VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to introduce the 2025 UVic Sports Hall of Fame inductees: Brent Fougner, recognized in the coach category for his legacy of outstanding leadership in cross country and track, and Moreno Stefani, honoured in the builder category for his lasting contributions to men's soccer and varsity athletics.
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.
"The Sports Hall of Fame is essential to preserving the legacy of athletic excellence at the University of Victoria," said Dr. Nick Clarke, senior director of athletics and recreation. "Next spring we will get the honour of inducting four amazing people that have all contributed so much to the Vikes programs. Their impact is immeasurable and now their legacy will be in enshrined in the hall forever. Congratulations!"
Brent Fougner
Brent Fougner led the UVic cross country and track team for 31 years, guiding them to nine U SPORTS Cross Country Championships and producing 60 U SPORTS track medalists. 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.
Moreno Stefani
Moreno Stefani's legacy with the UVic 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.
In 2005, Stefani founded the UVic alumni soccer team, where he served as coach and manager until 2023. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant success in the Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL), capturing multiple league and cup championships. The highlight came in 2008 when the team won the BC Championship and advanced to the Canadian final. Single-handedly running the UVic alumni soccer team was a monumental task, but despite facing constant player turnover and the challenges of managing a team composed largely of alumni travelling to play, Stefani's dedication kept the program thriving for nearly two decades.
As co-owner of Team Sales Victoria, Stefani remains one of the department's most steadfast champions, consistently supporting the Vikes community by sponsoring teams, events, and providing uniforms and gear for varsity programs. His involvement extends to the Vikes Championship Breakfast, Vikes Giving Day, Vikes Celebration of Champions and many other fundraising initiatives, where he continues to play a key role in promoting, sustaining and advocating for athletics and recreation.
A visible and active participant in community initiatives, he has been instrumental in organizing, fundraising, and supporting various charitable activities. His commitment to giving back has made him a respected figure among players, alumni, and the Victoria business community, embodying the spirit of Vikes athletics and beyond.
"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.
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