wing for the freshly unveiled University of Calgary Stags, as the varsity men’s rugby outfit was known in those days.

Graduating from the three-year program, Sigler, BSc’63, enjoyed a terrific career in Edmonton with the provincial government. His final posting before his retirement in 2005 was as executive director in charge of telecommunication networks.

But Sigler never forgot his time at UCalgary. “I benefited so many ways — I made friends, the degree got me in on the ground floor of the computer boom, and I really enjoyed playing rugby there.”

He shows that heartfelt appreciation by giving to on-campus initiatives.

In particular, Sigler has a soft spot for Dinos rugby, donating annually — and equally — to the women’s and men’s squads. “What’s better than giving to rugby, where I played on the first team there?” says Sigler. “Rugby’s a wonderful game and I’m pleased to support the teams.”

When asked why he makes a point of giving to both sides, Sigler doesn’t hesitate. “Well, why not?” he says. “I wouldn’t support just one team. They’re equal. Men and women should have equal opportunities.”

Women’s sport gaining momentum

Melody Kivia, BA’24 — scrum half of the Dinos and student in the Master of Management program in the Haskayne School of Business — says it’s heartening to hear Sigler’s perspective. 

“Definitely. That’s huge,” Kivia says. “It is nice to receive this kind of support and recognition, considering we are a varsity program (since moving up from club status in 2009).”

Heather Ambery, UCalgary’s associate director of athletics, also applauds Sigler’s generosity, especially the evenly split support, given that men’s teams typically draw more funding. 

“It is definitely a progressive way to donate,” she says. “Doug sees the value and the opportunity to support both the men’s and women’s rugby teams equally, which sends a very impactful message. I think it’s awesome.”

The growth of women’s sport is indisputable, says Kivia, pointing to the silver medal claimed by the Canadians in the rugby sevens competition at the Paris Olympics as the one of the latest boosts to the profile of female athletes.

“Watching Team Canada was huge,” says Kivia, whose UCalgary squad hosts the Canada West Final Four showcase this season, with the semifinals on Oct. 17 and bronze- and gold-medal matches on Oct. 20. “We’ve been making strides slowly, but now it feels like we’re starting to gain some momentum.”

Adds Ambery: “It’s a great time for rugby, but it’s also a great time for women’s sport, both at the professional and amateur level.”

Turning that wave of interest into support is the key for student-athletes, who, in addition to team and academic commitments, often need to hold down part-time jobs to make educational ends meet.

“Supporting them in their pursuits — getting a degree, representing Dinos in the Calgary community, graduating as outstanding people — it’s such a good place to donate,” says Ambery. “Every bit really, really helps.”

Which is true even on the pitch. Because contributions allow players to focus — to be mentally present during practice sessions — rather than fret about potential financial shortfalls.

“Girls that choose to come here, they’re not here because they got this free ride and this opportunity just landed in their laps,” says Kivia. “They’re here because they truly want to be a part of this team and they’re willing to put in the work to make that happen. So, if we’re able to lighten the load, it makes a huge difference in our ability to train well. We’re not worrying, ‘Oh, I’ve got to go to work in two hours.’

“When we have donations or scholarships come our way, it lifts a little bit of that weight off, a little bit of that pressure off, for the girls on our team.”

Sigler, meanwhile, plans to continue to make his annual gifts to Dinos rugby. He simply wants to contribute — spending decisions are up to the teams. Tuition, travel, equipment, uniforms, whatever they choose.

“I’m just pleased to be able to do it,” he says. “It’s not a huge amount, but it can help.”