Deck the halls

Former Dalhousie varsity athlete Janice Cossar is being inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.

The fourth induction ceremony for Saturday’s Dal Sport Hall of Fame will welcome four athletes, two builders, and one team on to the black and gold walls of honoured alumni.

Hockey will be well represented by Brian Gualazzi, who set an AUAA scoring record during the 1981-1982 season, while Gordon Rankin will receive a place in the Hall of Fame for his outstanding performance in both basketball and football throughout 1953-1957.

Female athletes will be pleased to see Joan (Selig) Langley inducted for her MVP status on both the basketball and field hockey teams of the early 1970s. Kathy (MacCormick) Spurr will also be honoured for her talent on the basketball court, the same skill that earned her the title of Dalhousie’s Female Athlete of the Year in 1988 and a place in the provincial sport hall.

Varsity sports rely not only on star athletes, but also on individuals who are dedicated to coaching, promoting, and administrating the sports. This year, Ian Oulton and Judi Rice will join a respected list of such individuals who comprise the Dalhousie Sport Hall of Fame builder category. Mr. Oulton furthered Dalhousie athletics through his impressive fundraising initiatives, while Ms. Rice has spent more than 20 years spreading the Tiger spirit and now serves as the president of the Black & Gold Club.

Last but not least, the 1979-1980 Women’s Basketball Team will be welcomed into the Dal Sport Hall for its undefeated AUAA season and stunning 77-53 victory over UNB.

Former Dal quarterback Rick Rivers is now the general manager and receiver coach of Dal's club football coach.

A week after the Dalhousie Sport Hall induction ceremony, the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame will hold its annual Induction Awards Night on Saturday, October 30. Three Dal alumni among the 2010 inductees.

Dal grad Kevin Heisler will be recognized in the provincial Sport Hall for his contributions to track and field. Mr. Heisler, the organizer of the Aileen Meagher International Track Classic, held the position of National Head Coach at eight international competitions. Another esteemed builder, former Dalhousie quarterback Rick Rivers, will be inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall for his 40-plus years of dedication to football, including a multitude of coaching and administrative positions. Mr. Rivers is now part of the coaching staff for Dalhousie’s revived club football team.

Multi-athlete Janice Cossar will enter the NSSHF for her elite performance in soccer, ringette, ice hockey, and field hockey—the sport which she played for Dalhousie on the AUAA All-Star team from 1984-85.

Aspiring athletic heroes and sport fans alike will find the stories behind these names inspirational, as both the Dalhousie and Nova Scotia sport halls celebrate the spirit and success of the individuals who have brought recognition and pride to their school and to their province.