Belleville Sports Hall of Fame

Latest News...

Here are the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame 2023 Inductees...

Howard Dell - Multisport
Frank Farrell - Builder (High School Basketball)

Jennifer Herron - Volleyball (Athlete & Coach)

Steve Bancroft - Hockey

Jon Mills - Golf

Please join us for the 2023 Induction Ceremony at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre at 1:00pm



2022-23 McDonald's High School Athletes of the Year  – June 26, 2023
On June 26th, the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame inducted two new high school athletes. After a lengthy hiatus, the hall returned to a June ceremony, enabling almost all of the top female and male athletes of the year from each of our local schools to attend the event. Each athlete was individually celebrated for their many accomplishments within the realm of sport. Taking top honours were Katie McFaul from Centennial Secondary School and Jay Solomon from Eastside Secondary School. Katie was a standout basketball and rugby player, who plans to continue her rugby career at Guelph University next year, while Jay Solomon was a badminton and swimming OFSAA participant, who will be attending Queen's University next year where he will be playing baseball.

Press Release – June 2, 2023

New Format for High School Athlete of the Year   <<< Click here to read the press release >>>

Press Release – May 3, 2023

Call For Nominations - 2023   <<< Click here to read the press release >>>

Press Release – July 22, 2022

25^th Induction Ceremony - Class of 2022 Inductees

The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame, located in the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, will be holding its 25th induction ceremony on Saturday September 10. Seven new inductees will be honoured. A reception will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Dr. R. L. Vaughan Atrium, with the ceremony to follow at 1:30 in the multipurpose room (beside the Hall of Fame).

We are very excited to announce the class of 2022 inductees: Matt Cooke (athlete; hockey), Rob Cooke (athlete/builder; football, rugby), Judi Gilbert (athlete; hockey), Paula Lockyer (athlete; basketball), Barb Snedden-Wood (athlete; multi-sport), Pat Tracey Jr. (athlete/builder; football), and Kim Whaley-Hilts (athlete; darts). Congratulations to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2022!  (Click on the name to read the inductee's bio.)

In addition to the recognition of the Hall of Fame Inductees, the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame will announce the winners of the Belleville McDonald’s High School Female and Male Athletes of the Year. This program is made possible through the generosity of Robert Doyle, owner of the Belleville McDonald’s Restaurants.

As the community comes together for the first induction ceremony in three years, the event is once again expected to draw a large crowd as our community thanks and recognizes all the inductees for their achievements and contributions to sport. Attendance is free and the public is welcome to attend.

Press Release - May 30, 2022

Fall 2022 Induction Ceremony Nominees

Week Three Nominees

The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame has received the names of several individuals and teams to be considered for induction into the hall this coming fall. The candidates have all been nominated via our online nomination process. The deadline for nominations to be considered for this fall’s induction ceremony was Wednesday, May 25. Nominations received after this date will be considered for the 2023 induction ceremony.

To promote this fall’s induction ceremony and to celebrate the nominees and highlight the importance of nominating deserving candidates, the hall of fame committee has put together brief bios of our present nominees. We started highlighting and sharing five of the nominees with the community on Monday, starting May 16. This is our third week of our six-week initiative. The actual 2022 inductees will be chosen by our selection committee later in June and shared shortly afterwards.

Belleville Sport Hall of Fame Nominees – Week Three

Paula Lockyer:         Athlete, Basketball
Following a standout high school career, Paula continued to excel at the Intercollegiate level at York University. She has also competed internationally in Marathons, Duathlons and Triathlons, including the Boston Marathon.

Jim Parkhurst:         Builder, Drag Racing
A fixture in the area racing circuit as a driver and race promoter at Shannonville Motorsports Park for years, Jim is honoured every year at Thanksgiving with a Memorial Race Weekend.

Kim Whaley-Hilts:    Athlete, Darts
After starting as a teenager, Kim proceeded to participate 31 consecutive times at the Canadian Championships, earning the #1 ranking 7 times. She has also competed on the international stage, reaching a #5 World Ranking.

Jen Herron:              Athlete, Volleyball
Representing high school and club teams, Jen earned multiple accolades for her on court success, including a scholarship to Barton College, where she was inducted to their Hall of Fame. She followed up with a teaching/coaching career, at multiple levels and numerous sports, including volleyball, tennis, basketball & lacrosse.

Allan Meagher:         Athlete

As a teenager, Al played second base for the 1919 Grand Trunk Championship team, as well as on teams in subsequent years that competed for Provincial titles. Following his retirement from the diamond, he managed the Memorial Arena through the 1940’s. 

Press Release - May 23, 2022

Fall 2022 Induction Ceremony Nominees

Week Two Nominees

The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame has received the names of several individuals and teams to be considered for induction into the hall this coming fall. The candidates have all been nominated via our online nomination process. The deadline for nominations to be considered for this fall’s induction ceremony is Wednesday, May 25. Nominations received after this date will be considered for the 2023 induction ceremony.

To promote this fall’s induction ceremony and to celebrate the nominees and highlight the importance of nominating deserving candidates, the hall of fame committee has put together brief bios of our present nominees. We started highlighting and sharing five of the nominees with the community on Monday, starting May 16. This is our second week of our six-week initiative. The actual 2022 inductees will be chosen by our selection committee later in June and shared shortly afterwards.

Belleville Sport Hall of Fame Nominees – Week Two

Judi Gilbert:  Athlete, Hockey

A standout player with local female teams, Judi was the scoring leader on the first Belleville women’s team to claim an OWHA title. She continued to excel at the university level, as a member of an OWIAA Championship team with York University.

1919 Grand Trunk Baseball Team:   Team, Baseball

The first Belleville team to win a Provincial Championship. A number of this teams’ players would repeat a Provincial title with the Senior A Nationals in 1928.

Grant Goegan:  Athlete, Hockey

A former Belleville Bobcat, Grant had a standout NCAA career and followed that with an 11 year stint playing professionally in Italy. He was on the Italian National Team which competed in the 1984 Winter Olympics.

Jon Mills:  Athlete, Golf

A successful amateur golfer, Jon earned an NCAA College scholarship and contributed to numerous team championships. He competed several years professionally and now coaches, winning the NCAA 2021 Coach of the Year Award.

Jim Buck:  Builder, Multi-sport

Coaching OCAA Loyalist College teams in basketball, badminton and x-country, Jim’s passion for sports and sportsmanship was evident for over 30 years. He brought the same talents to coaching youth community teams in soccer and basketball.

Press Release - May 16, 2022

Fall 2022 Induction Ceremony Nominees - Part 1

The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame has received the names of several individuals and teams to be considered for induction into the hall this coming fall. The candidates have all been nominated via our online nomination process. The deadline for nominations to be considered for this fall’s induction ceremony is Wednesday, May 25. Nominations received after this date will be considered for the 2023 induction ceremony.

To promote this fall’s induction ceremony and to celebrate the nominees and highlight the importance of nominating deserving candidates, the hall of fame committee has put together brief bios of our present nominees. We will be highlighting and sharing five of the nominees with the community each Monday, starting May 16. At this point, we have thirty nominees so it will be a six-week initiative. The actual 2022 inductees will be chosen by our selection committee later in June and shared shortly afterwards.

Belleville Sport Hall of Fame Nominees – Part One

Pat Tracey: Builder, Football
After a standout athlete at the high school and university level in football, Pat turned his attention to coaching. He has spanned 30+ years working at the Junior, University and CFL levels, helping to foster numerous players to professional football careers.

Brian MacKenzie: Builder, Multi-sport
A graduate of BCIVS, at which he competed in multiple sports, Brian returned to Belleville after university to teach/coach multiple sports in area high schools. He served as President of the Bay of Quinte and COSSA, representing both organizations with OFSSA.

Joanne Moring: Athlete, Weightlifting
Getting started as a teenager with the Apollo Barbell Club, Joanne repeatedly medalled at the Junior and Intermediate levels. Following a 15-year retirement, she returned to competition at the Masters level, winning gold at Provincial, National and Pan-Am Events.

1976 Midget “A” Belleville Yardmen Softball Team:
This team of Belleville teenagers won the OASA crown and followed that up with a Silver Medal at the Tournament of Champions. Their roster included BSHoF inductee Andy Rossit.

Mike Kirby Builder: Basketball
A Belleville native, Mike was a standout player at the high school and university varsity level. As a high school teacher, he coached school teams, as well as starting the Belleville Spirits Basketball program.

We encourage people to nominate worthy candidates for the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. To submit a nomination, visit our website, at: https://www.bellevillesportshalloffame.com/blank-page.

Nomination Criteria:

·        Athlete candidates must have concluded their careers as active players for a minimum of five years before their election.

·        The Selection Committee may reduce the five-year waiting period for reasons of outstanding prominence, skill, and special circumstances.

·        Notwithstanding 1. and 2., an athlete who has reached his or her fiftieth birthday will be eligible for nomination and consideration by the Selection Committee. This recognizes the fact that many outstanding athletes continue to compete in various sports long after their peak competitive years.

·        Builder candidates may be either active or inactive at the time of their election.

·        All candidates must have resided in Belleville and area for a period of five years, not necessarily continuously.

·        Members of the Selection Committee are not eligible for election.

Our main goal is to host a 2022 induction ceremony this coming September at the Quinte Sport & Wellness Centre. Key public health and health system indicators continue to improve, and the province of Ontario is cautiously and gradually easing public health and workplace safety measures. We are optimistic that this trend will continue, and that we will see you at our first induction ceremony in three years!

The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing, honouring, and preserving the record of outstanding achievements accomplished by the city’s elite athletes and builders from all eras and displaying them on a permanent basis. The Hall of Fame is housed in the Dr. R. L. Vaughan Atrium at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Center.

March 10, 2022
Press Release - March 10, 2022
Plans For A Fall 2022 Induction Ceremony Underway

As we all continue to live with COVID-19 restrictions, the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame continues to work via Zoom and email - and even a couple of times in-person! - to continue to prepare for our next induction ceremony.

We’ve even managed to expand our committee! As a result of our online application process, our new expanded committee consists of:

●    Ian Press - president

●    Nancy Popovich - vice-president

●    Kerry MacKinnon - secretary

●    Jason Lott - treasurer

●    Members at Large -   Liane Woodley, Jennifer Kerr, Randy Uens, Dan Maloney, Al Murphy,

 Stephanie Manderville, Karen Williamson, Scott terHaar, Tim Larry

Please join us in welcoming our seven new members. We look forward to working with you all!

Our goal remains to host a 2022 induction ceremony this coming September at the Quinte Sport & Wellness Centre. Key public health and health system indicators continue to improve, and the province of Ontario is cautiously and gradually easing public health and workplace safety measures. We are optimistic that this trend will continue, and that we will see you at our first induction ceremony in three years!

We encourage people to nominate worthy candidates for the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. To submit a nomination, visit our website, at:

https://www.bellevillesportshalloffame.com/blank-page

The deadline for nominations to be considered for the 2022 induction ceremony is Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing, honouring, and preserving the record of outstanding achievements accomplished by the city’s elite athletes and builders from all eras, and displaying them on a permanent basis. The Hall of Fame is housed in the Dr. R. L. Vaughan Atrium at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Center.

Contact Info:

o  Email:             bellevilleshof@gmail.com

o  Website:         www.bellevillesportshalloffame.com

o  Address:         Belleville Sports Hall of Fame, 265 Cannifton Road, Belleville, ON K8N 4V8

Social media:

o  Twitter: @bellevilleHOF

o  Instagram: @bellevillesportshalloffame

o  Facebook: Belleville Sports Hall of Fame

For questions related to this press release, please contact

○    Ian Press, HOF President, 613-921-1665

○    Nancy Popovich, HOF Vice-President, 613-242-0330

October 25, 2021
Press Release - October 25, 2021
The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame is Looking for New Committee Members

 As we continue our work amidst the disruption to the Hall of Fame process due to COVID-19, we have been reviewing our present status and setting priorities for the next year. We will be continuing to follow the local health unit for information, guidance and restrictions, and look forward to setting a date for our next induction ceremony. Currently, we are hoping to hold our next event in Fall 2022.

Online Application for New Committee Members

We are presently looking to expand our committee. Interested people from the community can do so through a brief online application process via our website:
https://www.bellevillesportshalloffame.com/new-member-application

The due date for applications is Wednesday, November 24. Questions regarding the committee or application process can be directed to bellevilleshof@gmail.com

The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing, honouring, and preserving the record of outstanding achievements accomplished by the city’s elite athletes and builders from all eras, and displaying them on a permanent basis. The Hall of Fame is housed in the Dr. R. L. Vaughan Atrium at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Center.

Contact Info:

○    Email:             bellevilleshof@gmail.com

• Website:         www.bellevillesportshalloffame.com

○    Address:         Belleville Sports Hall of Fame, 265 Cannifton Road, Belleville, ON K8N 4V8

Social Media:

• Twitter: @bellevilleHOF
• Instagram: @bellevillesportshalloffame
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellevilleSportsHallofFame/

For questions related to this press release, please contact

○    Ian Press, HOF President, 613-921-1665

○    Nancy Popovich, HOF Vice-President, 613-242-0330

August 9, 2021
Press Release - August 4, 2021

An Update Regarding The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame 

As many people may be aware, we lost our president, Dave Mills, on June 11 of this year. Inducted into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame in 2010, Dave became president of the Hall of Fame in 2016, and he was the driving force in re-establishing the Hall of Fame. A consummate leader, Dave worked with the community to bring the Hall of Fame back into focus after its brief hiatus in the early 2010s. We remain thankful for all his direction, contributions, and initiative. He will continue to be missed.

While COVID-19 has impacted our ability to hold induction ceremonies, we are continuing our “behind-the-scenes” work in preparation for the time we are able to come together again to celebrate Belleville’s athletic community.

Updated Hall of Fame Committee:

Ian Press - President

Nancy Popovich - Vice-President

Kerry MacKinnon - Secretary

Joe Bell - Treasurer

Liane Woodley - Member at Large

Eric Lindenberg - Member at Large

Jennifer Kerr - Member at Large

Future Plans:

Dave set the bar high during his time as our president. He set an example we aim to follow for the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame into the future. Recently we have been reviewing our present status and setting priorities for the next year. Will be following the status of COVID-19 public health measures and advice and look forward to setting a date for our next induction ceremony. We will share this as soon as we are able. We will also be looking to expand our committee through an application process that will take place this fall. Please look to our social media (listed below) for further information in the coming months.

The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing, honouring, and preserving the record of outstanding achievements accomplished by the city’s elite athletes and builders from all eras, and displaying them on a permanent basis. The Hall of Fame is housed in the Dr. R. L. Vaughan Atrium at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Center, at 265 Cannifton Road, Belleville.

June 29, 2021
Belleville Sports Hall of Fame Mourns the Loss of Dave Mills
The Belleville sports community recently lost one its great champions. Longtime Belleville Sports Hall of Fame President and  leader in the provincial golf world passed away from cancer at the age of 74. Here is a link to a great article about Dave written by Bruce Bell of The Intelligencer... <<< Click Here for the Article >>>

May 10, 2021
Belleville Sports Hall of Fame to Take a Pause

With the ongoing uncertainty related to Covid 19, and the significant planning time to organize the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame has decided to cancel the currently planned ceremony for August 28.

The Hall of Fame Committee will reassess the situation in July, with consideration of a possible ceremony towards the end of the year. The committee thanks the local community for their ongoing support and encourages the submission of nominations to the Hall of Fame.

March 26, 2021
The Belleville Sports Hall of Fame would like to acknowledge a $150 donation from Gordon Parker in memory of Ron Dulmage. Thank you very much Gordon...your donation is appreciated

March 25, 2021
The 2019-20 McDonalds High School Athletes of the Year have been announced.
They are Kari Read from Centennial Secondary School, and Mathew Berry from Eastside Secondary School.
To go to the McDonalds High School Athlete of the Year Page click here .....