MOOSE JAW — When the Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame inducts its 2025 class this fall, two of the eight names will be tied together — not only by their accomplishments but by the shared roots of wrestling and judo in the city.
Cliff Wiens and Jim Runzer will join the Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 26, at Temple Gardens Centre, each representing decades of devotion to disciplines that once trained side by side.
Runzer first walked into Pyle’s Gym in 1955, where he was introduced to wrestling under the guidance of coach Dave Pyle, who later said that Runzer was “likely the best wrestler that he ever coached.”
“Dave was the coach. He instilled (the value of) good, honest living … and (provided a) cut off to the garbage that was going on,” Runzer said, alluding to any unproductive or potentially harmful influence in their training and personal lives. “He was strict, but he was thorough. He had more to do with my formative years than anyone else in my life.”
Within a year, Runzer was winning championships. From 1956 to 1961, he captured seven consecutive provincial light heavyweight titles, later earning a Canadian middleweight title and representing Canada at the 1958 British Empire Games in Cardiff, Wales.
“The Canadians were (an) important (milestone for me), and the British Empire Games that I had competed in, along with my club mate, Ray Lougheed. He … was in a division below what I was in,” Runzer recalled. “It brought good memories and gave me insight as to what the other part of the world was living like. As a result, I got to appreciate Canada more than ever — what we had to eat, and all the things that we just took for granted.”
Though wrestling opened doors, it was circumstance that led him toward judo.
“When I started working, I was in the typewriter business … working for 95 cents or $1 an hour; I didn’t have time to do anything else or money to do anything else,” he said. “For $3 or $5 a month, I couldn’t afford (a gym membership), so that’s why … I continued judo. Then, of course, I got addicted.”
Wiens, meanwhile, helped carry judo in Moose Jaw from its early days at the YMCA to international recognition. An accomplished competitor himself, he later focused on coaching and administration, developing the Moose Jaw Koseikan Judo Club into a program that has produced athletes for the Sask. Games, Western Canada Games, Canada Games, and national championships.
Both men reflected on their achievements with modesty. Runzer admits he often wondered if he should have stayed in Moose Jaw longer to pursue wrestling more seriously, but is grateful for where the sport took him. “I had tremendous support from my wife at the time …,” he shared.
Wiens, who now lives in Central Butte, still sees his story as one of persistence. He spent decades combining athletes who could afford training with those who could not, ensuring opportunities were available for everyone interested in the sport.
The Moose Jaw Koseikan Judo Club still stands proudly at 801 Hochelaga Street East, and has helped athletes such as Destiny Biehl — who competed in the Veterans Masters Championship in Las Vegas last November — and Ralph Ibanez — the off-and-on reigning world judo champion — attain a place in the sport.
As the induction night approaches, both men see their names joining the Hall of Fame as part of a much larger legacy.
“My family is really excited. It takes a lot to get me excited, but it’s a privilege, you know, considering all the trials and tribulations, sore knees, and all that stuff that comes with judo,” Runzer said. “I’m pleased. I would redo it if I had the opportunity — just not at 89 years old,” he added with a laugh.
