Master of Ceremonies, Melissa Candelaria, introduced proceedings for the Huntsville Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony to a capacity audience gathered at the Active Living Centre on Saturday, October 5 2024. Five individuals and one team were inducted into the Hall this year.
President Wendy McConnel, in her welcoming speech, noted that this year marked the 30th anniversary for the Hall, with 93 inductees recognized over the years. McConnel praised the hard work of the induction committee and enthusiastically announced that the 2025 Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be held on September 20, 2025 in the Algonquin Theatre.
Before the induction honours were introduced, three special awards were presented. First, the 2024 Jan Glenn Award was given to Martha Lapp for her dedicated service through three decades of sports activity in Huntsville. She was recognized for her 20 years of coaching work at Huntsville High School in track and field, volleyball, and girls’ basketball. In her acceptance speech, Lapp thanked her husband, Tim, for his twenty-nine years of support, which she acknowledged proved to be the foundation for her pursuit of excellence in team sport as a coach, executive, and volunteer.
The 2024 Mike Greaves Award, the second specialty achievement award, was handed out to Lucas Allen for his continued success in Judo and Jujitsu tournament competitions in Canada and the United States, qualifying for the Canada Winter Games in 2023, and bringing home a bronze for his division. Allen expressed his gratitude to his father, who introduced him to judo when he was six years old. He is now progressing to his black belt.
The Peter Jacob Award was presented to Jim and Lorna Popofski for their determined advocacy for pickleball courts and playing areas in Huntsville, which after years of makeshift solutions, was finally granted, when Town council approved and built four new pickleball courts. One of the fastest-growing sports in North America, the Popofskis’ beloved game has increased to over three hundred members. The audience gave them a rousing round of applause for their continued success.
Following the Special Awards, the five inductees were introduced.
Rusty Drew was honoured for his invention of the “Extender” for the Huntsville Curling Club. After his wife was unable to curl due to mobility issues, Rusty came up with a stick that allows a person unable to crouch down to deliver the rock from a standing position or a wheelchair. Curling Canada approved the device for all non-competitive matches, which prompted Rusty to patent the design. In accepting the induction, his daughters pointed out that the invention can be seen used in the Canadian movie ‘Men with Brooms.’
Nancy Tapley was honoured for her work as high-performance coach for equestrian Olympic disciplines and particularly her work as the Senior Coach of the Paralympic Dressage Team. She spoke admirably about the dynamism and fortitude of Paralympic athletes, including several examples of the adversity they must overcome as testament to their astonishing athleticism.
Championship racing car driver Dan Shirtliff gave a deeply emotional response to the video congratulatory testimonies during his induction. Speaking commendably about the teamwork and comradery that racing bonds between crew and drivers, especially on their adventures on the road. With a racing career from 1974 to 1998, Shirtliff expressed his thankfulness to those who helped him have such an exciting period in the sport. He left the stage to a standing ovation for his heartfelt eloquence and gratefulness.
Former dentist, councillor, and Huntsville Mayor Claude Doughty was honored for his contribution to Huntsville sport through his visionary building projects, including the Canada Summit Centre, among his many accomplishments. Doughty graciously accepted the induction by pointing out that his passion was to build spaces for Huntsville sportspersons to train, compete, and excel.
Bob Peppler received a warm and cheerful response from the audience on his acceptance of Hall of Fame status for his illustrious history in pro hockey during the 1970s with the Chicago Blackhawks. He was also a Championship Lacrosse player. He recalled humorously a public-school teacher, Mrs. Hall, who discouraged his dreams of major hockey success, coaxing him to study more when asked to sign his permission slips to attend practices, but when he was drafted years later to the NHL, she was one of the first to phone and congratulate him. Peppler emphasized the hard work, sweat, and sacrifice required for professional sports while appreciating the high level of support offered by coaches and managers alike. The crowd cheered him on with a chorus of “Pep, Pep, Pep.”
The final induction of the evening went to the Huntsville High School Nordic Ski Program of 1999, who earned the esteemed position of representing Canada at the 1999 International Ski Championship in Jesenik, Czech Republic. Fitting for such a night of the awards, the team spoke of the lasting value and lifelong lessons team sport adds to an individual’s life and the connection to the community.
Martha Lapp
Lucas Allen
Jim and Lorna Popofski
One of his daughters accepting the award for Rusty Drew
Nancy Tapley
Dan Shirtliff
Claude Doughty
Bob Peppler with Wendy McConnel
1999 Huntsville High School Nordic Ski Team
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Bev Belanger says
Well deserved Lorna & Jim!
Congrats to all winners.
Life is better in Huntsville for your efforts.💕