McNab, O'Neil being inducted into two sports halls of fame

The most successful coaching duo in Alberta high school football history is being inducted into two sports halls of fame.

This week, it was announced long-time co-head coaches Bruce O'Neil and Rob McNab will enter both the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame (ASHF) and Football Alberta Hall of Fame.

Only a select few are inducted into the Football Alberta Hall of Fame, explains Tim Enger, Football Alberta executive director. 

"These two gentlemen from Cochrane, Rob and Bruce, like good gravy, take a look at their record over a long period of time," says Enger. "I mean, nobody else has had that track record of success at high school."

O’Neil taught and coached at Cochrane High for 39 years and left a legacy in the Alberta football community that may never be matched. He retired from coaching in 2019.

Also a dedicated teacher, McNab has been the co-head coach of the Cobras for 30 years. In that time, the team has won 16 provincial championships.

McNab is already in the ASHF for milestone performances by the Calgary Dinos, as a player, and Calgary Colts, as a coach. 

Between 2014-2018, the Cobras set a new high school record of 40 consecutive wins. Before O'Neil left, the team set the new record of five consecutive provincial championships. It has since been extended to seven.

Cobras co-head coaches Rob McNab and Ken Polson have also been named the Tier III high school football coaches of the year by Football Alberta.

Enger says the Cobras faced stiffer competition than they've seen in years.

"In order to not only maintain their level of success but get through some challenges, like the loss to George McDougall and the big fight they had in the league championship, really made them stand out. I mean, they've won this award before, several times in fact, but I think this one is a little special."

Currently, there are no plans for an awards banquet, but Enger says it's a fluid situation and subject to change.