The future of Northumberland sports was celebrated alongside some of the community’s most accomplished athletes, coaches and builders during the Cobourg and District Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner.
Leading the youth awards were Ross Quigley Youth in Sport recipients Sofia Jones and Dawson Badali, two Cobourg Collegiate students whose achievements extend well beyond the playing field.
Jones excelled in swimming, cross-country, soccer and track and field while also working as a lifeguard, swim instructor and coach. Looking back on her athletic journey, she encouraged younger athletes to embrace new opportunities.
Badali’s athletic résumé includes tennis, golf, badminton, wrestling, track and field, ultimate frisbee, disc golf and more. He was also named Cobourg Collegiate’s Male Athlete of the Year.
Also recognized were Cobourg Collegiate Female Athlete of the Year Jaime Hellam, a standout in hockey, soccer and basketball; St. Mary Catholic Secondary School Female Athlete of the Year Stella Howe, a four-year multi-sport athlete who helped lead the Thunder girls hockey team to back-to-back OFSAA appearances; and St. Mary Male Athlete of the Year Simon McFadden, who excelled in rugby, wrestling, volleyball and baseball.
Howe credited her family’s support throughout her athletic journey.
McFadden encourages younger students to get involved.
The evening also welcomed a distinguished group of inductees into the Hall of Fame.
Liz Basinger was honoured for decades of service to local hockey, including volunteer leadership roles with the Cobourg Cougars and numerous provincial hockey organizations. Reflecting on her induction, Basinger emphasized the often-overlooked contributions of the volunteers who help make sport possible.
Chris Crooks was recognized for an accomplished wrestling career and decades of coaching and mentorship in Ontario and Nunavut. Reflecting on a lifetime in sport, he said his greatest reward has been helping young people grow and succeed.
The late Danny Frei was celebrated for inspiring thousands of students through outdoor education, canoeing, camping and leadership programs. His sons David and Brian accepted the award on his behalf, with Brian reflecting on his father’s lasting impact as a mentor and educator.
The late John Hayden was remembered for a lifetime devoted to coaching, officiating and building local sports organizations. His wife, Adriana Hayden, says whether in the classroom or on the playing field, he was passionate about helping young people succeed.
Jake Maarse was recognized for his contributions to marathon skating and for helping grow the sport across North America, including his recent volunteer work in Ottawa.
Chris “Sparky” Markle earned induction following a remarkable golfing career that includes an Ontario Mid-Amateur Championship and decades of coaching. Despite his accomplishments on the course, Markle says the most important lesson golf has taught him has nothing to do with winning.
Sharyl Ann Milligan was honoured for more than five decades of achievement and leadership in lawn bowling at the local, national and international levels. Reflecting on her induction, Milligan said some of her most treasured memories have come from the friendships and sense of community the sport has provided.
Ken “Nipper” Stevenson was honoured for a lifetime of achievement in hockey, fastball, golf, coaching and competitive bodybuilding. While recognized for accomplishments spanning multiple sports, Stevenson says one of his most memorable moments came on the ice with the Cobourg Cougars.
The evening highlighted both the rich history of sports in the Cobourg area and the promising future represented by the next generation of local athletes.
Our congratulations go out to all of this year’s inductees and award recipients for their exceptional contributions to sport and to the Northumberland community.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
