Just days after U of T announced plans for the future of historic Varsity Stadium, ceremonies were held to commemorate its past.
On May 25th U of T honored its Sports Hall of Fame inductees for 2004. An enthusiastic audience of 130 was on hand to watch the ceremony, which recognizes the achievements of individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to Varsity athletics.
Football Coach Steve Howlett and former Faculty of Phys. Ed and Health Director Sharon Bradley hosted the ceremonies, held at the Royal Ontario Museum. Several current members of the hall of fame were also in attendance to pay respect to their colleagues.
The Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1987 by athletic alumni and the Men’s and Women’s T-Holders Associations to preserve and recognize the outstanding historical tradition of athletic, academic and community leadership fostered by U of T. Some notable names in the Hall of Fame include NHL legend Conn Smythe, former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and former Olympian Bruce Kidd, Dean of FPEH at U of T.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees consisted of five champion athletes, a prominent U of T administrator and two legendary teams.
Praised by former Blues Football coach Doug Mitchell as “The finest athlete I’ve ever coached,” Frank Balkovec was a linebacker for the 1983 Yates Cup champions, and his football talents then led him to a professional career in the CFL. Balkovec also set a Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) record in shot put on his way to becoming the first athlete to win the same CIS track and field event in three consecutive years, 1982-84.
Also inducted was Peter Burwash, a top ranked Canadian tennis player during the 60’s and 70’s. As an athlete at U of T, Burwash won two Ontario University Athletics (OUA) singles championships and was also a member of two OUA and CIS championship hockey teams. Burwash has now taken his success from the tennis court to the board room, as a motivational speaker for Fortune 1000 companies. Burwash spoke of the positive impact of athletics in life: “499 of the CEO’s on the Fortune 500 had an athletic background. It makes you wonder about the other guy.” He is the author of 10 books on management, leadership, service and health and fitness.
On behalf of Karen LeGresley Hamre, Hamre’s mother accepted her daughter’s induction into the hall of fame as an Olympic swimmer and former Ontario Women’s Interuniversity Athletic Association (OWIAA) and CIS champion. Swimming as a Varsity Blue from ’76 to ’79, Hamre garnered 15 medals at the OWIAA level and 12 medals at the CIS level as a freestyle swimmer, while also being a member of the Varsity rowing team. Hamre is currently a landscape architect and owns and operates her own business in Yellowknife.
As captain of the 1928 Olympic hockey team, John “Red” Porter’s leadership led the Canadians to Olympic gold. His hockey success was also seen at the university level, winning several championships for U of T. Red also played rugby and Varsity golf.
Field Hockey star Susan Scott led the blues to five consecutive Ontario championships from 71 to 75 and was a member on the Canadian National team. While at U of T, Scott also captained the women’s basketball team, and participated in numerous intramural sports. Scott was also a member of the Women’s Athletic Council and was a key contributor to the bid for our current Athletic Centre.
From 1965 to 1991, inductee Taimo Pallandi was the director of Physical Education for Scarborough College, and was responsible for the development of the athletics and physical education program there. He was also instrumental in the planning and development of all the athletic facilities at the college.
“Taimo Pallandi was a guy who inspired students and got people involved in athletics,” praised John Dellandrea, U of T’s VP of Development, and former student of Pallandi.
“At my age I’m happy to be anywhere, but I’m glad I had an opportunity to contribute to the enrichment of the lives of my students,” said Pallandi.
Rounding out the 2004 inductees were two legendary U of T teams-the 1909 Blues football team, who won the inaugural Grey Cup, and the undefeated 1985-86 Women’s basketball team, who went on to win the OWIAA and CIS championships.
