Sports Hall of Fame

The Sault Ste. Marie Sports Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional achievements in the athletic community. Athletes, coaches, builders and teams are honoured for their accomplishments and the recognition they have brought to Sault Ste. Marie through sport.

The achievements of inductees are engraved on plaques and memorabilia is displayed upstairs at the Northern Community Centre. A Golden Eagle feather is placed beside the names of Indigenous inductees honouring the spirit, resilience, and cultural identity that inspire athletic excellence.

Completed forms can be mailed or dropped off to the Community Services Department, Level 2, Civic Centre, or emailed to csd@cityssm.on.ca.

Nominations are accepted until the last Friday in April every year.

2024 Inductees

Hubert Brazeau – Oval Track Racing

In 1963, at only 23 years old, Hubert “Hubie” Brazeau began his journey to become one of
the best race car drivers in the field. Racing locally and throughout Michigan on both dirt and asphalt tracks, Hubie rapidly ascended to the top divisions and was regarded as a true ambassador.

Hubie’s career as a race car driver persisted for 25 years. Over such a period, Hubie’s diligence led him to over 150 feature wins, multiple track championships, as well as five track records for having the fastest times at renowned racetracks. Some of these renowned tracks include Sault’s Northern Raceway and Michigan’s Northern Speedway.

Hubert Brazeau and all other athletes in the field push the boundaries of human capacity by demonstrating challenging and astonishing skills on the track that few endeavor. Hubert has contributed greatly to the racing world, displaying outstanding talent, relentless effort, and unwavering sportsmanship. His accomplishments bring great pride to the community and inspire and motivate aspiring drivers.

Accomplishments:
• Over 150 career wins
• 1981 Super Late Model Champion at Northern Michigan Raceway
• 1983 Super Late Model Champion at Northern Michigan Speedway
• 1984-85-86-87 Four-time Super Late Model Champion at Onaway Speedway
• 1981-1983-1984 Super Late Model Champion at Northern Raceway, Sault Ste. Marie
• At the time of his retirement, at the end of the 1987 season, Hubie held five track records
(fastest all-time lap) at the following Tracks: Escanaba Superior Speedway, Onaway
Speedway, Northern Raceways in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Heyden Speedway and Northern
Michigan Speedway.

Reno Petenuzzo – Fastball

Throughout the 60’s Reno Pettenuzzo was described as a “flame-throwing hurler.” As a local fastball pitcher from Sault Ste. Maire, Reno was one of the best pitchers not just in Ontario but also well renowned in the States. Reno could be seen striking out 19-20 out of 21 batters in many games. Not only was Reno a star pitcher, but he was also known to knock out a couple of home runs for good measure. In the 1960s, the Northerners of Sault Ste. Marie won three Senior B titles in a row thanks to Reno Pettenuzzo’s dominance on the mound.

During his career, Pettenuzzo also went down to Toronto to pitch for Richmon Hill Dynes in the Toronto Beaches Fastball League. During the 1965 campaign, he had an 18-4 record with the Dynes. He had 286 hitters struck out. In his two seasons with Richmond Hill’s team, Pettenuzzo won both the MVP and all-around best pitcher awards.

Not only did he play with teams in Canada, but Reno also played for a number of American teams, most notably the Atlantic Seaboard League’s Rhode Island Brewers. In 1970, Pettenuzzo had a 21-5 record with the Brewers.

Accomplishments:

• Considered the best pitcher in Sault Ste. Marie and all of Ontario throughout his career
• Propelled the Sault Ste. Marie Northerners to three all Ontario Senior B Championship in the 1960’s
• Was the league leader in pitching and hitting for the Richmond Hill team in the Toronto Beaches League during the late 1960’s and earned MVP honors both seasons
• Played professionally in the United States including the Rhode Island Brewers where he was 21-5 in 1970.

2023 Inductees

Jesse Jakomait – Cycling

Jesse Jakomait instantly found his love for mountain biking at the age of 13 when his parents bought him his first mountain bike. Afterward, free time and weekends were spent chasing his brother and father on Hiawatha bike trails and as a member of the Sault Cycling Club. Summer weekends were reserved for travel to various races across Ontario and Michigan, thanks to the wonderful support he received from his parents.

As he approached his mid 20’s, Jesse decided to chase his Olympic dream by quitting his job and moving to Arizona to pursue a strict and consistent training regimen where he was dedicated to training to be the best cyclist that he could become. By the second year of this training strategy, he had surpassed his wildest expectations and won the Canada Cup MTB XC National Series (2003). While his successes continued, he realized that he would fall short of his Olympic dreams and changed his focus to include longevity and endurance racing. At the same time, Jesse moved to Colorado and returned to the workforce and found that weekends were the perfect time to focus on his new goals. He began training to take on 100-mile MTB races as well as 24-hour races and set a new record at the 24-hour Steamboat Springs race with 16 laps that included 36,000 feet of climbing.

By 2015, Jesse had met the pinnacle of ultra-endurance racing when he set an eight year-long
record, at the Colorado Trail Race, a 540 mile self-supported, sleep-optional race across the
mountains of Colorado. Jesse finished first with a time of 3 days, 20 hours and 14 minutes.

Accomplishments:
• 1st Canada Cup, Bromont, QC – 2003
• 2nd Canada Cup, Fernie, BC – 2003
• 3rd Canada Cup, Calgary, AB – 2003
• 3rd Canada Cup, Fernie, BC – 2002
• Canadian National Team member – 2004
• Ontario Provincial Champion – 2003
• Ontario Provincial Series Winner – 2004
• 4x Winner Ontario Cup 2003-2004
• Kopopelli Trail FKT Record Holder UT/CO – 2011-2020
• 2x Winner Vapor Trail 125 Salida, CO – 2013 & 2014
• 2x 24hr Solo winner Steamboat Springs, CO 2006 & 2007
• 2nd HPV World Speed Championships 1998
• 2nd Iceman Cometh 2004 & 1998
• *CTR 870km self-supported MTB race across Colorado from Durango to Denver.

Accomplishments:

1982, 90-91, 2000-01 – Five time N.Ont. Canadian World Cup Participant
1991 – Canadian Amateur Champion
1991 – Bowling World Cup, Beijing, China, 11th. Place.
2001 – Canadian Amateur Champion2001 – Bowling World Cup, Pattaya, Thailand, 32nd. Place.
1996 – 2001 – Canadian 3 Game Series Record 869
Bowled 20 sanctioned perfect games throughout his career.
Eleven 800 Plus 3 Game Series

Marty Dimma – Arm Wrestling

Born in Sault Ste. Marie on December 17 1971, Martin William Dimma, ‘Marty’, has been involved in the sport of arm wrestling for over 30 years. An auto mechanic by profession, Marty began his athletic arm-wrestling journey at White Pines Collegiate and Vocational School when a friend encouraged him to train. Entering his first arm wrestling event at 19 years old at Sault Ste. Marie’s 1990 Bon Soo Winter Carnival, Marty continued to participate in local and regional events as he began to recognize his love and appreciation for the sport – often entering competitions above his weight-class just for the experience of it. Throughout his athletic career, he has had the opportunity to represent Sault Ste. Marie, Northern Ontario, and Canada in competitions at provincial, national and international levels.

Throughout 25 years of competition, Marty has competed and won multiple Ontario Championships, has been a two-time Canadian champion, and in 2013 competed as part of Team Canada at the World Arm Wrestling Federation Championship in Gdynia, Poland.

Accomplishments:
• 2001 – Provincial Championship Silver Medal
• 2002 – National Championship 5th Place
• 2008 – Northern Ontario Silver Medal
• 2013 – Won Provincial and National Championship
• 2013 – 12th in open and 17th in masters at WAF Championship in Gdynia, Poland
• 2019 – Provincial Championship Silver Medal
• 2022 – Silver at Professional Arm Wrestling League (PAL) in Barrie.

It was described when he was nominated to the Sports Hall of Fame that his alpine skiing career started with a chance meeting in 1983, when Larry met with the team manager of the Canadian National Men’s Alpine World Cup Team “The Crazy Canucks”. He then became a member of the support team and travelled throughout the world cup season from 1983 to 1984. In 1987 at the age of 55, Larry learned to ski and began his very successful racing career. Throughout his skiing debut, he competed against lifelong skiing members some of whom were Olympic alpine racers. Larry competed at several FIS events (The International Ski Federation). In 2014 he ranked as high as third in FIS overall World Cup Points. A year later he won four first place finishes in FIS international Championships in Chile and again in 2016 ranked first in FIS Overall World Cup Points. Among his FIS Successes, Larry also won two gold in the world master’s winter games in Quebec City and world Masters Alpine Champion in 2015. Larry also received the National Achievement Award presented by the premier of Ontario. This award recognized his contributions to Ontario sports. In 2016 Larry was also inducted to the “Maple Leaf International Club” in Collingwood Ontario.

Accomplishments:

Multi-sport athlete and coach with several accomplishments in baseball, hockey, and fastpitch.
2014 – Ranked as high as THIRD, FIS Overall World Cup points
2016 – Ranked as high as FIRST, FIS Overall World Cup points
2015 – FIS International Championships, Chile. 4 GOLD
2015 – World Masters Winter Games, Quebec City. 2 GOLD & WORLD MASTERS ALPINE
CHAMPION
2016- Inducted to the “Maple Leaf International Club” in Collingwood, Ontario.

2022 Inductees

Bob Wooley - Athlete

Starting at the age of 10 after delivering newspapers, in Bob Woolley’s spare time he would play in the youth league at the Churchill plaza lanes. A lead mentor for Bob was past inductee and Canadian champion Jim Kramer Sr. It was Kramer who taught Bob how to throw a curve ball. His expertise and incredible knowledge of bowling led him to several competitions and winning titles. This included 6 TSN game appearances, 3 CBC bowling championships, and 2 national wins. In 1991 he was named Canadian Amateur Champion and again in 2001. This national title led to an opportunity to represent Canada at an international level. In 1991, the “worlds” was hosted in Beijing China. While there, Bob placed 11th out of 43 countries. In 2002, he returned to the international spotlight in Pataya, Thailand placing 32nd out of 90 countries. After travelling the globe, Bob then started coaching youth leagues at the Churchill Plaza lanes for the next 28 years. In Bob’s words this experience “brought me to an even higher level of bowling”. In 1996 & 2001, Bob Woolley held a Canadian 3 game series record of 869. His game scores in 1996 was 270, 299, and 300. Throughout his bowling career, he managed to achieve 11, 800 plus 3 game series. He has a total of 20 sanctioned 300 games. On a more local lens, Bob is a five time Northern Ontario, Canadian World Cup Participant starting in 1982, 1990, 91, 2000 & 2001. It is easy to acknowledge, that Bob Woolley is undeniably one of the greatest bowlers to have ever come from the Sault.

Accomplishments:

1982, 90-91, 2000-01 – Five time N.Ont. Canadian World Cup Participant
1991 – Canadian Amateur Champion
1991 – Bowling World Cup, Beijing, China, 11th. Place.
2001 – Canadian Amateur Champion2001 – Bowling World Cup, Pattaya, Thailand, 32nd. Place.
1996 – 2001 – Canadian 3 Game Series Record 869
Bowled 20 sanctioned perfect games throughout his career.
Eleven 800 Plus 3 Game Series

Lawrence "Larry" Tomie - Athlete

Larry started his athletic career at the age of 16 where he played junior and senior baseball locally. He was invited to attend the St. Louis Cardinals training camp in Hamilton. He made it on the Triple A team in Hamilton. However, he was unable to accept the invitation as he was under 18 years of age. Larry Tomie was also heavily involved with Hockey. In 1951 he attended the Detroit Red Wings training camp. Afterwards he was picked up by the Windsor Spitfires junior team, in which Don Cherry was his defense partner. Besides being a talented athlete, Larry Tomie also transitioned to being a coach. His love for sports transpired in coaching the Soo Northerner’s Fastpitch team, who became the Ontario Sr. A Fastpitch Champions in 1969.

Accomplishments:

Multi-sport athlete and coach with several accomplishments in baseball, hockey, and fastpitch.
2014 – Ranked as high as THIRD, FIS Overall World Cup points
2016 – Ranked as high as FIRST, FIS Overall World Cup points
2015 – FIS International Championships, Chile. 4 GOLD
2015 – World Masters Winter Games, Quebec City. 2 GOLD & WORLD MASTERS ALPINE
CHAMPION
2016- Inducted to the “Maple Leaf International Club” in Collingwood, Ontario.

Peter Ruicci - Builder

Peter Ruicci is commended for his unwavering dedication to the local sports community. He helped establish the sport culture in Sault Ste. Marie and contributed to the growth and success of many sport editors, columnists, athletes, and coaches today with his incredible support. His peers have described him as a first-class reporter with one of the best personalities the Sault has ever seen with an unparalleled work ethic. Starting from a young age Peter was fueled with ambition. Always an avid sports enthusiast, he knew Sport Journalism was the passion he wanted to pursue. His childhood dream soon became a reality when his uncle assisted in his first broadcasting position while still in high school. Considered a ‘rookie’ he still had a small feature on television that would soon be a practical experience for his later endeavors. The ambition continued throughout university, while enrolled at Lake State University he continued to work in local media. From 1978-1995 Ruicci primarily worked in radio and television. He is well remembered for often reporting and highlighting local school stories on the 6’oclock news.

Around 1984, Peter was in touch with a news director stationed in Windsor, who soon transferred to The Sports Network. This professional friendship led Peter to be offered a job by TSN just a few years later. Although other circumstances influenced Peter’s decision to stay in the Sault, it showcases how talented he was at his profession and that he deserved a spot in the major sport reporting industry. A highlight in Peter’s career was covering the Memorial Cup Champions Soo Greyhounds in 1993. The Soo Greyhounds were a major component in Peter’s journalism career. In 1995, Peter then transitioned into print media which was a seamless shift from reporting it live. He began writing for the Sault Star. In 2006, he was inducted into the Russ Ramsey High School Sports Hall of Fame in the builder’s category. This award is given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to High school sports. Nearly 6 years later in 2013, Peter was also named Sun Media Sport’s Journalist of the Year. Other nominees were some of the country’s most acclaimed which again has demonstrated that Peter belonged alongside them. Today he is an active member of the Sault Hockey Hall of Fame Nomination Committee and runs the Greyhound Gazette.

Accomplishments:

Over 40 years working in television and radio sports broadcasting and print journalism in Sault Ste.
Marie
2013 Sun Media Canadian Sports Journalist of the Year
Covered the 1993 Memorial Cup Champion Soo Greyhounds
Inducted into the Russ Ramsay High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2006

Richard Vallee - Builder

Richard Vallee has been a key leader in the figure skating community, not only in Sault Ste. Marie but on an international scale for the last 40 years. Richard started his career as a skater, and then proceeded to be a coach, judge, clinic leader, workshop presenter and committee member. Richard started skating in Sault Ste. Marie at the Sault and Hiawatha Figure Skating Clubs, followed by coaching for the Sault Figure Skating Club. On a national scope, he has been a judge at invitational level competitions, and sectional-level competition. These competitions have allowed him to travel throughout Northern Ontario, Western Ontario and Saskatchewan. Richard has also been both judge and referee for the Western, Eastern, Central, and Atlantic divisions and has even been a reoccurring judge at the Canadians and even awarded Olympic Silver medalist Brian Orser his Perfect 6 in 1988. His international career was kick started in 1991 at Blue Sword Competition in East Berlin. This international endeavor has guided him to competitions in Slovenia, Mexico City, Kiev, Vienna, Zagreb and Helsinki. He also has had the opportunity to judge at Skate Canada, Skate America, Trophee de France and the NHK Trophy in Tokyo.

Accomplishments:

International (ISU) Judge (singles & pairs) at competitions including, Mexico City, Kiev, Slovenia,
Turin, Vienna, Helsinki, and Zagreb. As well as Skate America, Skate Canada, Trophee de France, and
NHK Trophy (Tokyo) (1991-2017)
National Judge and Referee: Canadian Championships (Canadian) as well as Atlantic, Central, Easter,
and Western Divisional competitions (1985-2017)
Judge/Referee (singles & pairs). Experiences include, sectional-level competitions across Northern
Ontario, Western Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Invitational competitions including, Algoma Interclub,
February Frolic, Let’s Skate, SummerSizzle, Minto SummerSkate and Scarboro Skate (1975-2017)
Member/Chair: National Judges Committee, International Judges Committee, National Officials’
Development Committee, and the Educational and Development Committee for Skate Canada
Canadian National Team (Official) for the World University Games in Turin, Italy (2007)

2021 Inductees

Rudy Timmerman - Builder

In 1950, at age ten, Rudy Timmerman began martial arts training in the Netherlands, and in 1958 he immigrated to Canada. He immediately joined two local martial art schools to continue his training; and, in the sixties and seventies, he traveled extensively around North America, Europe, and Asia, to train with some of the highest ranking martial artists in the world. During this time, he competed in many tournaments, and his success in competition gave him the motivation to open his own school in 1973. He has received commendations from two Prime Ministers, RCMP, OPP, and local Police agencies, many MPs, MPPs, Mayors, and the keys to several cities.
In 1983 he closed his school due to injury but reopened two years later on Gore St. and remained there until 2012, when he retired. Over the past five decades, Timmerman has taught thousands of local students. They often competed in World Class tournaments, and six of them won World Championships. During the mid-1980s, he traveled to Edmonton to complete his studies with Grandmaster Pak, his primary teacher and founder of the art of Kong Shin Bup. Before he left Edmonton, Grandmaster Pak appointed him as Grandmaster and Inheritor of Kong Shin Bup Hapkido, and he immediately registered the name and trademarked it in the US. In 2017, he passed the art on to his highest-ranking student, Master Kevin Janisse.
GM Timmerman’s decades of experience make him a sought after seminar presenter, and he has taught many thousands of students, school owners, Masters, and Grandmasters in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He oversees many affiliated schools around the Globe; and, through his National Korean Martial Arts Association, he has certified hundreds of Black Belts to Master level. GM Timmerman came out of retirement and approached branch 25 of the Royal Canadian Legion with a proposal he thought might help some of our fellow citizens make better choices. Branch 25 accepted that proposal, and the Legion Hapkido Club became a reality in 2018. Besides teaching self-defence, the nonprofit Legion Hapkido club prides itself on teaching students the benefits of mental and physical fitness, good citizenship, and education.

Accomplishments:

• Founded Ancient Fighting Arts (1973), and the Legion Hapkido school (2018)
• Founded National Korean Martial Arts Association (1973), and KMA Masters Hall Of Fame (2014), • Creator of Bon Soo and Can-Am Classics Martial Arts Tournaments
• Inducted in Pioneers and Legend Hall of Fame and Canadian Black Belt Hall Of Fame
• Published two books on Korean martial arts, and is working on his third one

Graham Newman - Builder

Graham Newman had a vision and passion to grow the sport of minor baseball in our community and is the driving force behind Sinclair Yards. Sinclair Yards is located on Black Road in Sault Ste. Marie, just north of Second Line. It is home to the Soo Minor Baseball Association, which independently operates and maintains the 7 fields that offer recreational and competitive baseball games. It has a 75’ x 75’ complex with facilities including indoor washrooms, concession stand, pop machines, covered picnic table area, a conference room, locker room; umpires change room, and an office.
Since 1990 when Graham son was playing baseball, he wanted to get involved. He jumped in with both feet, heart and soul. In 1991, Graham volunteered to strike up a Soo Baseball Building Committee that developed a plan and proposal to build and develop 7 baseball diamonds on 24 acres of land on Black Road. This land was donated by Dr. Alex Sinclair to the City of Sault Ste. Marie. It was a dream of Soo Minor Baseball Association to have its own independently operated youth sized baseball fields and complex for youth of all ages all in one place. With Graham’s background in construction as a local construction business owner, he was an integral part of this committee. The construction of the fields and building complex was completed in 1993 and soon after, he became Vice-President of Administration on the executive. He still holds that position today, 28 years later.
Graham has been recognized over the years with several awards. One of these was in 2002, Graham Newman was honoured with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, presented by Sault Ste. Marie MP Carmen Provenzano. Newman was recognized for contributions to the community as an entrepreneur and for involvement in various community initiatives, particularly his efforts in developing and promoting minor baseball in Sault Ste. Marie. The medal also recognizes Graham’s singular leadership.

Accomplishments:

• 1990 to 2021 Soo Minor Baseball Outstanding Volunteer and Passionate Leader
• Developed Sinclair Yards Baseball Complex
• 2002 Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal Recipient
• 1990 to 2021- VP Administration – Soo Minor Baseball Association
• Mr. Newman’s legacy is the Sinclair Yards Seven Diamond Baseball Complex and Service Buildings construction, development, maintenance, upgrades and yearly operations.

2020 - Not Awarded

2019 Inductees

Heikki Kinnunen - Builder

Heikki Kinnunen has been a key role model in our local cross-country skiing community for over 40 years. He has provided the needed support that has helped developing athletes reach their own goals. This is because of Heikki’s understanding of the sport of Nordic skiing, and what it takes to get high results. Heikki has passed this knowledge down to his athletes, and motivated them to become the best they can be. With 20+ years of local coaching experience, Heikki has inspired many new individuals to coach in both Sault Ste. Marie and Ontario, all of whom have contributed to improving cross country skiing. As a result, Heikki was awarded the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club’s President’s Award in both 1981 and 2006, which recognizes a person who has made a significant contribution over many years towards cross-country skiing in Sault Ste. Marie. In 1985, the club also awarded Heikki with the Kevin Allan Riutta Award, which is given to the person who promotes leadership through example, and fosters cross country skiing to our local youth. Over the years, athletes that were coached by Heikki have reached great levels of success. Among these are Wayne and Keith Dustin.

Wayne Dustin is a two-time Olympian, and many time Canadian national champion, who has represented our nation in many World Championships. Keith Dustin was the youngest person named to the Canadian junior national team, and has been quoted as saying: ‘Heikki was the key to my success, and any of the other coaches would not have provided the many facetted support that I received from Heikki’. Other notable athletes that have been taught by him include: Melissa Hayman, Canadian Junior Champion, Helen Lindfors, National Masters Champion, Tenho Tikka, Canadian and Canadian Masters Champion, Kari Tikka, medalist at the Canadian National Biathlon Championships and the list goes on. Heikki has coached an additional 35+ skiers who have participated at a national championship level, all while representing the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club. He has previously been voted as the best technical coach in Canada by Cross Country Ski Canada. On top of all this, Heikki has his own experience as a competitive skier, as he himself was a Canadian Champion at the National Cross Country Ski Championships.

Accomplishments:

Key driver in the infrastructure and programming of Cross-Country Skiing in Sault Ste Marie.
Started the youth skill development Cross Country Ski Program
Coach of the Soo Finnish Ski Team for over 2 decades.

John Greenwood - Builder

John Greenwood has spent over 50 years in figure skating as a skater, official, and an administrator. John began judging in the early 1960s, and since then has worked his way up to being one of the most respected ice dancing officials in the world. By 1981, he became a Canadian National judge for single, pairs, and dance, and judged or refereed almost every Canadian Championship until 2006. John became an international judge in 1985, and 6 years later in 1991 was made a World and Olympic judge and referee for the International Skating Union. John had the opportunity to represent Canada as a judge at the 1998 Nagano and 2006 Torino Winter Olympics. Eventually, he served on the International Skating Union’s Official Assessment Committee, showing how much respect John had earned since starting his officiating in the 60s. Eventually in 2008, John retired from active National and International judging. John’s contributions to the sport of figure skating were not limited to just judging. John has worked for CTV television network, providing technical support at some international events, including the 2000 World Championships. He has also been a part of Skate Canada in different roles. John was Director and Chair of Skate Canada – Northern Ontario, as well as Director of Skate Canada as National Judges Chair, and Chair of the Technical Committee. For 13 years, John Greenwood was President of Skate Ontario, where he organized the Ontario Winter Games and Ontario’s skating teams for the Canada Winter Games. Finally, John was the Canadian Team Leader for the 1990 Halifax World Championships, and a handful of World Junior Championships. Former Olympic Champions Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir, World Ice Dance Champions, ShaeLynne Bourne & Victor Kraatz, and World Medalists Marie France Dubreuil & Patrice Lauzan are all amongst the skaters that have had the chance to be mentored by John. This elite list also includes the 2006 Canadian Olympic Team, numerous U.S. international competitors, and Chinese Olympic Pair and Ice Dance teams. Not only has John been a world class judge, but he himself skated here in Sault Ste. Marie for many years. He has represented our city at provincial, national, international, and Olympic level events.

Accomplishments:

1998 Nagano Winter Olympics Judge
2007 Torino Winter Olympics in Italy Judge
Over 10 World Championship Judging
Worked with many Elite Athletes.

2018 Inductees

Folgo Della Vedova - Athlete

Folgo Della Vedova has been described as one of the best all round athletes to come out of the Sault Ste. Marie Secondary School System. He went on to university and set records as freshmen and throughout his varsity sporting career. He continued to strive for excellence competing at the Masters level in provincial, national, and international meets. Folgo set the NOSSA record, and placed 4th in the OFSSA championships for javelin, which set him on the path to becoming an elite javelin thrower. His post-secondary success started at Western University, where he set the varsity record for javelin with an impressive throw of 60.18m. Folgo went to Laurentian University the following year, where he set their varsity record with a throw of 66.40m. Along with these extraordinary records, Folgo finished his University career with 1 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze medal in university championships. Throughout the next 3 decades, Folgo competed in provincial, national, and international meets. He was a member of Canada’s National track and field team from 1978 to 1980 and exceeded the Olympic qualifying standards in 1980 only to be disappointed by Canada’s decision to boycott the Olympic Games in Moscow. In 1990 he received the National Achievement Award from the Province of Ontario for his distinguished performance in the field of Amateur Sport. Della Vedova has been quoted as saying, “He will compete till he is 99 if he can.” When he is not competing, he is coaching javelin. A true fan of the sport, Folgo wanted to see his students have as much, if not more, success than he did. For nearly 30 years Folgo coached high school and university athletes in javelin throwing. In 2003, one of the students coached by Folgo, beat his NOSSA record, which was held for 33 years. Folgo himself was a judge at this meet. Into retirement, Folgo continued to help others learn javelin techniques, providing several workshops and presentations, while also judging both city and NOSSA championships.

Accomplishments:

1975- 2018 Secondary School & University Javelin Athletes
1970 -1974 OUAA Bronze, Silver, Gold Medalist, Record Holder
1975-1999 Senior Men Provincial, National Bronze, Silver, Gold Medalist
1985 -1999 Masters Provincial, National, International Medalist Record Holder
1978-1991 Provincial & National Achievement Award for Distinguished Performance in Amateur Athletics

Richard Evoy - Athlete

Richard Evoy has been performing at a high level for nearly 50 years and is now one of the top senior golfers in Ontario. His peers have described him as a high-level talent with a work ethic that is unparalleled. His passion, competitive nature, and dedication have led to him always striving to improve and be the best. Along with being a fierce competitor, he is a kind, positive, and passionate man, who can almost always be seen with a smile on his face. Throughout his golfing career, Richard Evoy has shown where commitment and patience can get you. He plays the game with a very respectful manner, which along with his high-level talent. Richard’s athletic abilities were acknowledged at a young age, being the winner of the 1974 Lakeway High School Athlete of the Year. Richard showed that he was a great athlete that could excel in different sports. This led to an outstanding curling career, that only makes his long list of golfing accomplishments that much more impressive. It’s not often we get to see an athlete perform at such a high level in both a team, and individual sport. Richard is a greatly respected competitor and even goes out of his way to teach both curling and golf to youth. Richard has won 27 golfing tournaments in Sault Ste. Marie and Ontario, 9 of those being Sault Ste. Marie Club Championships, along with 3 Labour Day wins, and 4 City championships. This puts him in elite company with some of the Sault’s best golfers. Richard played in 2 Canadian Tour Golf Professional Tournaments in 1999 and 2003. He has qualified and played in the Ontario Amateur, Mid-Amateur, Junior, and senior championships over his golf career. At the national level, Richard Evoy has qualified, and played in 5 national championships. This includes an impressive 20th place finish at the 2015 championships. At this tournament, he ranked tied for 2nd amongst players from Ontario, and 12th among Canadian competitors.

Accomplishments:

27 Golf Tournament wins in Sault Ste. Marie & Ontario
9 Sault Ste. Marie Club, 3 Labour Day and 4 City Championships
Qualified & played in 5 National Golf Championships – 20th place in 2015 Canadian Senior Championships in Capilano, B.C
2015 represented Ontario at Ontario/Michigan Senior Ryder Cup
1999, 2013 Canadian Tour Golf Professional Tournaments Qualified and Played in the Ontario Amateur, the Ontario Mid – Amateur, the Ontario Junior and Senior Championships

Sherri Smith - Athlete

Sherri Smith started running in her high school years with stunning success which catapulted her success at the varsity level. She received a full-athletic scholarship in Cross Country, Indoor Track and Outdoor Track to Baylor University. Her accomplishments include third fastest track athlete ever at Baylor University in 5000M (#1 for 14 Years), Canadian National Track Champion in 5000M, World Triathlon Champion and Six-Time World Championship Competitor in three sports. Smith’s success while at Baylor University left a notable legacy and bench mark for success. She is a three-time individual Big 12 Conference Champion in 5000M (1998), 10,000M (1999) and Cross Country (1998); represents 3% of all the individual Big 12 Conference Champion titles won by Women at Baylor all-time. Smith represented Canada at two World Cross Country Championships to include Portugal (1999) and Belgium (2000) placing 75th and 52nd , respectively. Sherri once again rose to new heights in 1999 by becoming the Canadian National Champion in 5000M in outdoor track. Smith represented Canada at two International Ekiden Marathon Relays in Beijing, China (1999 and 2000) In 2000 Sherri represented Canada at the World ITU Elite Duathlon Championships in Athens, Georgia with a 20th place finish. She leapt onto the world triathlon circuit in 2003 by representing Canada at the World ITU Women-Overall Age-Group Championships in Cancun, Mexico with an 8 th place. In 2004 she placed 1st at the Ontario Triathlon Championships Women Overall Age-Group and also placed 1st as Canada’s representative at the World ITU Women-Overall Age-Group Championships in Madeira, Portugal. In 2005 she was awarded the: Canadian Age-Group Triathlete of the Year, Ontario Age-Group Triathlete of the Year and the HP Broughton Award – Sault Ste. Marie Athlete of the Year. The City of Sault Ste. Marie recognized Sherri Smith in 2015 and presented her with the Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit Award for Athletic Achievement.

Accomplishments:

(1st) Canadian National Track & Field Champion in 5000M (1998)
(1st) World ITU Women Overall Champion Triathlon (2004) Maeira, Portugal
Represented Canada at Six World Championships
HP Broughton Award-Sault Ste. Marie Athlete of the Year (2005)
Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit Award for Athletic Achievement (2015)

2017 Inductees

Mike Lebel - Coach

“Mike Lebel has always delivered uncompromising excellence in leadership, coaching, volunteering and being a part of the executive with the Soo Minor Baseball Association”. – Founded the Soo Black Sox, The Great Lakes Baseball League, and the Northern Elite Baseball League. “In doing so, Mike has given the Sault youth the opportunity to play, learn & grow in a safe, friendly and competitive environment spanning Ontario & Michigan”. Served as the president of the Soo Minor Baseball Association for over 25 years. “Throughout is coaching career, he has guided several successful provincial baseball championship teams from Sault Ste. Marie spanning from 1987-2010. – Pioneer, builder, coach, and volunteer in our community and an instrumental figure for the Sault Ste. Marie baseball community.

Accomplishments:

Founder Great Lakes Baseball League
President of Soo Minor Baseball for 25 years
Coached 6 Provincial Baseball Championship Teams from Mosquito to Junior & 4 Finalist Teams
Players Coached have gone on to play University, College and Professional Ball.

Alex Mitchell – Sports Writer & Editor

Alex Mitchell can be defined as one of Sault Ste. Marie’s greatest sports writers and editors. He thrived at reporting, and documenting the local sports culture. Mitchell is recognized for his unswerving commitment to the local sports scene. Working at the Sault Star, Alex Mitchell worked to ensure fair coverage and that all teams and sports were represented equally. Alex was an instrumental leader in sports reporting and has played an important role in the development and success of many sport editors and columnist’s today. In particular, Alex guided and mentored other sports journalists: Peter Ruicci and TSN’s National Commenter Bob McKenzie. Being an active member in the sports community, Alex Mitchell was also a devoted committee member of the Hockey Hall of Fame for fifteen years. Alex has been an exceptional member and journalist in the Sault Ste. Marie sports culture.

Accomplishments:

Sault Star Sports Editor and Sports Writer
Sports Writer for the Sault This Week in 1974
Freelance Writer for Tankard Times During Sault Brier 1990
15 Year Committee Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame

Lifelong Sports Enthusiast Accomplishments:

Sault Star Sports Editor and Sportswriter
Sportswriter for the Sault This Week in 1974
Freelance Writer for Tankard Times During Sault Brier 1990
15 Year Committee Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame
Lifelong Sports Enthusiast

Brian Mealey - Coach

What started with a small DIY rope tow and ski hill with his brother in White River, inspired Brian Mealey to pursue skiing education as a profession for 46 years. Brian Mealey has coached more alpine skiing athletes to provincial and national championships than any other coach in Canada. Training at Ontario’s best kept secret (Searchmont Ski Resort), he put Northern Ontario skiers on the map. He is highly recognized and known for his creative approach to using the terrain and combination changes that closely match the course sets in Europe, a skill that few Canadian coaches have mastered. Notably, he played a role in the development of Olympic winners Mac and BJ Marcoux, former National Team Candidate Lise-Marie Acton, as well as her sister, Olympic hopeful Brigitte Acton. He was also involved in training Division I Skiers such as Lauren and Amy Lattimer, as well as many other successful skiers such as Kristen Timusk, Bob Real, and Sarah Burke. Additionally, he guided his son, John Mealey, to the World Cup circuit and to win a Canadian downhill championship. Furthermore, Brian has mentored many instructors to pursue coaching. One of whom, Kip Harrington, who is one of the World’s most respected coaches with more than 10 years as Canadian Ski Team coach and World Cup Tech Team head coach. Brian Mealey has proudly represented Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario, and has made an international impact with his expertise.

Accomplishments:

46 Years of Coaching Alpine Skiing in Sault Ste. Marie
Head Coach of the Searchmont Ski Runners/SooSki Runners/Soo Ski Racers 1967-2012
Coached: Lise Marie & Brigitte Acton, Steve Roch, John Mealey, Laurent & Amy Lattimer, Kristen Timusk, Bob Real, Sarah Burke, Mac & BJ Marcoux.
Mentored Kip Harrignton, a past World Cup Tech Team Head Coach and Head Coach Alpine Ontario.

2016 Inductees

Tina Breed - Athlete

Tina Breed started her equestrian career at the age of nine, at the Bar X ranch. While riding at this ranch, the Soo Horse and Pony Club was established. Her dedication and fascination led the Breed family to purchase a rescue horse named Velvet. Tina competed in local fairs and provincial pony club rallies in Southern Ontario. In grade 11, Tina left to work in Southern Ontario at several different show stables for the following five years. While away, she was exposed to the dynamic aspects of the horse industry including racehorses and the hunter/jumper discipline. During those five years in Southern Ontario, Tina also completed her last component of the Pony Club National Level A certification for riding and stable management. In 1980, Tina travelled back to Northern Ontario to study at Sault College. After graduating, she worked in the oil patch in Alberta. Never losing sight of her passion for horses, she then competed at the Provincial Trillium Hunter Jumper Circuit. Tina started teaching for the Soo Horse and Pony Club at Strathclair farms. As her clientele began to grow, Tina and her husband Ed purchased a horse transport. Over the next two decades Tina became an Equine Canada National Level Two Coach with Level three theory. She was a horse broker buying and selling horses for clients. She became an Equine Canada Hunter Jumper Equitation Judge working at the provincial and national circuits as well a national pony Club examiner. Tina Breed’s love for horses led her to be the lead instructor for the local Therapeutic Ride, a nationally accredited riding program for children and young adults with multiple challenges. Tina has proudly represented Sault Ste. Marie and has continued to pave the way for future equestrians.

Accomplishments:

Owner – Operator Near North Farm
Coached local, provincial, national and international riders
National Level Two, Hunter/Jumper Coach and Trainer
Equine Canada Judge – Hunter/Jumper/Equitation
National Pony Club Examiner

Don Missere - Athlete

Don Missere’s golf legacy started at the Sault Golf Club, working as a caddy and in the Pro Shop. After working in his soon-to-be successful element, Don went on to win first place at the Northern Ontario Junior Championship in 1965. Having continued success, he then placed third at the Ontario Junior Championship in 1966 and was a quarter-finalist in the 1966 Canadian Junior Championship. Don has also won eight City Championships, three Lock City Championships, eight Men’s Club Champion titles, and seven first-place standings at the Labour Day Tournament. Don was 16 at the Labour Day Tournament, making him the youngest winner. In addition to his nationwide and community success, Don achieved an Upper Peninsula Champion in 1974, a Blind River Champion in 1994, and an Elliott Lake Champion in 1995. Since being recognized throughout Algoma and Canada, Don has continued to be an active leader in the Sports Community. He has been the Director of the Sault Golf Club and the Northern Ontario Golf Association. In addition to Golf, he served as the Director for the Soo Curlers Association for five years and the President of the Association for two years following. Don was also the founding Director for the Soo Minor Hockey Association and has previously received the Merit Scroll and acknowledged as a lifetime member of the Sault Major Hockey Association. Don is recognized as a founding shareholder and active member of the development of Crimson Ridge Golf Course est. 2002. Crimson Ridge Golf Course was the Sault’s first public access championship facility (which is an 18-hole course). Don Missere’s active involvement in the sports community in Northern Ontario is admirable. He has proudly represented Sault Ste. Marie in his sports endeavors.

Accomplishments:

Competitive golfer for five decades with over 40 local and regional championships
1965 Northern Ontario Junior Golf Champion
1966 Ontario Junior Championship 3rd place and Canadian Junior Championship quarter finalist
1974 Upper Peninsula Golf Champion
Driving force in the creation of Crimson Ridge Golf Course open 2002

2015 Inductees

Aaron Fiacconi - Athlete

A grade 11 extracurricular sport for Aaron Fiacconi transferred into a professional career with international recognition. Attending St. Mary’s College in Sault Ste. Marie, Aaron excelled at football and discus. After graduating he continued to excel at the post-secondary level where he played one year of college football at Graceland University (Lamoni, Iowa). The year following, he transferred to Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. In Mansfield, he became a Division II All American in 2001 and was named to the East Coast Athletic Conference 1st All Star Team. The prestige of winning those highly acclaimed awards continued as he also received the Butsko award in 2001. This award is for Mansfield’s Top Offensive Lineman, given to a player that best exemplifies a commitment to excellence and loyalty to his teammates and the football program. After graduating from Mansfield, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources and a minor in Business Management and Psychology, he was drafted to the Montreal Alouettes, in the Canadian Football League. There he played as an offensive lineman for three years and won a Grey Cup Championship during his rookie year. From 2005-2007, Aaron played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He started in 14/15 games in the 2005 season for the Blue Bombers, a team that led the CFL in rushing and allowed the third fewest quarter back sacks for the season. In his final years of his Canadian Football League career, Aaron played for the Edmonton Eskimo’s. In 2010, Aaron was the Edmonton Eskimos team nominee for Outstanding Offensive Lineman of the year. A year following, Aaron received the David Boone Award that highlights a player who does exemplary work in the community. Fiacconi was also nominated for the Tom Pate Memorial Award in the CFL, recognizing a player with outstanding sportsmanship and who has made a significantcontribution to his team, community, and association. After an injury in 2011, Aaron announced his retirement in 2012 after playing professional football for 10 years. Aaron has proudly
represented Sault Ste. Marie.

Accomplishments:
• 2002-2011 115 Games Played in the Canadian Football League
• 2002 Drafted 32nd Overall in the 4th Round of the CFL Draft
• 2002 Montreal Alouettes Grey Cup Champion
• 2010 Edmonton Eskimos Nominee for Outstanding Offensive Lineman CFL
• 2011 Edmonton Eskimos David Boone Award Winner
• 2011 Tom Pate Memorial Award Nominee in the CFL

Adam Kates - Athlete

At the age of 14, Adam Kates began cross country skiing and joined the Soo Finish Ski Team. After joining the ski team, that same year Adam won gold at Nationals, from there his skiing career skyrocketed. In 1996, Kates competed at the Canadian Junior Cross- Country Championships in British Columbia. There he achieved two gold medals and was named Canadian Juvenile champion. Two years following, Adam was named to the National Junior Team of Canada and participated in several other national events. As a junior skier, Kates won eight gold medals in Canadian National Championships. In 1999 he competed at the Canadian Winter Games and was a gold medalist. He was then chosen by Power Bar to be on their Power Bar Team of Elite athletes. Later that year, Adam was selected to the National Team Development Centre squad in Thunder Bay. Two years following, in 2001, Kates was named a “Carded Athlete” through SPORT Canada. A year later in 2002, Adam was named to the Under 23 National Team and achieved a gold medal in the Men’s Open 15 kilometer race at the Canada Cup. In 2003, he was selected to the World Champion Team and competed in many World Championship events. He continued to succeed at Cross Country Skiing, as he then won the Austrian Cup being named to the Canada Senior Team
and then placing third in New Zealand 42km in 2004. Two years following, Adam was the
Overall Canadian Men’s Open Champion. Since competing in international championships, Adam became a coach for Cross Country Skiing in Ontario. Motivating other aspiring athletes, Kates was a coach for the Soo Finish Nordic Ski Club of Sault Ste. Marie, the Ontario Ski Team as an apprentice coach and additionally the Big Thunder Nordic and the Lakehead University Nordic skiing programs. In 2009, Adam was the inaugural winner of the Heinz Niederhauser memorial coaching award. Adam has proudly represented Sault Ste. Marie.

Accomplishments:
• Eight-Time Canadian Junior Championships Gold Medalist
• 1999 – Canada Winter Games Gold Medalist
• 1999-2005 – Canadian National Ski Team Member
• 2006 – Overall Canadian Champion
• 1999, 2002 – Represented Canada at World Ski Championship

Richard MacLennan - Athlete

At the age of 12 Richard MacLennan pursued an interest in speed skating that led him to gain international accolades. Although focused on speed skating, Richard MacLennan was a versatile athlete. In his high school years at St. Mary’s College, Richard was an AAA hockey player, a gold medalist at the OFSSA Track & Field Competition, and also played baseball. Speed Skating is the fastest sport on ice, allowing the athlete to travel over 50km/hour. His dedication to speed skating allowed him to set Junior Canadian records and participate in Canadian Championships and Canada Cup events winning several medals. In 2007, MacLennan competed at the Canada Winter Games in White Horse & Yukon, winning gold in the 500 m race. Two years following, in 2009, Richard was named Canadian Junior Champion and setting two junior records in Canada in the 500 and 1500m distances. Richard was then selected to the Canadian Junior Team and attended the World Junior Championships in Zakopane, Poland. In Poland, Richard won a silver medal in the 500m race. He was then recognized with the H.P. Broughton Award as Sault Ste. Marie Athlete of the Year. In 2010, Richard won silver medals in both the 500 and 100m events at the World Junior Championships in Moscow, Russia. Since his international debut, Richard has been a member of the National Development Team of Canada and has been training at the Olympic Oval in Calgary, Alberta. While training, Richard alsostudied at the University of Calgary for Kinesiology. Being a member of the Nationaldevelopment team, Richard competed in 19 World Cup events around the world. In 2014, he placed 10th in the 1000m at the World cup in Seoul Korea, his best ever World Cup result. In 2015, he ranked 14th in the world for the 1000m at the World Single Distance Championship. Richard MacLennan has proudly represented Sault Ste. Marie.

Accomplishments:
• 2007 Gold Medalist – Canada Winter Games – White Horse, YT
• 2009 Canadian Junior Champion
• 2009 Silver Medalist – World Jr. Championships – Zakopane, POL
• 2010 Two-Time Silver Medalist – World Jr. Championships – Moscow, RUS
• 2014 10th Place – World Cup – Seoul, KOR
• 2015 14th Place – World Single Distance Championship

2014 Inductees

Mac & BJ Marcoux - Athletes

A passion fueled by family support, fearlessness, and dedication led Mac Marcoux and his brother BJ in becoming two highly acclaimed Para – Alpine skiers on a global scale. Para-Alpine skiing is a breathtakingly fast sport that requires immense strength, agility, balance and technique. There are five major alpine events: Downhill, Super Combined, Super –G, Slalom, and Giant Slalom. In 2007, Mac Marcoux lost his vision to a degenerative condition. Working together with his brother BJ, the Marcoux brothers became world class para-alpine skiers. BJ Marcoux guided his brother approximately thirty meters ahead of Mac communicating through a headset, leading him through the terrain and upcoming turns or jumps. In 2013 Mac, guided by older brother BJ, competed in the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) World Cup. That year they had continued success as they accomplished multiple World Cup podium finishes, a silver medal at the World Championships in Spain, and became the Canadian Slalom and Giant Slalom champions. In 2014, The Marcoux brothers represented Canada at the Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Prior to the first race, BJ had to withdraw due to other injuries, however, his brother Mac went on to race with a different guide – Robin Femy, a former downhill racer. Mac finished the first race winning a bronze medal. Mac became the first athlete to medal for Canada at the 2014 Paralympic Games. On the second event (Super – G), Mac encountered a radio communication problem and had to race with his guide (Robin) by yelling out signals from up ahead. Even with radio failures, Mac once again finished with a bronze medal. In his final event the Giant Slalom, Mac Marcoux claimed first place and won a gold medal. At their first Olympic game, Mac Marcoux became a three time Paralympic medalist. Mac and BJ Marcoux have proudly represented Sault Ste. Marie and Canada.

Accomplishments:
• 2014 Gold – Giant Slalom – Paralympics Winter Games – Sochi, RUS
• 2014 Bronze – Downhill & Super-G – Paralympic Winter Games – Sochi, RUS
• 2014 Gold – Giant Slalom – Copper, USA
• 2013 Silver – Giant Slalom – IPC World Championships – La Molina, SPA
• 2013-2014 Three-time Canadian Champion

2013 Inductees

Team Jacobs - Athletes

The sport of curling in Canada – the game of strategy, tactics and skill has been catapulted into the spotlight by our own homegrown curling team. This sport has a few nicknames such as “Chess on Ice”. In 2013 Team Jacobs has managed to change the image and culture of the sport by showcasing their high level of athleticism, skill and sportsmanship. Perhaps a more modern nickname for the sport of curling because of Team Jacobs should be “Power” – “Chess on Ice”. Brad Jacobs, Ryan Fry, E. J. Harnden and Ryan Harnden exemplify the spirit of curling through their game strategy – aggressively or defensively, good sportsmanship, precision and accuracy. Their focus on strength of body and mind is inspiring and brings forward a new level of respect, competitiveness and
interest in the sport of curling.

This team, hailing from the Soo Curlers Association, has had major accomplishments and successes that must be mentioned to include:

2013 Tim Hortons Brier Champions – Canadian Men’s Curling Championship.
(This is only the second Brier won by a Northern Ontario Team since 1985.)
2013 Silver Medal – Ford World Men’s Curling Championship
2013 Northern Ontario Provincial Men’s Curling Champions
2012 Northern Ontario Provincial Men’s Curling Champions
2011 Northern Ontario Provincial Men’s Curling Champions
2010 Tim Hortons Brier Bronze Medalists – Canadian Men’s Curling Championship
2010 Northern Ontario Provincial Men’s Curling Champions
And most recently awarded the 2013 H.P. Broughton Award

Every successful team is supported and lead by many individuals who are often behind the scenes. Team Jacobs’ coach must be acknowledged as one of those supporters. He was the first individual from the sport of curling to be inducted into the Sault Ste. Marie Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 – Tom Coulterman. It was inspiring to see Tom share his experience and knowledge with Team Jacobs and nurture them in their pursuit of excellence. The families, friends, Dr. Art Perlini, employers, The Soo Curlers Association and sponsors of Team Jacobs must be thanked. Their investment, contributions and belief in Team Jacobs are invaluable. City Council, The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie are beaming with pride and are truly inspired by these men. Team Jacobs showcases our community on a national and international level putting Sault Ste. Marie on the map. Once again, congratulations Brad, Ryan, E. J. and Ryan. You have come so far, so quickly in the sport of
curling. We will continue to be your biggest fans as your team looks ahead to future competitions, successes and Olympic dreams.

2012 Inductees

Tony Celi - Builder

A passion is not something that can be forced upon an individual. It’s a burning desire that comes from somewhere within and can’t simply be extinguished. A strong undying commitment to building an unforgettable impression of soccer in the community of Sault Ste. Marie is and continues to be the driving force behind Tony Celli. Sault Ste. Marie has one of the fastest growing soccer communities in Ontario. This exponential growth can be largely attributed to Tony. He has been a player, coach and active member of the Sault Amateur Soccer Association Executive and Board of Directors for the past 48 years and has been named as a Life Member. Not only has Tony dedicated his time to coaching, with much success, but he has founded and organized numerous clubs, leagues, tournaments and events. In 1978 Tony founded, chaired and organized the Sault International Soccer Tournament, the largest soccer tournament in Northern Ontario, which brought thousands of participants from all over Canada and the United States to the Sault for many years. Tony then introduced the city to an Indoor Men’s Soccer League in 1982 and he
co-founded the Ladies Soccer League. In 2001, Tony convened soccer for the Special Olympics. The following year in 2002, he co-organized the Men’s and Ladies’ Algoma University varsity soccer teams and coached them in their initial years. Also in 2002, after many years of persistence both local School Boards finally gave Tony approval to organize a High School Soccer League.

Tony dedicates a tremendous amount of time to the development of youth soccer in the community. He was instrumental in establishing the Youth Club Division in the 1970’s, and later co-organized it to a Draft Youth System in 1988. As a result of his efforts the league grew from a mere couple hundred to thousands of youth. Tony also initiated and led Algoma University’s Children and Youth Soccer Skills camps for 11 years. His knowledge and expertise has significantly helped children and youth develop their soccer skills. His “fun-first” approach to teaching and exuberant passion to expand the game of soccer in the community makes Tony an ideal role model for children and youth. Everything about Tony emits class and sportsmanship. His reputation is unquestionably one of great respect and an ultimate gentleman. Tony genuinely enjoys being surrounded by the game of soccer, and is always enthusiastic about another soccer initiative. As a way to stay healthy and rejuvenated, he continues to play with the distinction of being the eldest player in the Senior Men’s Recreation League. It is fair to say that Tony has been a blessing to our community and his contributions have not gone unnoticed.

Accomplishments:
1963 – 2012 – Sault Amateur Soccer Association – Executive Member, Life Member & Coach
1978 – 2002 – Founding Organizer of Sault International Tournament
1978 – 2002 – Founder of Algoma University Youth Soccer Camps
1982 – Co-Founder of Ladies Soccer & Introduced Men’s Indoor Soccer
1986 – 1987 – George Wallace Trophy Award Winner
1989 – Assisted with Introduction of Youth Soccer Draft System
2002 – Founder of the Sault Amateur Soccer Association High School Soccer League
2010 – City of Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit Award

Len Monico - Builder

Football is the game and Len is its Master. He began his football career as an athlete in the game playing center and linebacker. From 1957 to 1960 Len was part of the Sault Collegiate Wildcats Football team which acquired him several NOSSA championships. The following year, in 1961, Len suited up as a Red Bomber for the University of New Brunswick. Four years later Len tried out for the Canadian Football League’s Hamilton Ti-Cats and was successfully
drafted to the club. He played one season before deciding to turn in his professional career due to higher priority family commitments; however, Len’s football career was far from over. The end of his athlete era was simply the beginning of his coaching one. Len’s contributions to the football community of Sault Ste. Marie as a Coach and Builder, has been and will continue to be irrevocably unforgettable. Len’s renowned for his role and accomplishments with the Sault Steelers. Len acted as the principle architect and spearheaded the initiative to incorporating Sault Ste. Marie into the Northern Football Conference in 1972. Len was also named the Steelers’ first Head Coach. In its first year of existence the Sault Steelers, led by Len, captured the Donald Plaunt Memorial Trophy and were crowned the Northern Football Conference Champions.

The Steelers went on to compete at the National level in the Canadian Senior Football Championship. Never had a team from the NFC won a Canadian Championship, but apparently no one told Len that he was supposed to lose. The Steelers went on to defeat the London Lords and claimed the Robert James Ferguson Trophy, adding the title National Champions to their newborn club. That same year in 1972, Len Monico was named the NFC Coach of the Year and the Steelers were awarded the Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit. The following year in 1973, Len was awarded the H.P. Broughton Memorial Trophy for Sportsman of the Year and received the Province of Ontario Recognition of Achievement Award. To prove that the Steelers’ achievements in its first year of existence wasn’t a fluke, Len coached his crew to back-to-back NFC Championships in 1975 and 1976, acclaiming once again the title Coach of the Year consecutively. The Steelers continued to perform at an elite level and earned 2nd place in the NFC Championship in 1977. Another football milestone in Len’s life came in 1988 when he was honoured and inducted in the Northern Football Conference Hall of Fame. He continued to coach numerous high schools, including Bawating, Sault Collegiate, and St. Basil’s, as well as the Sault Minor Football Association until he retired from coaching officially in 2002. Accompanying his retirement, Len was the recipient of the Honourable Justice I.A. Vannini Award of Merit.

Accomplishments:
1972 – Head Coach of the Sault Steelers – Canadian Sr. Football National Champions – (Robert James Ferguson Trophy)
1972 – Sault Steelers Sr. Football Team entry into the Northern Football Conference (NFC) – Member of Founding Group
1972, 1975, 1976 – Head Coach of the Sault Steelers – Northern Football Conference Champions
(Donald Plaunt Memorial Trophy)
1972, 1975, 1976 – Northern Football Conference Coach of the Year
1988 – Inducted into the Northern Football Conference Hall of Fame

Michael A. Zuke - Athlete

An interest sparked at an early age can ignite into a powerful flame of passion that can engulf and define an individual’s life. For Mike Zuke that defining flame became gymnastics. His mesmerizing blaze of talent was kindled in the gymnasium of Bawating Collegiate and Vocational School. In his first year at Bawating, Mike was a member of the Junior City Championship Gymnastics Team and from then on the word Champion would be a repeat occurrence in Mike’s life. In 1964, Bawating’s Senior Men’s Gymnastics Team placed 2nd in City competition with Mike finishing 5th overall. That same team went on to capture a NOSSA championship and competed at the Provincial Gymnastic Team Championship Meet. The following year in 1965 at an Invitational Gymnastics Meet, Mike placed 3rd overall and continued to carry his athletic success to the City Meet where both he and his Bawating team captured 2nd place overall finishes. Bawating went on to claim another NOSSA title and Mike improved his standing from the previous year placing 4th overall in the competition. In 1966 the Bawating team clenched its 3rd consecutive NOSSA Championship as Mike topped his performance standing highest on the podium with a 1st place medal around his neck. That same year the team also earned themselves a Provincial Gymnastics Team Championship. His mastery of the art of gymnastics only amplified his accolades in 1967. Mike and his Bawating teammates were crowned champions at an Invitational Gymnastic Meet, at the City Championships and at the NOSSA Championships. Sweeping all the top honours, Mike’s accomplishments for the year of 1967 were not yet complete.

Mike competed in his first National Canadian Winter Games of nearly 2,000 competitors and Mike Zuke was without question a top contender. He earned two silver medals in the high bar and parallel bars events which landed him an overall 4th place finish. He continued to add to his success with an Ontario Individual Meet all around gymnast title, Bawating’s Male Athlete of the Year and a nomination for Sportsman of the Year. With his high school career coming to an end, it was only a matter of time before a University capitalized on Mike’s talents. Northern Michigan University succeeded in attaining Mike as an addition to their club. A freshman on a gymnastics scholarship, Mike embraced being a Wildcat and continued his tradition of being a top scorer in all competitions. His consistent work ethic and winning performance earned him the title of Captain in his first year as a Wildcat. In his sophomore year of 1969 Mike broke the Northern Michigan record for the horizontal bar. He once again continued dominating with several top scorer awards which contributed to numerous team awards as well.

Mike also became the first and only athlete from Northern Michigan to compete in the NCAA Championships, held in California, where he placed 9th in the horizontal bar. In his junior year of 1970, Mike continued to perform at a high caliber and lead Northern Michigan to a successful year of invitational tournaments and season wins. His final year in a Wildcat uniform in 1971, Mike propelled his team to victory, winning top honours yet again. His career at Northern Michigan saw him as the MVP for two years and a top all-around gymnastic for each of his four years. In 1972, Mike continued to participate in gymnastics at an elite level for Lakehead University. He was named top overall athlete at the Western Canada Intercollegiate Gymnastics Championship and also clenched a 5th place overall at the National University Gymnastic Competition in Edmonton. In the spring of 1972 Mike competed in the Senior Men’s Provincial Championships in Kingston and placed 6th overall earning him a spot on Team Ontario which came with an opportunity to compete at the Canadian National Men’s Championships in Calgary. These Championships provided the forum to acquire a spot on the Canadian Olympic training camp team. Only nine gymnasts were chosen for the Olympic training camp and of those nine, three would be chosen to represent Canada in Munich’s 1972 Olympics. Mike fell just shy of the Olympic training camp, placing 10th overall at the Canadian Nationals. Even though Mike’s Olympic dreams were not realized, as he began his new career as a teacher he ignited a
new phase of his life – coaching.

His coaching career began at General Amherst High School where he encouraged expansion to the gymnastics program and lead the team to great successes from 1972-1974. Throughout his years of coaching Mike ensured that his athletes were not over looked. He introduced many of his gymnasts to the head coach of his alma mater, Northern Michigan, aiding them in acquiring gymnastic scholarships. From 1974 to the 1980’s, while coaching at the YMCA, Mike mentored some of the Sault’s best gymnasts. He also became part of a committee to raise money to build “The Sault Gym Club” to further the development of young gymnasts in our community and sat as a Member of Early Board of Directors for the club. A top all-around gymnast at the Local, Provincial and National levels, an enthusiastic, passionate Coach and Builder, Mike Zuke is truly an exceptional and worthy addition to our Sault Ste. Marie Sports Hall of Fame.

Accomplishments:

1966 – 1967 Top All Around Gymnast in Ontario High School Team Gymnastics Championships
1967 – Top All Around Gymnast in Ontario Provincial Individual Gymnastics Championship
1967 – Earned two silver medals and 4th Overall Standing in First National Canadian Winter Games
1967 – 1971 – Athletic Scholarship at Northern Michigan University – Top All Around Gymnast each year
1972 – Top All Around Gymnast in Western Canada Inter-Collegiate Gymnastics Championship
1972 – Tenth place Canadian National Senior Gymnastics Championship (Olympic Trials)

2011 Inductees

Richard Francis - Athlete

In 1979 Rick took his passion for sports to the next level, starting his tremendous career as a Special Olympian. Rick is an unstoppable force whose success is complimented by his relentless training, personal drive, and determination to push himself to the limit. Rick has competed at Provincial Games 12 times, in 5 different sports including 10 pin bowling, swimming, softball,
floor hockey, and curling. Rick also earned his place into the Canada National Games on four separate occasions. However, there is no doubt that Rick’s most prominent sport as an Olympian
is showcased through Nordic skiing. 1994 was the turning point in Rick’s career where he formed a greater enthusiasm for cross-country skiing, a sport in which he would receive tremendous recognition.

His accomplishments include:
• World Winter Games – Three times (Alaska, Canada, Japan)
• Nordic skiing medals in 1997, 2001, 2005 (3 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze)
• 4 Canada National Games— Special Olympics
• 12 Provincial Games—5 different sports
• 1996 – Featured Canadian Special Olympics Athlete in McLean’s Magazine
• 1997 – Canadian Male Athlete of the Year– Special Olympics
• 1997 – City of Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit recipient

Although Rick is now retired as a Special Olympian, he remains an active participant in
sports, playing in a generic 10 pin blowing program and slow-pitch league. Rick
continues to be an avid hockey fan of the Soo Greyhounds, as well as the Carolina
Hurricanes. Rick also continues to be a loyal, dependable and hard working asset to
Leon’s furniture where he has worked for the past 20 years. Rick’s character has truly
shone brightly throughout his city, province and country.

Alan Harnden - Athlete

Alan’s curling career began while he was attending Lakeway Collegiate and Vocational School. From there Al’s passion only grew stronger. He honed and developed his skills throughout his junior career, molding his abilities into perfection. Along with his competitive edge, Al’s dedication and attention to detail is what allowed for him to exhibit brilliant performances on the ice, and have earned him the title of skip for many rinks. When an athlete has as much skill, talent, drive, dedication, and passion as Al does, it is only a matter of time before prestigious levels of competition are reached. For Al, his dreams of competing at the men’s Provincial level were first realized in 1983, where he represented Northern Ontario at the Labatt Brier in Sudbury, Ontario. Since then, he has obtained multiple titles in competitions throughout Canada, giving the City of Sault Ste. Marie a great sense of pride.

His accomplishments include:

• 2007 Northern Ontario Representative at the Brier – Hamilton, ON
• 2005 Northern Ontario Representative at Canadian Seniors – Winnipeg, MB
• 1990 Northern Ontario Representative at the Brier – Sault Ste. Marie, ON
• 1986 Northern Ontario Representative at the Brier – Kitchener, ON
• 1983 Northern Ontario Representative at the Brier – Sudbury, ON

After curling for over 40 years, Al’s love for the game has never subsided. A humble competitor, Al attributes much of his success to the teammate he has had over the years. Further to Al’s curling achievements, his efforts extend beyond the ice. With the experience of competing in over twenty Northern Championships, Al will be chairing the 2012 Northern Ontario Men’s Provincial Curling Championships, hosted in Sault Ste. Marie.

Eric Harnden - Athlete

Eric first entered into the world of curling while he was attending Lakeway Collegiate and Vocational School. From then on Eric immersed himself into the sport, and has never looked back. Curling for the Lakeway Collegiate Men’s team in 1974, Eric’s team captured the Northern Ontario Secondary School Athletes Championship, granting them a berth into the Ontario / Federation of School Athletic Associations Championships. Once again Eric, along side his rink, curled an optimal performance that was unmatched by any other Ontario high school. Capturing his first Provincial gold medal, this was only the beginning for Eric Harnden. Eric continued to dedicate himself to the sport through countless hours of training and practice, which ultimately lead him to much success in the sport of curling. Eric is a respectable, humble competitor and a true asset to our athletic community

His accomplishments include:

• 2011-(Northern Ontario)- World Financial Group Seniors
• 2008 -(Northern Ontario) – Tim Hortons Brier
• 1990 -(Northern Ontario) – Labatt Brier
• 1986 -(Northern Ontario) – Labatt Brier (5th)
• 1983 -(Northern Ontario – Labatt Brier
• 1974 -(NOSSA/OFSAA) Curling Champion

2010 - Not Awarded

2009 Inductees

Jessica Tuomela - Athlete

At a young age Jessica Tuomela was diagnosed by doctors with retinal cancer which spread to both eyes causing permanent blindness. But being blind didn’t hold Jessica back from doing what she loved to do, swim. Jessica’s strong perseverance and conviction never ceased to fail in the pursuit of her dreams. Beginning her swimming career as a young adolescent, Jessica was a superstar right from the starting blocks. Her admirable career began at the 2000 Paralympics Games in Sydney, Australia where she earned herself a silver medal in the 50 meter freestyle. Since then, Jessica has gone on to exceed even the highest of expectations and is now recognized us as one of Sault Ste. Marie’s most decorated athletes.

Her accomplishments include:

• 2007 ParaPanAm Games Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 2 gold, 2 silver
• 2006 USA Games Baltimore, Maryland – 6 gold medals
• 2006 Inducted into Sault Ste. Marie Walk of Fame
• 2006 Belgian Paralympic Championships – 2 gold, 1 silver
• Paralympics Games – Sydney, Australia [silver (2000)] / Athens, Greece [4th, 5th,
7th (2004)] / Beijing, China [Finalist (2008)]
• Set 5 Canadian swim records in her discipline – S11
• 1998 International “Yes I Can” award for Athletes with Disabilities

Brigitte Acton - Athlete

Brigitte Acton’s passion for skiing blossomed at a young age. Ever since she was a little girl skiing was a part of her life. Many of her earliest memories as a young skier were formed at the local Searchmont Resort. Following in the footsteps of her parents, Diane and Gord, former members of the National Ski Team, Brigitte strives to be the best and make them proud. One major inspiration
that drove her passion and determination was the sight of the 1972 Winter Olympic Games flag at her mother’s performance in Sapporo, Japan. Brigitte decided at that moment that she was going to compete in her own Winter Olympics. Every great champion must have a starting point to their brilliant career and Brigitte’s first major triumph came at the 2000 Canadian Alpine Juvenile Championships, where she received gold for the overall Champion.

Her accomplishments include:

• 2006 Torino Olympics Games – 10th Combined, 11th Giant Slalom, 17th Slalom
• World Junior Championship – 2nd in Giant Slalom 2005, 2nd in Super, Giant
Slalom 2003
• 2005 World Cup Combined – 10th San Sicario Italy
• 2005 World Championships Santa Caterina, Italy – 12th Combined
• 2006 Canadian National Championships – Whistler 1st in Slalom
• NorAm Cup – Gold – Overall Champion 2003& 2005, Gold – Slalom Title 2005,
Gold – Giant Slalom Title 2004, Gold – Super G Title 2003
• 2002 & 2003 Pontiac Cup – Gold – Overall Champion 2002 & 2003
• 2000 Canadian Alpine Juvenile – Gold – Overall Champion

Brigitte plans to better her Olympic performance and is currently training for the 2010
Vancouver Olympic Games. We know she will represent Canada and Sault Ste. Marie
admirably.

Clive Wilkinson - Coach/Builder

Clive Wilkinson’s skill and tireless dedication to the sport of soccer is undeniable. With a career in Canadian soccer spanning fifty years, he is recognized locally, provincially and nationally for his unswerving commitment to player, coach and referee development. With such a tremendous influence on the sport, he has been instrumental in building soccer for our community, as well as provincially and nationally, to the level it is today. For his outstanding contributions to soccer, Clive has been publicly recognized by the province of Ontario for 40 years of volunteer service to youth in 2002. As a life member of both the Sault Amateur Soccer Association and the Ontario Soccer Association, Clive shows us that he is entirely committed to enhancing the sport of soccer. He unselfishly
volunteers his time and talent to support the dreams of his players and ensure their success.

His accomplishments include:

• 1978 – present Ontario Soccer Association Coaching Instructor
• 1994 – 2002 Chair of the OSA and CSA Coaching Committee
• President of Sault Amateur Soccer Association (2 terms) and Vice President of
the OSA
• President and founding member of Sault Soccer Coaches Association
• Chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Indoor Soccer Facility Committee
• Life member of both the SASA and the OSA
• 2002 Province of Ontario Volunteer Award for 40 years of Volunteer Service to
Youth
• Initiated the development of interactive computer programs such as i-Coach that
help in the development of youth, referees and coaches

Steve Beaupre - Athlete

Considered to be one of Canada’s premier boxers, Steve Beaupre is the epitome of a true fighter both in and out of the ring. A role model for all those facing challenges and chasing a dream, Steve is truly an inspiration. His athletic career was both successful and enviable. He is one of only five boxers to win Canadian Senior Boxing Titles is three different weight divisions, winning numerous championships both provincially and nationally. Most impressively, Steve did not lose to another Canadian boxer for almost seven years, from the fall of 1980 to the spring of 1987. Once inspired by Olympians like Sugar Ray Leonard, Steve inspires us to follow by his example in working tirelessly to become one’s best self. His determination, persistence, talent and exemplary career as a boxer make him someone to truly admire.

His accomplishments include:

• 1979 – 1983 & 1991 Six Provincial Titles
• 1981 – 1987 & 1991 Eight time Canadian Champion
• Highest Provincial and National Accomplishments – 110 Wins 21 Losses
• 1984 Attended Olympic Training Camp
• 1985 Australian Games – Silver
• 1986 Tammers Tournament – Finland – Silver
• 1986 Acropolis Cup – Greece
• 1986 Quarter-Finalist World Amateurs Boxing Championships
• 1986 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist – Flyweight Edinburg, Scotland

2008 Inductee

Tom Coulterman - Coach

Tom Coulterman has dedicated his life to the development of curling in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, the province of Ontario, in Canada, as well as in Europe. His commitment to the sport of curling is evident in the successes of all who have had to pleasure of being coached by him. His career’s accomplishments are both plentiful and admirable. He has had the pleasure of coaching numerous city, NOSSA and OFSSA champions. In 1992, Tom coached the women’s bantam curling team to a silver medal standing at the Canadian Curling Championship. Between 1996 and 2008, Tom was the national coach and team leader for the Canadian Junior Men’s Curling team at the World Junior Championship. In those exciting years, Tom and his teams won an impressive 8 gold medal and 2 bronze medals for their extraordinary efforts. But of all these accomplishments, if you were to ask Tom what the highlight of his coaching career was, he would say it was coaching his
daughter Tara to a silver medal at the Canadian Junior Women’s Curling Championship.

His accomplishments include:

• Canadian Curling Association Coach
• Canadian Men’s Junior Champions at the World Tournament for over the last twelve
years to present winning seven Gold Medals
• 2006/07 Ontario Champion, Scott Tournament of Hearts
• 1992 Silver Medal, Canadian Junior Women’s Curling Championship
• Facilitated, at the Canadian and International Level, “high performance” Training
Camps across Canada and Europe
• 1980 O.F.F.S.A. Women’s Curling Champions

2007 Inductees

Art Jennings - Coach/Builder

Art Jennings epitomizes the qualities of both a builder and a coach. Art has unselfishly given of his time and talents to ensure that the young people of our community have an outlet to compete, to hone their athletic ability and to become healthy, contributing adults. He has been a builder and a coach since 1951, starting with the senior baseball league, the junior baseball league, and with the Sault Speedskating Club. He has juggled his many volunteer commitments, all the while acting as a builder and coach in his personal time. In 1960, he started the Junior Baseball League in Sault Ste. Marie. He solicited sponsorship from businesses so that no player had to pay. Through his tireless efforts, during the 10 years that the league was active, the only money that the players had to put in themselves was 2 dollars in the final year of play. He was always much more than a coach. He was a promoter, doctor, skate mechanic, driver, fund raiser, agent, mentor and most important, a friend.

His accomplishments include:

• 1968 George Wallace Trophy
• Founding member and manager/coach of Sault Speed Skating Club for over 30
years
• 1985 City of Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit Award
• 1994 Ontario Speed Skating Coach of the Year Award
• Two-time winner of the Ontario Speed Skating Association Award of Excellence
• 1997 Ontario Government Special Achievement Award
• 25 Years as President of the S.S.M. Speed Skating Club
• Olympic Speed Skating Coach
• 2000 “The Art Jennings Speed Skating Oval” dedication

Harvey Arcangeletti - Athlete

The walls of the Arcangeletti living room attest to the athletic accomplishments spanning three decades of Harvey, the youngest member of the family. There are medals, ribbons and plaques encased in glass, numerous photographs of him competing at national and international events, and those especially prized honours recognizing his contributions nationally, provincially and in his home city. For this multitalented athlete, who has been recognized in floor hockey, ice hockey, baseball and swimming, it would be in track and field that he excelled. He did best in sprint events like the 100, 200 and 400m races, as well as with the team relay. He was a member of the 4×4 relay team that captured gold in Vancouver, and he also set Provincial and Canadian records in the 200m individual race.

His accomplishments include:

• Recognition for his athleticism in Track & Field, Floor Hockey, Baseball,
Swimming, & Ice Hockey
• Canadian and Ontario Special Olympic Athlete of the Year
• 1994 – 2005 National and International Track & Field Special Olympian –
Multiple Gold Medal Winner
• 1996 Ontario All-Round Athlete of the Year

2006 Inductees

Jim Kramer - Athlete

Jim Kramer is undeniably one of the greatest bowlers to have ever come from the Sault. He has represented Sault Ste. Marie at local, provincial, national and international levels, always making those back in his hometown proud. His bowling record speaks for itself. He was the provincial Masters champion in 1965, a Canadian team member at the World Championships held in Sweden in 1967, and he competed against the best bowlers in the world at the International 10-pin Masters bowling final, held in Guadalajara, Mexico. In order to qualify for the international meet in Mexico, he had to first beat Canada’s best at the Canadian Masters meet held in Winnipeg earlier that same year. At the World Championships, Jim finished first after preliminary play, pitting him against 3 other competitors for the title. He ended up finishing second overall, solidifying his legacy of being one of the best bowlers in the world.

His accomplishments include:

• 1960 Second Place at the Canadian Masters Championships
• 1962 Canadian Masters Champion
• 1966 ABC Team Champions in Rochester, NY (Sault Team Captain)
• 1967 Canadian World Team Participant in Malmo, Sweden
• 1968 Second Place at the World Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico
• 1968 Sault Sportsman of the Year

Andrew Grigg - Athlete

Andrew Grigg is a natural born athlete. As a child, Andrew attended Greenwood Elementary School and excelled at every sport that he tried. During childhood football games with his brothers and with schoolmates Andrew demonstrated a very natural ability to play the game of football. Upon entering high school, he joined the Bawating Braves’ football team where he won numerous Outstanding Player awards, and as the starting quarterback led his senior team to the 1989 NOSSA Championship. His athletic success foreshadowed an even more successful future. Andrew went on to excel, playing for the University of Ottawa Gee Gees where he was named league all-star. Upon completion at the University of Ottawa, Andrew came back to the Sault and played one season as a member of the Sault Storm. During this season with the Storm, Andrew was awarded league rookie of the year, and was named to the All-Canadian University Football Team. After this single season in the OFC, Andrew was invited to try out with the Canadian Football League’s Hamilton Tiger Cats, who he later played for eight
years.

His accomplishments include:

• 1994 to 2002 46 Games Played in the Canadian Football League, 6th All Time
Receiving Yards for the Hamilton Tiger Cats, and 2nd All Time in Average Yards
per Catch for the Hamilton Tiger Cats
• 1999 Grey Cup Champion as a member of the Hamilton Tiger Cats
• 1999 & 2001 CFL Divisional All Star
• 2001 Nominated as Most Outstanding Canadian in the CFL

2005 Inductees

Norm Casola - Athlete

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Norman Casola is remembered as a “guy who gave it all” both on and off the field. Norm Casola’s life was taken away at the very young age of 29 from cancer, on September 20, 1998. He started his football legacy here in his hometown at the high school level, being part of both the Lakeway and Bawating rosters. Although he was never a stand out player in high school, he went on to exceed all his peers’ expectations and played at the University level as a Windsor Lancer and later for the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts. He had continued success by pushing himself to the limit, and was always known as an overachiever. He was well respected by his teammates, coaches, opposing players, family and friends.

His accomplishments include:

• Named Rookie of the Year at the University of Windsor.
• 1992/93 Part of the OUA All Star Team for two consecutive years
• 1994 Drafted in the sixth-round by the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts where
he was one of two rookies who played in all 18 of the regular season
games
• Played in CFL as a Toronto Argonaut for 4 consecutive years as a running
back and a receiver
• Named Special Team’s Captain for the Toronto Argonauts
• 1996/97 Won two consecutive Grey Cup championships while battling
cancer

Jennifer Fratesi - Athlete

Jennifer Fratesi is a young woman who is the perfect example of how hard work and dedication pays off in the end. Jennifer started swimming at the age of six, right here in her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, swimming with the Sault Ste. Marie Aquatic Club where she worked hard and was dedicated to her sport. Jennifer established herself among Canada’s top international swimmers at the 2001 World Aquatic Championships where she set a Canadian record for the women’s 200-metre backstroke shattering the previous record by one full second. Shortly after she was named Canada’s Female Swimmer of the Year. Since her appearance at the World Aquatic Championship, Jennifer has continued to solidify her performance as an international swimmer and will settle for nothing less than a medal at every meet she attends.

Her accomplishments include:

• 1998 Received a gold medal, two silver medals and a bronze medal at the Youth
Championships in Sherbrooke, PQ
• 1999 Represented Canada at the World Cup in Washington, D.C., USA, received
a bronze medal at the World Cup II in Edmonton, AB, and received four gold
medals at the Youth Championships in Victoria, BC
• 2000 Received a gold and bronze medal at the World Cup III, in Edmonton, AB,
achieved a silver and bronze medal at the Sears I Canada Swim Summer
Nationals, in Winnipeg, MB, received a silver medal at the Maritime Life
Olympic Trials, in Montreal, PQ, and received a gold medal at the Spring
Nationals in Etobicoke, ON
• 2001 Received three Silver medals and a gold medal at the Sydney Youth
Olympic Festival, attended World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka, Japan
where she set a Canadian record for the 200m back stroke
• 2002 Received a bronze medal at the Pan Pacific Championships in Yokohama,
Japan
• 2003 Received a silver medal at the US Open Championship, a gold medal, and
two bronze medals at the World Aquatics Championships Trial in Victoria, BC,
two silver medals at the Canada Cup in Calgary, AB and received a gold medal
and a bronze medal at the Canadian Open in Quebec
• 2004 Received a bronze medal at the Santa Clara Invitational Swim Meet, and
represented Canada at the summer Olympics in Athens, Greece

Stephen Nolan - Athlete

Stephen Nolan was born, raised and educated in Sault Ste. Marie. His father Frank Nolan, was his coach and was recognized as one of the best amateur boxing coaches in North America. In 1973, at the young age of 13, Steve won his first silver medal in the Canadian Championships. In 1976 he was nominated by local sports media and was awarded the prestigious H.P. Broughton Trophy, which recognizes the Sault Ste. Marie Sports Person of the Year. Internationally, Stephen received four gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals.

His accomplishments include:

• 1973 & 1974 Received a silver medal at the Canadian Junior Olympic
Championship at the young age of 13
• 1975 Received a bronze medal at the Canadian Winter Games
• 1976 Named the North American Intermediate Champion and was
awarded the H.P Broughton Trophy
• 1978 Member of the Canadian Commonwealth Games “B” Team
• 1980 Selected to represent Canada at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow and
participated in Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia
• 1977, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83 Gold Medalist at Canadian Senior Championships
• 1983 Pan Am Games in Caracas, Venezuela
• 1984 & 1985 Silver medalist at the Canadian Senior Championships
• Represented Canada at the Canada Vs. USA Tournament in Florida,
where he was ranked second in the world
• Turned professional and had five (5) Pro Fights with a record of three (3)
wins and two (2) losses

Guy Martin Vetrie Jr. - Coach

A coach must be willing to give freely of his time, his money, his energy, his youth, his family life and his health. In return, he must expect little financial reward, little comfort on earth, little privacy, little praise but plenty of criticism. A good coach is respected in his community, is a leader in his school, and is loved by his team. He has the satisfaction of seeing youth develop and improve in ability. He learns the thrill of victory and how to accept defeat with grace. In his heart he knows that, in spite of the inconveniences, the criticisms, and the demands on his time, he loves his profession. Sault native Guy Vetrie embodied all of the qualities that a first class coach should have. Looking over the life of Guy Vetrie it is impossible to deny that he was a great basketball coach. He was statistically successful wherever he went, but the knowledge and advice that many of his peers remember has nothing to do with basketball. They remember life lessons and moments where Guy’s intensity and demand pushed them to a higher level.

His accomplishments include:

• 1975-1976 Assistant Coach at Laurentian University
• 1977-1979 Saskatchewan Provincial Elite Coach
• 1979-1988 Head Coach at the University of Saskatchewan
• 1988 Received Coaching Association of Canada Award
• 1989-1991 Senior National Team Assistant Coach
• 1991 Head Coach of the Senior B National Team
• 1996-1997 Coached the University of Victoria Vikes to Canada West and CIS
National Championship
• 1997 & 2001 Represented the USA at the National Golden Gloves Tournament in
Jones Cup
• 1989-2004 Head Coach of the University of Victoria Vikes Men’s Basketball
Team
• 485 Career Wins
• Six Time Canada West Coach of the Year
• Twelve Years of hosting the Guy Vetrie Summer Basketball Camp in Sault Ste.
Marie

2004 Inductees

Rocky Di Pietro - Athlete

Rocky Di Pietro began making headlines on the sports pages of local newspapers as a standout football and basketball star at Collegiate in the early 1970’s and continued to excel in football in the university ranks with the Ottawa Gee-Gees. He went on to play with the Sault Steelers in the summer months of his university days and finally to the Tiger Cats, where he shattered several Northern Football League records records. He was inducted in the CFL Hall of Fame in 1997.

His accomplishments include:

1978 – 1991 Played his entire professional career with the Tiger Cats,
fourteen consecutive seasons as a slot back and a wide receiver
• Set the following Tiger Cats records:
• 1978 – 1991 204 Games Played
• 1978 – 1991 706 Career Receptions
• 1978 – 1991 45 Career Receiving Touchdowns
• 1978 – 1991 9,762 Receiving Yards
• 1982 85 Single Season Receptions
• Awarded the All-Eastern All-Star title four times, in 1981, 82, 86 and 89,
the Most Outstanding Canadian in 82 and 89 and was the Lew Hayman
Trophy winner in 82, 86 and 89
• 1986 Played in four Grey Cup games and won the Championship
• 1997 C.F.L. Hall of Fame
• Rocky Di Pietro Field, the football field where his career began, was
dedicated in his name

John Mealey - Athlete

John Mealey began his skiing career at the early age of two on the slopes of Landslide. John’s entire family were skiers and he remembers being towed on skis to school in the winter behind his dad’s car. When he got older, he joined the Soo Ski Runners Team, of which his dad was the coach, and practiced at Searchmont. In 1983, he won the slalom race at the Canadian Juvenile Ski Championships and gained the recognition he needed to make the Canadian National Alpine Ski Team. John competed around the world representing his country and his hometown always wearing a helmet with the letters “S O O” painted on one side.

His accomplishments include:

• Current Chairman Alpine Ontario
• 1994 Canadian Downhill Champion in Lake Louise, Alberta
• 1990 – 1994 Sixteen Top Twenty Finishes in World Cup Races
• Late 80’s – Mid 90’s Numerous Podium Finishes in Europa Cup and
Nor-Am Cup Races
• 1983 Slalom Gold Medalist Canadian Juvenile Ski Championships
• Three-time participant in the “24 hours of Aspen” endurance downhill
race where skiers from all over the world compete for the unofficial title of
“world’s toughest skier” and raise money for charity

Frank Nolan Sr. - Coach

Frank Nolan Sr. began his boxing career with the Sault Ste. Marie Boxing Club as an accomplished boxer under the tutelage of Tupper Toombs. As an athlete, he competed in over forty fights and his success didn’t stop there. He was also dedicated coach of the Soo’s boxing club, which became regarded as one of the best in North America under Frank’s guidance. As he became more and more experienced and successful as a coach, his influence grew beyond his hometown. Frank was an athlete first and, for this reason he had the ability to inspire and relate to his pupils on various levels. He was a tireless motivator and skilled teacher of the sport.

His accomplishments include:

• 1973 – 1975 Coached Team Ontario at the National Junior Olympics
• 1976 Led the province’s team at the National Intermediate
Championships
• 1980 Head Coach of Canadian Olympic Team
• 1979 Head Coach of Tournament in East Berlin, Germany
• 1978 Head Coach Commonwealth Games
• 1978 – 1982 Head Coach Canadian National Team, as well as continuing
to coach the Ontario team
• 1978 Sault Ste. Marie Coach of the Year
• 1977 Sault Ste. Marie Sportsman of the Year

Raymond Smillie - Athlete

Raymond Smillie came from an athletic family. As a member of the Toronto YMCA he was an avid gymnast, competing in the high bar, pammel horse and tumbling events. As part of the Argonaut’s junior rowing team he held the bow position. And in 1919 he won the gold medal at the Ontario Swimming Championships in the twenty yard sprint. He also played football, tennis and golf. Ray’s next endeavor into sports was a very successful career in boxing. In 1925, his first competitive year, he won the Ontario Championship and then advanced to the National Championships where he again won gold.

His accomplishments include:

• 1925 Canadian Amateur Welterweight Boxing Champion
• Silver Medalist Pan-American match Boston
• Lion’s Club Cup
• 1927 New England Title and Ontario Title
• 1925 Ontario Amateur Welterweight Boxing Champion
• 1928 Olympic trials in Montreal – qualified for the 1928 Summer
Olympics in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
• 1928 Olympic Bronze Medalist Amsterdam Olympics
• Refereed over 2,000 fights throughout the 1930’s
• Lieutenant Officer Canadian Navy, World War Two
• Founder of Sault Ste. Marie Naval Vets

2003 Inductees

Kenny Casola - Athlete

In a boxing career spanning seven years and nearly 100 fights with only 27 losses, Sault Ste. Marie’s Kenny Casola became a notable amateur boxer at home and Nation wide. He was recognized by fellow athletes and fans as a real contender in both National and International Boxing. It became clear early on that Kenny was going have a great career, when in 1977 he won The Golden Gloves Championship in his weight class after only two rounds. He continued to bring great honour and recognition to the Soo Boxing Club.

His accomplishments include:

• 1976 Junior Olympics Provincial Silver Championship-Silver Medal
• 1978 Milwaukee Golden Gloves Championship Runner Up
• 1978 International Competition – Cranbrook B.C. – Ontario Golden Glove
Champion.
• 1978 Bronze Medal, New Zealand’s Summer Games
• 1978 Bronze Medal, Acropolis Greece
• 1978 New York State Runner Up-Golden Gloves
• 1980 Ontario Championship Silver Medal, Mini Olympics Africa

Karl Hult - Athlete

In powerlifting there are three movements at which the ‘pure’ strength from the participant is
tested; the squat, the bench press and the deadlift. The sport, which requires extreme dedication, was adopted locally in 1972 after the International Olympic Committee added the sport to the 1976 Summer Games. Karl Hult was one of the original members of the Soo’s first powerlifting club. By the end of 1979, Karl was ranked 8th in the world, lifting an overall total of 1, 707 lbs. at the Ontario Powerlifting Champs. He was recognized nationally when he was awarded the National Achievement Award for his distinguished performance in the field of amateur sport.

His accomplishments include:

• Set a Canadian record benchpressing 425 lbs. in the 242 lbs. weight class at the Northern
Ontario Championships. At 220 lbs., he set new Canadian records lifting 558 lbs. in
squat and benchpressing 430 lbs.
• Member of the Canadian Powerlifting Team and competed at the World Powerlifting
Championships: Quebec City, Canada 1974; York, Pennsylvania, USA 1976; Turku,
Finland 1978; Dayton, Ohio, USA 1979; Norway 1986; and Hamilton, Canada 1993.
• 1996 Canadian Record at the Masters Bench Press Championships in Leduc, AB,
Windsor, N.S., and Cornwall, ON
• 1998 Canadian Record at the Masters Bench Press Championships in Guelph and
Kitchener, ON

Bruno Ochman - Athlete

Bruno’s wrestling career took off in 1956 at the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Bruno won gold in his division and was awarded the honour of representing his country in the Summer Olympics later that year in Melbourne, Australia. Bruno was an exceptional athlete in his day, and his achievements demonstrate the very best of an amateur’s career. He not only represented Canada, but also his community at a level of athletic excellence deserving of celebration.

His accomplishments include:

• 1956 Canadian Amateur Wrestling Champion
• 1956 Olympics in Melbourne Australia.
• 1959 Canadian Wrestling Champion.
• 1959 Silver Medal at the Pan Am Games
• 1960 H.P. Broughton Memorial Trophy recipient.
• Fourth Recipient of the Sault Ste. Marie Sportsperson of the Year

Russ Ramsay - Builder

Russ Ramsay was a leader in local sport broadcasting who tirelessly highlighted and promoted every sport in our city. He was a good will ambassador who strived for excellence and always made time for the people in Sault Ste. Marie, especially for our sports community. He was recognized as a local sports historian and for his enormous pride in our community and its athletes. He also organized, coached and managed a multitude of recreational teams, including hockey, softball, basketball and volleyball.

His accomplishments include:

• 1993 For his service as executive vice-president and general manager of the Industrial Accident Prevention Association , his dedication to improving the quality of life in work places and communities and his many years as the City’s representative at Queen’s Park, he was awarded with Canada’s most prestigious and highest honour, the Governor General’s Order of Canada
• 1977 Medal of Merit, the City’s highest award for a major contribution to the
community
• 1973 Inducted into Sault Ste. Marie Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder
• Established the Rotary Russ Ramsay High School Sports Hall of Fame award and
was the first inductee
• President and Manager of the senior Greyhounds
• 1975 Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame
• 1952 – 1969 Single-handedly initiated, organized and managed the Rotary Sports
Celebrity Dinners
• Organized, coached and managed recreational sports teams: hockey, softball,
basketball, and volleyball
• 1967 Citizen of the Year Award by B’nai B’rith
• Created a high school B’nai B’rith award, which goes to the male student who best
combines athletic ability and academics

Romi Kanjo Rinas - Athlete

Judo develops self-discipline and respect for oneself and others. It provides the means for learning self-confidence, concentration and leadership as well as physical coordination, power and flexibility. In 1972, Judo attracted the attention of Soo native Romi Kanjo Rinas. An enthusiastic and active participant in the Judo club at the local YMCA, Romi was a student and a well recognized and awarded competitor. In February 1976, 15-year-old Romi claimed victory at the Ontario Winter games, winning the gold medal in the women’s under 121 pounds class and bringing great honour and recognition to Sault Ste. Marie.

Her accomplishments include:

• 1977 Canadian Judo Championship – Silver Medal
• 1977 Canadian Judo Championship – Bronze Medal
• 1978 Canadian Judo Championships – Gold Medal
• 1979 Highest degree Black Belt – Shodan

2002 Inductees

Joe Brunette - Boxing

In the 1940’s and 1950’s 4000 people gathered in the Sault Memorial Gardens to watch Joe Brunette and fellow boxers of the Soo Boxing Club. The sport of boxing peaked in the 1950’s, an era when boxing cards were a weekly event and rivalries between the Sault and Sudbury were heavy. Competitors also came from as far away as Detroit, Pontiac, Grand Rapids, Escanaba and Manistique: Joe Brunette was one of the Sault’s greatest boxers, known for his smooth drive and terrific follow-up.

His Accomplishments include:

• 1948 Outstanding Boxer of Sault Ste. Marie
• Reputed to be the most televised Canadian amateur boxer
• 1949 Wisconsin State Golden Glove Champion
• Central Flyweight Champion in the Olympic Trials
• Wisconsin State Golden Glove Title
• 1949 United States Bantam Weight Boxing Champion – New York
• Central Ontario title holder

Wayne Dustin - Cross- Country Skiing

1928 marked the first year Canadian skiers participated in the Winter Olympics, marking the first appearance of North American ski teams. Since that first Winter Olympics in 1928, Canada has produced many well-known cross-country athletes. The Sault Ste. Marie Sports Hall of Fame has honoured one of those athletes: Wayne Dustin. Wayne was first introduced to cross-country skiing when his parents (Stan and Kitty Dustin) brought him out on family ski outings at the age of six. Wayne didn’t start competitive skiing until age eight. Before excelling at skiing, Wayne was known for his long distance running accomplishments, claiming Sault Ste. Marie’s highest ever finish at OFSSA in 1980.

His Accomplishments include:

• 1981 – 1993 Twelve year member of Canadian Cross-Country Ski Team
• 1981/82/84 National Junior Aggregate Champion at Canadian Junior
Championship
• 1983 Competed at Nordic World Championship
• 1983 Member of Ontario Team at Canada Winter Games
• 1985/87/89/91/93 Raced in five consecutive Nordic World Championships
• Eleven Medals at Canadian Senior Championships
• 1988 Competed in 30 km and 50 km races at XV Winter Olympics,
Calgary
• While on the National Team he was a three-time Canadian Junior
Champion

Pamela Giangualano - Figure Skating

Pam began skating at the age of two and quickly realized her passion and enthusiasm for figure skating. As a student at Lakeway Collegiate in Sault Ste. Marie, Pam worked exceptionally hard keeping up with her schoolwork while pursuing a figure skating career at the Sault Figure Skating Club. Pam was known for her power and natural spinning rotation, putting her among the top of the “trick list” in Canadian woman’s skating. At the young age of 16, she was considered one of Northern Ontario’s finest skaters.

Her accomplishments include:

• 1983 Novice Ladies Championship of Canada – Second
• 1985 Sugar Citerium Tours, France – Fifth
• 1986 Junior Ladies Championship of Canada – First
• 1986 Grand Prix St. Gervais, France – Second
• 1986 Nebelhorn Trophy Oberstdorf – Fifth
• 1986 Skate America Portland, Maine USA – Eighth
• Moscow Skate Russia – Fourth

Kevin Scott - Speed Skating

The Canadian long track team has had excellent performances at the world level. Their success picked up in 1994 when Kevin Scott of Sault Ste. Marie broke the eleven-year world record for the 1000 metre event during the Canadian Sprint Championship and then the gold medal in the 1000 metre at the World Sprint Championship in Milwaukee in 1994. Kevin Scott was long considered one of the best 1000 metre skaters in Canada and these performances put him among the top in the world.

His accomplishments include:

• 1992 Winter Olympics – France
• 1993 World Record 1000 m Calgary
• 1994 Olympics Norway
• 1994 Gold Medal World Championships
• 1994 Gold Medal World Cup
• 1995 Speed Skating Hall of Fame, Canada and represented Canada at
three consecutive World Junior Championships

Darren Zack - Baseball

Darren began his baseball career pitching for the Garden River Braves. Darren is known for his outstanding abilities, his commitment to the sport and is one of the most recognizable softball players and ace pitchers in the country. He is recognized for his sportsmanship and is a proven international athlete who has never forgotten his responsibilities as a role model for Aboriginal people, both young and old.

His accomplishments include:

• 1995 Recipient of H.P. Broughton Award – Sportsman of the Year
• 2000 Tom Longboat Award at the 27
th Annual Canadian Sports Awards
• 1997 National Aboriginal Achievement Award for his contribution to
sports
• Canadian National Team member for the past twelve years
• 1991 & 1995 Pitcher of the Pan American Gold
• 1992 Member of the Canadian National Silver Winning Team
• 1993 & 1995 Lead the Toronto Gators to the International Softball
Congress World Championships
• Has broke and re-broke the personal strikeout records for tournaments
• Has won the Outstanding Pitcher Award 3 times, most recognizably at the
International Softball Congress World Championships in Sioux City, Iowa

Sports Hall of Fame