Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2013 Permanent Inductees

After announcing the athletes, coaches, teams, and builders who will be honoured as yearly recipients, the Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame announced their permanent inductees for the 32nd annual dinner and ceremony which takes place January 26.

Male Athlete – Ken McPhail – Ken was a member of two team’s inducted into the Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame, including the 1959 WDHS Senior Football team and 1981 Wallaceburg Hornets. He also starred locally playing lacrosse and hockey, winning provincial titles and later playing university hockey for the Western Mustangs. McPhail passed away in 1990.

Female Athlete – Cheryl (Tooshkenig) Mitchell – A former resident of Walpole Island, Mitchell is a former multi-sport star, but is best known for her accomplishments on the golf course. An OFSAA medalist in badminton, and high school all-star in volleyball and basketball, Tooshkenig is a former Canadian Junior Golf Champion. Following high school, Tooshkenig was team captain, and a conference all-star for the Kent State University and Oakland University golf teams. She currently lives with her family in Ohio.

Builder – Don Martin – Martin is a long time coach, teacher, and physical education curriculum leader at Wallaceburg District Secondary School. Martin has led several teams to provincial titles and has helped build the athletic programs at WDSS since starting his teaching career in 1981.

Coach – Randy McNeil – McNeil won a half dozen OBA baseball titles between 1982 and 1989. He also coached locally in the minor hockey and curling programs. In 1987, McNeil was honoured as the OBA coach of the year.

Team – 1981 and 1982 Whiz Kids Slo Pitch – Over two seasons, the Slo Pitch team captured 12 tournament championships, and also won the Ontario Provincial “B” title both seasons.

Wallaceburg’s Jeff May will serve as the Honourary Chairman for the event, while former NHLer Pat Stapleton will be the guest speaker.