Celebrating Norfolk County's Sporting Legends
Welcome to the Inductees page, where we proudly showcase the remarkable individuals and teams who have left an indelible mark on Norfolk County's sporting landscape. Explore the inspiring stories and achievements of these local legends. Please join us in celebrating the 2024/2025 inductees.
Meet the 2025/2026 Inductees
John Axford
John Axford is a distinguished professional baseball player whose achievements have earned him his induction into the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition for 2023. A native of Port Dover, Ontario, Axford rose in professional baseball, through his dedication, perseverance, and elite pitching ability.
After developing his skills at the collegiate level, he reached Major League Baseball, where he enjoyed a successful career as a dominant relief pitcher. Best known for his time with the Milwaukee Brewers, Axford led the National League in saves in 2011 and was named an MLB All-Star. His powerful presence on the mound and consistency in high-pressure situations made him one of the league’s top closers during his peak years.
Throughout his career, Axford represented Canadian baseball with pride, inspiring young athletes from Norfolk County and beyond. His journey from a small-town athlete to Major League success highlights his determination and passion for the game, making him a truly deserving inductee.
Walter Krawec
Walter Krawec is a dedicated athlete, educator, and lifelong contributor to sport, earning his place as a 2026 inductee into the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition. A proud representative of Canada, Krawec competed at the 1976 Olympic Games in rowing, marking the beginning of an exceptional athletic career that has spanned decades.
His accomplishments include numerous victories at the Royal Canadian Henley, Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships, and Ontario Indoor Rowing Championships, along with a World Masters Championship title in 2005. He also earned top finishes at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta and claimed a world title at the CRASH-B Indoor Rowing Championships in 2022.
Beyond competition, Krawec’s commitment to endurance and sport is evident through achievements such as completing a 31-mile solo crossing of Lake Ontario twice and running the Niagara Falls International Marathon. As a Physical Education teacher and coach, he has inspired generations of students and athletes. His lifelong dedication to sport, excellence, and community makes him a truly deserving inductee.
Patrick Murphy
Patrick Murphy is a distinguished Canadian cycling athlete whose remarkable career has earned him induction into the 2025 Sports Hall of Recognition. Born in 1933 and raised in LaSalette, Ontario, Murphy emerged as one of North America’s premier cyclists during the 1950s and 1960s. Competing in both track and road cycling, he achieved national prominence with multiple Canadian titles, including victories in the 4,000-metre individual pursuit and 1,000-metre time trial.
Murphy proudly represented Canada on the international stage, racing in the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne and the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff. His success extended across North America and Europe, highlighted by wins in prestigious events such as the Quebec–Montreal Classic and the Tour of Somerville. He later competed professionally in Europe, gaining valuable experience in elite six-day track racing.
Throughout his career, Murphy demonstrated exceptional endurance, versatility, and dedication to the sport. His achievements at provincial, national, and international levels, along with his lasting impact on cycling in Ontario, make him a truly deserving inductee. Pat Murphy’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes in the cycling community.
David Howard
David Howard is a respected leader in the Norfolk County sporting community whose lifelong dedication to squash has earned him induction into the 2025 Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition. As both a skilled athlete and accomplished official, Howard has made a lasting impact on the sport locally and internationally.
As a official, he has achieved significant distinction, which includes serving as a referee at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto and officiating at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. His expertise and professionalism were further recognized with a 2017 Squash Canada Certificate of Appreciation.
In addition to his international contributions, Howard received the Syl Apps Special Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to sport in Ontario. His commitment to excellence, fairness, and mentorship has helped grow the game and inspire athletes across the region, making him a truly deserving inductee.
Jim Turkiewicz
Jim Turkiewicz has been selected for induction into the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition in 2025, honoring a distinguished hockey career and lifelong commitment to sport. A standout defenceman, Turkiewicz played professionally across nine seasons, appearing in 543 games and competing in both the WHA and AHL. Prior to his professional career, he excelled with the Peterborough Petes, earning multiple accolades including Rookie of the Year, top defenceman honors, and recognition as the tournament’s “Best Canadian” at the inaugural World Junior Championship.
Beyond the rink, Turkiewicz demonstrated exceptional athletic versatility in basketball, golf, softball, and track and field, even setting a longstanding javelin record in high school. He later dedicated himself to education and coaching, mentoring young athletes and contributing to the development of the game at multiple levels.
His induction recognizes not only athletic excellence, but a lasting impact on sport and community.
Sean Jamieson
Sean Robert Jamieson is a distinguished baseball talent whose outstanding career has earned him induction into the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition in 2025. A native of Waterford, Ontario, Jamieson built an impressive foundation with the Simcoe Giants and Canadian Thunderbirds, capturing multiple OBA Provincial Championships at the mosquito, peewee, and bantam levels.
He continued to excel at Niagara County College, earning Academic All-American and Gold Glove honours, before reaching new heights at Canisius University. There, he was named MAAC Player of the Year and Male Student Athlete of the Year in 2011, while again achieving Academic All-American status. Drafted by the Oakland Athletics, Jamieson enjoyed a successful professional career, highlighted by multiple All-Star selections across several minor league levels.
Internationally, he proudly represented Team Canada, winning a gold medal at the 2015 Pan Am Games. His achievements, leadership, and continued involvement in local baseball make him a truly deserving inductee
All Inductees
| 2025/2026 | Sport |
|---|---|
| John Axford (inducted 2023, ceremony 2026) | baseball |
| Sean Jamieson | baseball |
| Jim Turkiewicz | hockey |
| Pat Murphy | cycling |
| Dave Howard | Squash |
| Dave Krawec | rowing |
| 2023 | Sport |
|---|---|
| John Axford (ceremony 2026) | Baseball |
| Barry Boughner | Hockey |
| Paul Smithson | Athlete-Curling & Administration |
| 2022 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Shane Bergman | Football |
| Shirley Shaw | Coach, Administration |
| 2021 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Jim Simmons | Vision Impaired Curling, Golf, Sailing |
| Joseph (Joey) Bomberry | Sports Ambassador |
| 2019 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Walter Gardner | Hockey-Athlete, Coach, Referee |
| Bob Proracki | Fastball |
| Haven Swarts | Gymnastics |
| George & Mary Ann Pieters | Archery |
| 2018 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Peter Timpf | Softball - Coach, Builder |
| Jim Merrick | Football |
| David Edmonds | Baseball Soccer - Coach, Builder, |
| Paul Davidson | Lawn Bowling - Athlete, Coach & Vision Impaired Golf Coach |
| David Baldock | Orienteering, Organizer |
| Gordon Boyd | Baseball |
| MacDonald Family | Builders |
| 2017 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Sharon Gardner | Figure Skating - Athlete, Coach |
| John Lotus | Curling |
| John MacDonald | Football |
| Richard Wood | Swimming - Athlete, Builder |
| 2016 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Bryan Zilkey | Builder |
| Charlie Haviland | Drag Racing - Athlete, Builder |
| 2015 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Ron Kowalsky | Builder |
| Jim Cleaver | Curling - Athlete, Builder |
| Jason Gordy | Multi Sport Athlete, Coach |
| Ashley Haskett | Athlete, Mentor |
| 2014 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Jean Montgomery | Basketball - Athlete, Coach, Official, Builder |
| Roger Demeester | Volunteer, Builder |
| Wallace "Spud" Bush | Baseball |
| 2013 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Kristopher Walleyn | Hockey, Cross Country |
| Marg Stephen | Multi Sport Athlete, Coach, Official, Builder |
| Cliff Shank | Hockey, Baseball - Athletem Coach, Builder |
| George Burcham | Hockey - Athlete, Coach, Sponsor |
| 2012 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Mike Bollert | Coach, Builder |
| Annaleise Carr | Marathon Swimming |
| Geordie Kinnear | Hockey |
| Paul Meiklejohn | BMX, Downhill Mountain Biking |
| 2011 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Jim Adams Sr. | Athlete, Coach, Builder |
| Jake Ireland | Football - Official, Builder |
| Rita Kalmbach | Softball - Athlete, Coach, Official, Builder |
| Ryan VandenBussche | Hockey - Athlete, Builder |
| 2010 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Kevin Farr | Running |
| Rick Kowalsky | Hockey |
| Terry Karges | Softball, Hockey - Builder, Coach |
| Amanda VanPaassen Bolen | Hockey |
| 2009 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Jassen Cullimore | Hockey |
| Fred Bridgewater | Builder |
| Victor & Scott Borghese | Sky Diving - Coach, Builder |
| Kaitlyn Anseeuw Kloet | Gymnastics |
| 2008 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Mike Vrooman | Vision Impaired Curling, Golf |
| George Pond | Baseball, Softball, Hockey - Coach, Athlete |
| 2007 | Sport |
|---|---|
| John Stevens | Hockey |
| Dwayne Roloson | Hockey |
| Sonny Lowe | Hockey - Athlete, Builder |
| Albert Coulier | Cycling - Athlete, Builder |
| 2006 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Bob Lanning | Fastball - Player, Coach, Sponsor |
| Bob Phillips | Softball - Builder |
| Dick Gibbons | Baseball |
| Gerry Karges | Coach, Manager, Innovator |
| 2005 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Horace Greenfield | Curling, Golf - Mentor |
| Eleanor (Ella) Mitchell | Soccer Supporter |
| Dave Smith | Multi Sport - Athlete, Coach, Manager, Organizer |
| 1971 Motts: Nancy Pollard, Barv Columbus, Brenda Oniffrichuk, Jean Baert, Mary Lu Pursleym, Sharyn LeGros, Wendy Fess, Joyce Barr, Gloria Proracki, Marg Williams, Debbie Faludi, Brenda Cunningham, Lynn Lazowskiich Ann Suggitt, Liz Smith, Rita Botting, Fran Jackson, Marge Began, coaches: Matt Menich & Frank Menich, Bat Girl: Ann Pursly | Softball |
| 2003 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Don Stewart | Hockey |
| Ruth Pond | Golf, Fastball - Athlete |
| Terry Maxwell | Marksmanship |
| 52-53 Girling Midgets: Ken Kowalsky, Wilf Pnd, Howard Mayo, Wray Howick, Gord Loveday, Merv King, Robert Norman, Syl Culver, Ivan Chambers, Bob Rogers, Doug McGaw, Walt Koluk, Doug Langford | Hockey |
| 2002 | Sport |
|---|---|
| 1967-68 Simcoe Bantams: Larry Chambers, Ron Cullimore, Doug Demeyer, Don Dobie, John Edmonds, John James, Barry LaPlantem Bill Baskerville, Bill Cutting, John Luke, Rick Mullin, Dave Richards, Gary Robinson, John Rogers, Marshall Schuyler, Bill Sparks | Hockey |
| William Martin | Baseball Builder |
| Leonard Mason D.D.S | Multi Sport Athlete |
| Howard Showers | Booster |
| Betty Opersko | Multi Sport - Athlete, Official |
| 2001 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Spud Chandler | Fastball |
| Nelson Emerson | Hockey |
| Chico Maki | Hockey |
| Bob Sinneave | Darts |
| 1975 Vittoria Peewee: Kris Cronk. Greg Bingleman, Jack Bingleman, Daryl Boughner, Gary Cooper, John Cooper, Maurie Danko, Bob Holmes, Scott Holmes, Brandon Howick, Rayne Howick, Wayne Krentz, Atty Mezei, Jeff Morrison, Brad Pepper | Fastball |
| 2000 | Sport |
|---|---|
| 1946 Reformer Cubs | Baseball |
| 1964-65 Simcoe Lions , Simcoe Blades | Hockey |
| Chuck Brimmer | Organizer |
| Marg MacGowan Hendershot | Track & Field |
| 1999 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Clarence Perkins | Softball Builder |
| Otto King | Softball Builder |
| Bill Martin | Softball - Builder |
| Daisey Lefler | Softball - team founder, builder |
| 1954 Jr. Softball | Softball |
| 1998 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Rob Blake | Hockey |
| 1953 Simcoe Stars | Softball |
| Myrle Raymer | Fastball - Coach |
| Johnny Mullin | Harness Horse - Driver, Trainer |
| 1997 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Les Rundle | Official, Builder |
| George Thomas | Softball Builder |
| John Leask | Baseball- Coach, Builder |
| Rick Wamsley | Hockey |
| 1960 Simcoe Giants | Baseball |
| 1996 | Sport |
|---|---|
| Jack Roxburgh | Builder |
| John Black | Hockey, Fastball - Coach |
| Dean Bint | Roller Skating |
| Red Kelly | Hockey |
| Eddie O'Donnell | Baseball, Fastball - umpire |
| Betty Sihler | Golf |
| Doug King | Baseball - Player, Coach, Mentor |
| Bruce Pearce | Multi Sport - Owner, Manager, Supporter |
| 1941 Ladies Fastball | Fastball |
| 1952-53 Simcoe Gunners | Hockey |