JOHN CSIKOS

CLASS OF 2024 - BUILDER INDUCTEE

John Csikos had a water polo career as a coach and builder that spanned half a century from the late 1970’s to the present day, making it one of the most significant in the sport’s history. He founded the Calgary Torpedoes in 1980 and the Calgary Renegades in 1985, adding women’s programs in 1990. He has been the architect of numerous innovative programs and events, including The Alberta Open (renamed the John Csikos Open in his honour), the Western Canadian Institute of Water Polo, the Calgary Masters Water Polo Club, the Calgary Water Polo Association, the Cadet Canadian Championship Category and the Men’s National Training Centre in Calgary, among others. Through his dedication and visionary leadership, John established Calgary and Alberta as one of Canada’s premier water polo hot spots from the 1990’s onward, capturing 20 Canadian titles and placing a regular stream of talented athletes on Canadian national youth, junior and senior teams. From 1996 to 2004, as the Men’s National Team Coach, John led Canada to two Pan American Games bronze medals in 1999 and 2003. He also led Canada to its first-ever medal at the America’s Championship in 1996 with a historic win over Cuba. His legacy within Canadian water polo circles is truly remarkable.