The 41st Windsor-Essex County Sports Hall of Fame induction dinner was a celebration like no other in the history of the event. A record 16 inductees took their place in the hall as over 600 celebrated their accomplishments. "Because of Covid we were only able to run one gala over the past three years so this was kind of a catch up banquet." said Hall of Fame Chair Chuck Smith. "It was an excellent class. Represented many sports and many diverse people and personalities. It was a lot of fun.
Josh Canty of the Border City Boxing Club was humbled by his induction. "I don't even know if I belong here." said the boxing coach who was inducted in the Builder category. "It feels like a lifetiime achievement award but I'm not done. I still have champions to create, lives to change and people to support. I'm honoured"
Denise Hebert was surrounded by former athletes including fellow inductee Jamie Adjetey-Nelson and joins a hall with people she looked up to. "When you look at the group your surrounded by I feel pretty fortunate." said Hebert. "That group is full of people I've been mentored by, coached with or coached so it's a little bit overwhelming to be honest. I appreciate that people appreciate that I've been able to help people. Really had an amazing group of mentors along the way so to be thought of in the same way I think of them is pretty special."
The committee is already working on next year's induction which is expected to include six athletes and three builders. Smith says 2024 could be the youngest class ever inducted. Stay tuned.
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Inductee Noel Trepanier was a force on the soccer field at L'Essor. She went on to play for Canada's National Team. She reunited with former Aigles coach Lucien Gava for a cool moment on camera.
Lith Webb is a decorated softball player who set 30 records at California University of Pennsylvania. She is the lone student to receive national All-American honour four years in a row. Her career batting average is .442. She is depicted in a seven foot bronze statue and is in the school's hall of fame.
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