Wallaceburg Hall honours local athletes

Christine Simpson

Five new members joined the hallowed halls of the Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame during the annual dinner and induction ceremony held on Saturday, April 5, at the UAW Local 251 hall.

A number of annual award winners were also recognized.

Those honoured shared a common theme– thanking those who helped them achieve success.

Bill MacArthur Jr. was inducted into the male athlete category. He is joined in the hall by his dad Bill Sr. and his son Brad. They are the first three-generation family in the hall.

MacArthur said going into the hall is a humbling experience.

“It’s quite an honour,” MacArthur said.

Former Sportsnet hockey personality Christine Simpson was the guest speaker. She talked about being a trailblazer in a male-dominated profession.

The annual hall of fame dinner, now in its 46th year, has raised over $271,000 since they began, which has been donated back to local sporting organizations, athletes and charities.

Inductees

Basketball player Deanna Kerkhof (female athlete)
Lacrosse player and referee Bill MacArthur Jr. (male athlete)
WDSS teacher and football coach Rob MacLachlan (builder)
Hockey coach Chris Bergeron (coach/official)
2006-07 Wallaceburg Minor Midget Lakers (team)

Annual award winners

Ferrah Blackbird and Lucas Laprise, Athletes of the year,
Jake Lozon. Coach of the year
Elric Contractors, Builder of the year
Emma Gorski and Megan McCarter, Outstanding achievement award.
Nash Grealis, Ray Aarssen/Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame scholarship