In many ways it was a poignant night at the Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner held on Saturday night at the UAW Hall.
Family and friends remembered three men who were inducted posthumously into the sports hall.
Lance Phenix (male athlete), Barry Boley (coach), John Martin (builder) were honoured for the impact they left behind on teammates, former players and others.
In addition, in an emotional tribute, the team inductee– ’97 Bantam/’99 Midget Boys Lacrosse Team, took time during their induction to give recognition to former teammate Billy O’Neil who died in 2016.
Brittany Heath, a former champion figure skater, was inducted in the female athlete category.
Recognized as annual award winners were: Catie Dawson and Tyler Davis (co-athletes of the year), Nolan Dekoning and Tanner Cole (outstanding achievement award), Linda Nethery and Rob Howlett, (coach of the year award), Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association for their work with the ‘Spirit of Community’ initiative (builder of the year) and Kate Martin (Ray Aarssen Memorial Scholarship).
Chatham native and former CFL star Andy Fantuz was the night’s guest speaker.
Hall of Fame chair Ian Dent said about 260 guests attended Saturday evening’s ceremony, which is up significantly from last year.
The Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame is in its 41st year and has raised over a quarter million dollars toward community charity and sporting initiatives.