The fall was Mike Bradley's time of year, football season. It seemed appropriate that his mural on the Dysart Wall of Fame was unveiled on a cool overcast October morning, football weather. A crowd gathered on Sunday to honour the latest local athlete to have his likeness displayed on the wall of the Dysart arena.

Bradley began his career playing running back at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School where he quickly became a star. He moved on to the University of Waterloo where he set many rushing and touchdown records, was a three-time all-Canadian, OAU most valuable player, and Hec Creighton nominee as the nation’s top university player. He capped his football career as a member of the Edmonton Eskimos from 2002-2007 winning two Grey Cups during that time.

Dysart et al Reeve Murray Fearrey began the proceedings by introducing Bradley’s high school coaches who came to honour him. Gary Brohman began by remembering Bradley not just for his skills but for his hard work, character, and commitment. Bruce Griffith entertained the crowd with stories of Bradley’s high school career remembering one game in particular when Bradley rushed for 375 yards, and that was just the first half. Tim Davies also contributed his tales of the running back’s accomplishments as Davies continued to follow Bradley’s career at Waterloo and Edmonton. The pride that each man felt in their former prodigy was evident to everyone there.

Bradley related how deeply honoured he was to be on the Wall of Fame. He thanked Reeve Murray Fearrey and the residents of Haliburton. He was overwhelmed by the support that he received from this small community. During his football career he always had a local following no matter where he was playing. People here continue to approach him to discuss football despite being retired from the game for the last six years. He was also grateful to his high school coaches, Gary Brohman, Tim Davies, Bruce Griffith, and Derek Little. He marvelled at the fact that three of them are still coaching today, 20 years later.

Bradley thanked his parents, Jim and Janet, wife Kim and daughter Hannah. He has moved on from his life in football and is now a constable with the Durham Regional Police. He continues to view Haliburton as home and hopes that he can live here again one day.