Recent News - Sports Hall of Fame

Championship Banner Replaced for 1995 Ringette All-Ontario Champs

On Sept 21, the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame presented a replacement championship banner to members of the 1995 All Ontario Ringette champions. The team was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019. It was discovered at that time that the original championship banner had been lost. Township staff and the Sports Hall of Fame committee worked with Pineridge Impress to create a replica of the original design. The presentation was delayed due to Covid. The new banner will be raised for display in the Pad 2 arena.

Seen in the picture from left to right:

Dana Johnston, Kate Senyk, Leanne Ashbridge (Chair, SHOF), Laurie Senyk (Team Manager), Wally Senyk (Coach), Dianne Hooker (Coach) Shona Moase, Laura Heasman

April 21, 2022

2022 Induction Ceremony

2022 SCUGOG SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION A ROUSING SUCCESS

Thursday, April 21 saw the induction of the latest round of people called to the Hall. The Scugog Hall of Fame that is. A crowd of over 200 witnessed the induction of Ian Roberts, Kelly Plitz, Waylon Roberts, Kate Bierness and the Teachers/Coaches of R.H.Cornish. Pretty powerful evening. Keynote speaker Gary Edgar regaled with stories of his youth and getting to where he ended up. Ian Roberts gave a short heart-felt speech about what the induction meant to their family. There were also acknowledgements made for up and coming athletes Alexandra McDougall and Justin Matthews. Volunteer efforts were also acknowledged with tributes being paid to Jackie Barr, Ian Morrison, Ann Powell, Dawn Price and Dave Weller. As well some milestones were noted. Port Perry Snowmobile Cub for its 50 year anniversary, Blackstock Men’s Hockey League for 25 years, and the Flamingo Pastries/Mojacks Junior C Hockey Club for its 50th anniversary. Some very impressive and long standing numbers there. HOF Chair Leanne Ashbridge was pleased with the event. “We were very impressed with the number of people who appreciate the significance of honouring our sports history and who chose to be a part of this year’s event. Every year we strive to make this a must attend event and with the help of our amazing committee hopefully we reach that goal. It just makes total sense to honour the great achievements of our local athletes.” Ashbridge added an important note. “I would like to mention that we are seeking a sponsor or sponsors for our summer exhibit that will be on display in the next few weeks. And a call for nominations so that we can start preparing for the event next year.”

This year marked the first time sponsors were backing presentations. Robert Young Stables, The Callery Group/Village Decor Shoppe, Debbie Taylor from Royal Lepage Frank, Precision Construction and Lake Scugog Historical Society all sponsored categories for presentation. The Hall appreciates all sponsors for stepping up and helping a most worthy cause.

That’s the thing about this group that separates it from the pack. They are always looking to next year and how to improve the overall experience. Given that this little gem is in our own backyard feel free to send donations or maybe even sponsorship dollars. They all help out. You can find more information for both how to nominate someone for the Hall or to donate at : www.scugog.ca/sportshalloffame or contact Community Services at 905-985-8698.

March 24, 2022

2022 Scugog Sports Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Given the latest developments regarding the pandemic, it looks like it’s full speed ahead for the Scugog Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Thursday, April 21 at Scugog Community Centre. There is a full slate of activity for the evening and will feature the inductions into the Hall of some local luminaries. Kate Beirness, Ian Roberts, Kelly Plitz, Waylon Roberts and the coaching staff from R.H.Cornish are the 2022 inductees.

Also, we will be recognizing 5 volunteers with our new Volunteer Recognition Award.   Individuals were selected from submissions received from the following organizations: Port Perry Tennis Club, Cartwright Soccer, Durham Rowing Club, Port Perry Minor Softball and the Scugog Women's League. This recognition award was added as a way for the Hall of Fame to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our community volunteers who strengthen our local sport organizations, says  Committee Chair, Leanne Ashbridge.   The Selection Committee was impressed by the  response to their request for submissions this year and hope other  organizations will consider submissions for future years.  Submissions will be accepted  anytime by emailing a one page description of the volunteer to Committee Chair, Leanne Ashbridge.  

And as in the past  we will be introducing Scugog youth who have been achieving great things in their respective sports. Justin Matthews and Alex McDougall will be acknowledged this year.

The Hall will also be celebrating three anniversaries: Port Perry Snowmobile Club 50 years and Blackstock Men's Hockey League-25 years achieved in 2020,  and Port Perry Mojacks- 50 years in 2022.  All very significant achievements.

A brief overview of the inductees of 2022:

Kate Beirness:

Born and raised in Port Perry,a graduate of R.H. Cornish and Port Perry High School,   Kate pursued a career in sports broadcasting joining TSN in 2014 where she was paired with Natasha Staniszewski, forming the networks first female anchor team on TSNs flagship program SportsCentre.

Kate is currently the host of the CFL and Toronto Raptors broadcasts on TSN. She has hosted many marquee sports events, including TSN Olympic Morning in 2012, CBC Olympic hockey in Pyeong Chang in 2018, NCAA March Madness, the NBA Draft and the Grey Cup.

Ian Roberts, Kelly Plitz, Waylon Roberts:

In 1982, Ian was named Canadian Intermediate Champion and was first long-listed to the Canadian Team. A Level III coach since 1987, Ian was voted the 1989 Ontario Horse Trials Association's Coach of the Year and was named both Male Rider and Male Coach of the Year by the Ontario Equestrian Federation in 1995. In 1996 Ian won both the Canadian Advanced Championships and the Canadian Intermediate Championships, making Ian the only rider to win both titles in the same year. Ian competed as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and the 2006 World Championships in Germany. Ian celebrated a bronze medal win at the Central American games in 2013 as a coach for the Costa Rican Eventing team.

In 1982 Kelly Plitz joined the Canadian Equestrian Team and that meant she and her horse, Dialadream, got the chance to compete in the world equestrian championships. Kelly's success continued as an eventing rider at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles where she was top Canadian in eventing.

Waylon first represented Canada at the age of 14 at the 2002 FEI Children’s Final for Show Jumping in Brazil. He then went on to compete at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships in eventing on five separate occasions. Waylon is a 7-time winner of the Royal Winter Fair Indoor Eventing Challenge in Toronto in addition to representing Canada at the Pan Am games in 2007 winning a team silver medal, and the 2017 Pan Am games winning a team bronze medal.

R.H.Cornish Coaches:

From 1970 through 1989 a team of teachers from RH Cornish Public School inspired Scugog youth and encouraged their love for sports. This team is inducted in recognition of their longevity in coaching. Reg Philip, Clive Roane, Rob and Ken Smart, Darla Thomas, Wayne Addison, Jim Justynski, Graham Hewitt and Dave Brownson have all contributed significantly to developing student athletes at the very young level.

The induction ceremony for this year’s class will take place Thursday, April 21 at 7:00 PM. Doors open between 6:00-6:30 No entry fee to attend so feel free to come out and enjoy. Our very special guest speaker will be Gary Edgar, Tom Longboat Award Winner and long-time Port Perry resident. Gary was also one of the first inductees to the Hall in 2007.

The Hall will be recognizing 5 volunteers from the following organizations: Port Perry Tennis Club, Cartwright Soccer, Durham Rowing Club, Port Perry Minor Softball, and the Scugog Women's Hockey League. This is a new recognition added to the program for 2022.  Committee Chair, Leanne Ashbridge noted that the Selection Committee had a very good response to their request for submissions this year and hope other  organizations will consider submissions for future years. The Committee will accept submissions anytime.

The Hall is accepting donations towards the preservation and display of the artifact collection. Donating is easy. Go to the website https://www.scugog.ca/shof or search Scugog Sports Hall of Fame to be directed to the website and click your donation amount. Automatic receipt will be issued. You may also send a cheque payable to the Township of Scugog Sports Hall of Fame directly to Community Services - Parks, Recreation and Culture1655 Reach Street, Port Perry, ON L9L 1P2. Receipts will be issued for all donations of $25 and up. All donors will be recognized at the event.

For Further Information please contact:

Leanne Ashbridge Scugog HOF Chairperson

Liashbridge@gmail.com

October 12, 2021

Scugog Sports Hall of Fame - Nominations are Open!

Do you know someone who…

• played a significant role in building a sport in Scugog?
• an individual who has given of themselves to promote sports in Scugog?
• an accomplished athlete or team whose achievements should be recognized?
• a pioneer who worked behind the scenes in the first 5 years of establishing a sport in Scugog?

Visit scugog.ca/sportshalloffame to submit a nomination and learn more about the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame.

The 2022 Induction Ceremony will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at the Scugog Community and Recreation Centre.

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Media Contact: Lori Bowers, Director of Community Services
905.985.7346 ext. 132

lbowers@scugog.ca

@TwpofScugog

https://www.facebook.com/TownshipOfScugog/

COVID-19 leads Township to cancel 2020 Scugog Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

“The Scugog Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is a joyous community celebration meant to honour and perpetuate the names and deeds of our local athletes, teams and sponsors whose athletic endeavours have brought fame to our community and to themselves, and of those whose interest in and work for sports has resulted in a climate which has benefited athletes and athletics,” says Sports Hall of Fame committee chair Ryan Rogers.

“With an attention on community health and the worries incumbent with community gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee believes we should postpone further induction ceremonies until we can assemble safely and give our inductees the proper celebration they deserve.”

The Induction Ceremony is continuously interested in hearing from the community about potential inductees to the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame, or anyone interested in getting more involved with the committee as a member or volunteer.

To contact the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame, or nominate an athlete or builder worthy of induction, visit Scugog.ca/SportsHallofFame, call 905-985-8698 or email recreation@scugog.ca.

October 17, 2019

Township inducting new members into Scugog Sports Hall of Fame

Join the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame Committee for its induction ceremony, to learn more about our inductees and celebrate their careers and sports in Scugog Township at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the induction ceremony begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend, and includes a cash bar, silent auction, a performance by comedian Freddy Proia and a memorable evening suitable for the whole family.

Carolyn Best - Builder

Carolyn Best was described as a trailblazer by her fellow minor softball organizers, who put her heart and soul into promoting minor softball. She served as president of Port Perry and District Minor Softball from 1986-1991 and was important to the growth of softball in Port Perry, as well as a strong advocate for additional diamonds to be installed throughout the town.

Under Best’s leadership, new diamonds and backstops were installed at R. H. Cornish Public School, Prince Albert Public School, S. A. Cawker Public School and a three-diamond complex built behind the arena. The Carolyn Best Memorial Diamonds were dedicated in her name in June 1998, commemorating her hard work and determination, without which, they may never have been built.

Carolyn’s son Jason Best is available for media inquiries. His contact information is available upon request.

Casey Vanschagen – Athlete 

Casey Vanschagen hoisting the Dutch Cup. Photo courtesy of Thijs de Witte.

Casey “Shags” Vanschagen is a Port Perry High School alumnus, whose career began in Port Perry Minor Hockey, where he won the Eastern Ontario Championships with the Pearce Auctions’ team in 1986, and the All-Ontario Peewee Championship with the Legionnaires in 1992. He earned the title of Rookie of the Year with the Mojacks in 1997, along with the Dan Slugget Award that same year.

Also throughout his career, Vanschagen played in four leagues, winning a championship with the Weyburn Red Wings in 2001, the Dutch Cup three times between 2006 and 2011 with the Tilburg Trappers, and the Dutch Championships in 2007 and 2008.

1994-95 Port Perry IGA Ringette Team - Team

Back Row: (l to r) Brian Shanley (assistant coach), Jennifer Nolan (Elliot), Brooke Riopel (Shanley), Janine Hammond, Janna Senyk, Bonni-Jo Tutton (Norton), Natasha Burgess, Walter Senyk (coach), Dianne Hooker (assistant coach) 

Front Row: (l to r) Laurie Senyk (manager), Shona Parliament (Moase), Lisa Bonser, Cara Maltby (Vander Slagt), Kat Senyk, Diane Lusted (Vanderligt), Laura Heasman (Hooker), Dana Johnston (Hooker). Photo provided by Diane Hooker. 

The Port Perry IGA Juniors were known across Ontario as “the tough little team from Port Perry,” composed of 13 teenage women, whose confidence and resilience earned them a Provincial Championship in their 1994/95 season.

Losing their first two games of the tournament against the province’s top teams in Pembroke and Seaforth, the young women returned to the ice to battle teams from Keewatin, Hamilton and Sault Ste. Marie, earning a reputation as “the comeback kids.”

In the semi-finals, the exhausted team had to tackle the Seaforth team again, to qualify for a rematch against Pembroke. The 1994-95 Port Perry IGA Ringette Team is remembered fondly by their coaches as the team that wouldn’t quit, coming all the way back from losing their first two games, to winning the championships. 

Cara Maltby, Bonni-Jo Totten and Kat Senyk are available for media inquiries. Their contact information is available upon request.

Team Warriner (Curling) – Team

From left, Garnet Warriner, Bill Cornish, Peter Warren and Bob Leach. Photo courtesy of the Port Perry Curling Club.

The Port Perry rink of Garnet Warriner (skip), Bill Cornish (vice), Peter Warren (second) and Bob Leach (lead) are respected individual curlers, and as a foursome who started competing together in 2001, they were feared at local and provincial bonspiels. Often when they didn’t enter a tournament, other teams would thank them for not showing up so that they could have a chance at winning!

Team Warriner travelled all around Ontario proudly representing both the Port Perry Curling Club and the Royal Canadian Legion, Port Perry Branch 419, placing second in the Ontario Masters (over 60) in 2004, and winning the zone finals in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011.

Their greatest accomplishment came in 2005, as they won the zone and district championships, and then the Ontario Legion Curling Provincials, which qualified them as the Ontario representatives in the Dominion Playdowns (a National title). They finished fourth overall in Canada at that bonspiel.

Garnet Warriner and Peter Warren are available for media inquiries. Their contact information is available upon request.

For more information on the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame Committee, or to nominate an athlete or builder worthy of induction, visit Scugog.ca/SportsHallofFame, call 905-985-8698 or email scornish@scugog.ca.

September 26, 2019

Scugog Sports Hall of Fame hosts comedian Freddy Proia November 7

The Scugog Sports Hall of Fame announces guest speaker Freddy Proia to deliver his high-energy and family-friendly comedy act during their Induction Ceremony, Nov. 7 at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre.

Freddy Proia is available for media interviews in advance of the event. Contact information located at the end of this release.

Proia is a seasoned professional with an honest love for performing which is clearly evident each time he steps on stage, whether it be for an audience of 200 at a fundraising event, or 2,000 at a New York City Theatre.

The comedian’s upbeat performance, combined with an array of celebrity impressions, has made Proia an audience favourite for almost 20 years. He delights fans by drawing humour from his life experiences and Italian heritage.

You may recognize Proia from his acting appearances in the 20th Century Fox Film PCU, as well as the Canadian television sitcoms Twitch City and Due South. He has also lent his voice and acting abilities to various television and radio commercials.

Proia is a true entertainer who genuinely has fun on stage. His energy and love for performing is contagious and will keep you buzzing long after the show is done.

The public is invited to join the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame celebrates its 13th season Nov. 7 at the Scugog Community Recreation Centre, with doors open at 6 p.m. The induction ceremony begins at 7 p.m., as The Hall proudly welcomes its inductees: hockey standout Casey Vanschagen; former president of Port Perry District Minor Softball Carolyn Best; the 1994/95 Port Perry IGA Junior A Ringette Team; and the Warriner Curling Team.

The event is free to attend, and includes a cash bar, silent auction and a memorable evening suitable for the whole family.

For more information on the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame Committee, or to nominate an athlete or builder worthy of induction, visit Scugog.ca/SportsHallofFame, call 905-985-8698 or email scornish@scugog.ca.

May 14, 2019 

Scugog looking for nominations for this year's upcoming 13th Annual Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

We want to know if you know of any local sports legends that you think would be a great addition to our Sports Hall of Fame.

A nominee could be someone who played an important role in building a sport in Scugog, an advocate for sports in Scugog, a proficient athlete or team whose successes should be acknowledged or someone who worked vigorously in the first five years of creating a sport in Scugog.

To submit a nomination or to learn more, visit our Sports Hall of Fame page.