The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education was recently host to the 34th annual University of Toronto Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Established in 1987, the event celebrates outstanding athletes, teams and builders, who have contributed to athletic excellence at U of T.
This year, 13 individual athletes and six teams were inducted for their outstanding achievements and contributions to athletics.
“I am very proud to be part of an institution that provides an inclusive, supportive and encouraging framework for such athletic accomplishments,” said Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of KPE, in her welcoming remarks.
Kerr also paid tribute to Beth Ali, executive director of athletics and physical activity at U of T, who recently made the decision to retire from her position.
“Beth leaves a legacy of impact across Ontario University Athletics, University SPORTS, and throughout the Canadian sport landscape,” said Kerr to applause, adding that two other titans of the U of T sport community had announced their retirement: Paul Carson, who was chair of the U of T Sports Hall of Fame selection committee for several decades, and Rick Kollins, an alum of the football program, who was involved with the athletics program for over sixty years.
“We thank Beth, Paul and Rick – from the bottom of our hearts – for all that they’ve done to advance our mission and the student and alumni experience at U of T,” said Kerr.
Recent U of T graduate and reigning OUA women’s swimmer of the year, Ainsley McMurray, took to the stage next to say a few words. McMurray said her successes in the swimming pool and outside would not have been possible without the support of the swimming community and coaches, Byron MacDonald and Linda Kiefer. She also reflected on the significance of the U of T Sports Hall of Fame.
“I remember having a pretty good run at a race and the first thing my father asked me was if I thought I did well enough to be inducted into the U of T Sports Hall of Fame,” she said to laughter. “Unlike races, where you’re competing against other athletes, HOF is a celebration of the successes of all the inductees.
“It’s an honour to stand among you tonight.”
The first athlete inductee to be called up on stage was Katie Godfrey, a three-time OUA all-star, who completed her honour’s bachelor of science while excelling in lacrosse at U of T. Godfrey was also the first to elaborate on what would become the theme of the evening – that individual athletic successes would not be possible without the whole team and the coaches all pulling together as one.
“I’m so proud of what we accomplished together,” she said, adding that the camaraderie and teamwork she experienced with the team on the field translated into her personal life, making her a better friend, partner and leader. “I dedicate this honour to the team.”
Godrey’s teammate Angela Marrocco was captain of the lacrosse team in the 2000 and 2001 season. She completed her medical degree in 2003 and her PGMT in 2006, all while excelling on the field. Describing her four years at U of T as unforgettable, she said the friendships she made on the lacrosse team had stood the test of time.
Swimming alumnus Ron Watson graduated from U of T with a bachelor of physical health and education in 1994. A four time all-Canadian and five time all-star, Watson said that with age, you begin to realize the importance of family, and for an athlete, their team and coaches are like family.
“Your family drives you to practices, your friends cheer you on, and your teammates and coaches push you forward,” he said. “Thank you to U of T for hiring Byron and Linda, the most remarkable coaches bar none.”
Watson swam on the inducted 1991-92 men’s swimming team, which won the CIAU national championship that year. Speaking on behalf of the team was Mike Rollason, who talked about the ripple effect of being on a championship team.
“We went from being teammates in the pool to becoming lifelong friends spanning decades,” he said, adding that the common denominator to the successes and camaraderie of both the men’s and women’s swim teams over the years were their coaches - MacDonald and Kiefer.
Andrea Papamandjaris, who graduated with a bachelor of science from Trinity College in 1993, also swam for the Blues and praised the U of T swimming coaches for creating such a close-knit community. She was joined on stage by the inducted 1992-93 women’s swimming team, who were the CIAU champions that year.
Speaking on behalf of the team was the former minister of environment and climate change Catherine McKenna, who was captain of the team at the time. Reflecting on the competitiveness between the men’s and women’s swim team, McKenna conceded that the men’s team won 19 titles vs. the 15 won by the women’s team, but she added, half-jokingly, that the women’s team would have won 27 titles if they had started when the men’s team did.
Like other inductees before and after her, McKenna spoke of the magic of a close-knit team and inspiring coaches.
“I asked Byron once, what’s the magic of a good team, and he said that being on a team is recognizing the potential of everyone,” she said. “It’s the same in life, you want to be surrounded by great people doing amazing things that you can’t do on your own.”
Rounding off her speech, McKenna spoke about the lasting friendships and new connections made across generations of Varsity Blues athletes such as the one made just recently between her and McMurray, who graduated from U of T with a master’s degree in environmental science.
One after the other, individual athletes, teams and builders got up on stage to receive their certificates and reminisce about their days of representing the university. Among them:
Karlene Headley-Cooper, a multi-sport athlete and three-time graduate from U of T, who was a key member of the Varsity Blues fastpitch and squash teams.
Isabel Jarosz, a tennis standout, who graduated with an honour’s bachelor of science from New College in 2008 and a bachelor of education in 2012.
The 2004-07 women’s tennis team, who claimed OUA titles in four consecutive seasons, and also had many words of praise for their head coach Nabil Tadros.
Rory Hunter, a 1982 bachelor of science from Trinity College and 1986 dentistry grad, who served as a team captain during a five-year stretch where U of T claimed five consecutive OUAA team championships.
Don Steele, a 1971 graduate from Victoria College, who contributed to the Varsity Blues tennis legacy as both athlete and coach.
The 1979-83 men’s tennis team, which captured five consecutive provincial championship titles between 1979 and 1983.
Jim Ware, who played a crucial role in the university’s first Vanier Cup victory in 1965 and led the team to a Yates Cup triumph in 1967 as co-captain of the team. Ware had an impact beyond the field, too, becoming the founding president of the Friend of Football in 1993 and spearheading efforts to secure nearly one million dollars in endowments to save the football program.
The Right Honourable Sir William Mulock, who served as vice chancellor and chancellor of U of T over a span of 63 years, was inducted posthumously. He served as team captain and organizer of the first documented football game at U of T in November of 1861, supported university funding for athletic programs and donated the Mulock Cup for intramural competition in 1984.
The 1920-24 men’s rowing team, who were the silver medalists at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games exactly 100 years ago.
Rosana Kelly was inducted posthumously. A 1950 graduate and avid basketball player, she contributed in two championships in 1949 and 1950.
Vanessa Nobrega, a key member of the Varsity Blues women’s basketball team, who graduated with a commerce degree in 2004. Nobrega helped lead the Blues to the 2002 OUA championship title.
Michele Belanger, who guided the Blues’ women’s basketball program for 41 years, was inducted as a builder. Belanger coached in 1358 games, recording 845 wins and guided the Blues to nine OUA championship titles and a U SPORTS national title.
The 2001-02 women’s basketball team, who went 16-4 during the regular season to finish in second place in the OUA East Division.
Beth Ali closed off the evening congratulating the inductees on their dedication and perseverance to reach such levels of excellence in sport.
“Our inductees have not only realized their goals, they exceeded them, and that is so inspiring, especially to the student-athletes following in their footsteps,” she said. “Thank you to all of you for coming to celebrate the 2024 inductees and supporting the tradition of the U of T Sports Hall of Fame.
“Go Blues!”