Sault College Celebrates Athletics Hall of Fame’s Inaugural Induction

Sault College marked a significant milestone on March 15, 2024, with its inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The event celebrated the achievements of 31 individuals and teams that have left a lasting impact on Cougar sports over the years.

The ceremony honored a diverse group of athletes, showcasing talents across various sports. Among the notable inductees was Allan Daschuk, who achieved OCAA gold in judo in 1973; Dan Jodoin, recognized as the OCAA Division 2 all-time leading scorer in basketball; and Ryan Vendramin, a dual-sport athlete in hockey and golf who led the Cougars to a national championship. Vendramin also made history by becoming the first athlete in the program’s history to have his jersey retired.

Other distinguished inductees included multi-sport athlete Aislyn Ireton, accomplished curlers Mark Dugas, Josh Vanderburg, and Matt Mann, as well as basketball talent Randy Frimpong and cross-country runner Anna Greve. The contributions of coaches were equally celebrated, with Sherri Smith, Vice-President of Academics, Innovation and Student Services, recognized for her role in elevating the cross-country program from 2012 to 2017. Coaches Carl Punkari, Dan Lemieux, and Rejeanne MacLeod were also honored for their long-standing commitment to curling.

The event highlighted several championship teams, notably the 2018–19 Men’s Hockey team, which made history as the first Sault College program to win a national title by securing the ACHA Division III Championship under the guidance of coach Mike Hall, who received individual accolades during the ceremony.

Director of Athletics and Student Engagement, Paul Orazietti, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “As you look around the gym and see all the banners hanging, every one of them has a story to tell — of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Those memories remain long after you left the College. We are happy to share those with you tonight in person.”

The Hall of Fame will serve as a permanent tribute to the athletes, coaches, and teams whose legacies continue to inspire future generations at Sault College. This initiative not only celebrates past achievements but also reinforces the College’s commitment to fostering a vibrant athletic community.