Journal staff
Sarnia’s most decorated photojournalist, The Journal’s own Glenn Ogilvie is one of nine individuals, along with one team, who comprise the Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame’s class of 2019.
“I’m so honoured,” said Ogilvie, named to the Bud Morrison category, which recognizes a significant contribution to youth in sports. Ogilvie, who worked at the Sarnia Observer from 1980 to 2009, before joining The Journal when it launched in 2014, has earned more than 30 awards/honourable mentions in provincial and national newspaper competitions over the years, and has taken countless photos of young athletes and teams and teams in sports across Sarnia-Lambton.
“To be able to watch kids thrive in doing things they’re so enthusiastic about – it’s so rewarding to be able to capture that on film,” he said.
Ogilvie shares the honour with former Observer and Sarnia Gazette photographer Nora Penhale, with whom he worked alongside for many years.
“Nora and I were partners for 20 years, and we were an inspiration to each other,” he said. “This has put a smile on my face, that’s for sure.”
Other inductees and award winners include:
PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES
Baseball star Nick Bucci and hockey stalwart Rick Fraser are co-winners in this category.
Fraser played Jr. 'B' in Sarnia and OHL hockey in Oshawa before moving on to the pro ranks, where he played for the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association. He also suited up for the Mohawk Valley Comets of the NAHL and a couple of teams in the IHL.
Bucci, who signed a professional baseball contract with the Milwaukee Brewers when he was just 18, had a distinguished pitching career at the minor league level.
In 2011 he won all-star honours with the Brevard County Manatees (Milwaukee's High-A affiliate) then helped Team Canada win bronze at the World Cup in Panama and gold at the Pam Am Games in Mexico.
AMATEUR ATHLETE
The late Tom Hutchinson, a superb lacrosse player, is being inducted in this category. He was the 1986 MVP with the Sarnia Keelan Pacers, and was also an accomplished high school football player.
He later went on to officiate lacrosse at the highest levels in the nation.
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
Michael L'Heureux excelled in soccer, tennis and hockey as a youngster.
He was a standout with the Jr. 'B' Sarnia Legionnaires as a teen, before becoming captain of the Ohio University squad, setting a school record for most points in a game (nine) that has stood for more than half a century.
EARL MACKENZIE CATEGORY
The late Walter Nicholls has won this award, which is for people involved in sports for at least 30 years.
Nicholls led the local YMCA aquatic program for many years, teaching a generation of children how to swim. He also trained and developed the leaders who would succeed him.
Nicholls also participated in gymnastics and football, playing three seasons with the Sarnia Imperials. He also helped form the first club for scuba divers in the area.
BUILDER
Pat Brown enters the hall after more than three decades as a physical and health educator and department head at St. Pat's High School.
He also coached teams to countless titles in track and field and cross country.
A long-time basketball coach, he was also actively involved with a program for developmentally delayed student athletes.
JACK ISOM CATEGORY
Priscilla Gage, who has a vision impairment, wins the Jack Isom award, honouring athletes who have participated in international and/or Olympic Games.
Gagne is a world-class martial artist who has excelled in judo, wrestling and karate. She is perhaps best known for her success at judo, excelling at numerous competitions in North and South America and Europe.
When the International Blind Sports Federation combined its Pan American championship with the Canada Open in 2018, Gagne won Pan Am gold for Canada. It was her second career medal at that competition.
She has also won a silver at the ParaPan Am Games in Toronto, a bronze at the World Cup in Brazil and finished fourth in the 52 kilogram weight division in judo at the Rio Paralympic Games.
TEAM
The Sarnia Braves, who became known as 'the team that wouldn't quit,' won the 2000 Ontario Midget AA baseball title. And they did it in spectacular fashion, overcoming a 5-0 deficit to defeat Aurora in the championship game.
ROSE HODGSON MEMORIAL AWARD
Former Sarnia Mayor and MPP Andy Brandt wins for outstanding contributions to the community.
As mayor, Brandt was best known for his efforts to revitalize downtown while as MPP he played a key role in securing Sarnia Bay Marina and the construction of Highway 402.
He served in the Ontario cabinet and is a former leader of the provincial Progressive Conservatives.
The Hall of Fame is still accepting nominations for the Pappy Burr award (for students headed off to college or university) and the Joe DeRush award (for local athletes with disabilities) until June 30. Nominations can be submitted to any board member or by contacting President Pete Coenjarts at 519-542-4095.
The enshrinement dinner will be held Oct. 26 at Sarnia Golf and Curling Club.