Badgers add 10 to Hall of Fame

Photo Credit: Brock University

It was the who’s who this past Saturday at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre in Thorold.

The Brock Badgers, for the first time since 2012, added names to their Hall of Fame.

Four Badgers were enshrined in the Builders category, while six entered as Athletes – all of whom participated in at least one Olympic Games.

Jim Bilotta (Class of 1987) Builder

Bilotta’s journey with Brock began as a student from 1984 to 1987, and his commitment to the university has only deepened since. In 1989, Jim joined the Brock Sports Medicine team, where he has remained a devoted member, contributing his expertise and passion for over three decades.

His remarkable career includes serving on the Team Canada medical team at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games. Bilotta’s expertise has been sought at various national and international events, including the Pan American Games and World University Games, which reflects his significant impact on the sports medicine field.

Bilotta has been an integral part of the Brock community for 34 years, working alongside many talented athletes, coaches, therapists, sport physicians, and students.

Herb de Bray (Builder)

Herb de Bray was honoured posthumously.

de Bray joined Brock University in 1980, stepping into a role that would define not only his career but also the future of Brock’s swimming and aquatics program. As the inaugural coach of Brock’s swimming program, Herb laid the groundwork for its success and growth. His vision and dedication were instrumental in securing a $3.1 million dollar swimming complex, a facility that has not only served Brock students but has also enriched the Niagara community.

In 2015, Herb was inducted into the Swim Ontario Hall of Fame as a builder, recognizing his significant contributions to the development of swimming in Ontario. His commitment to inclusivity and community was evident in his role as the Director of Sport for the Ontario Games for the Physically Disabled, where he championed opportunities for all athletes.

Though he passed away in September 2023 at the age of 77, de Bray’s legacy endures through his family, the athletes he mentored, and the program he built.

Jeffrey Dunbrack (Class of 2003) Builder

Dunbrack spent five transformative years at Brock University, where his time with the rowing team saw him contribute to four OUA championship titles and three national titles. He also competed as a member of the cross country team for two years.

He became a pivotal figure in the Niagara rowing community serving as a coach for the Brock rowing team from 2003-2005 and becoming the first-ever head coach for the St. Catharines Rowing Club.

Dunbrack’s coaching career reached the international stage, guiding the adaptive four crew to gold at the 2010 World Rowing Championships and to a silver in 2011. He continued to make his mark, leading Team Canada’s Para rowing squad at the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

Beyond rowing, Dunbrack has also played an important role in developing para sport, serving as the team manager for Team Canada’s men’s wheelchair basketball team that placed second in 2008 in Beijing as well as being named the high performance manager for the Canadian Paralympic Committee at the 2014 Sochi and 2016 Rio Games.

He played an integral role as director of high performance for Wheelchair Basketball Canada at both the 2020 Tokyo and at the recent 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, where both men’s and women’s teams placed fourth; the program’s best result in 20 years.

Dunbrack’s story is a testament to the power of sport in building not only champions but also character.

Joseph P. Kenny – Builder

Joe Kenny dedicated an impressive 36 years, from 1981 to 2018, to treating athletes and teaching students as the Head Athletic Therapist at Brock University. His unwavering commitment to athletic care and education has left an indelible mark on our community.

Kenny’s influence extends well beyond Brock. He was a vital part of the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games, supporting the host medical team, and again in 1996 at the Atlanta Olympics, where he contributed to the Canadian wrestling and basketball teams.

Throughout his career, Joe has been involved in numerous international events, Pan Am Games, university national championship events, and Ontario Games.

He was instrumental in establishing the first formal Athletic Therapy and Sport Injury Clinic at Brock University, a pioneering initiative that served athletes from Brock and local high schools, and it remains a cornerstone of athletic care in Niagara.

His accolades include the Canadian Athletic Therapist Association Hall of Fame Award for Distinguished Service in 2017, highlighting his significant impact on the field.

In recognition of his exceptional service at Brock, Kenny received the Brock University Distinguished Alumni Award and the Brock Sports Athletic Director's Award for Dedication and Service in 2018.

Kenny’s career was shaped by the mentorship of iconic physicians such as Dr. Lorimer, Dr. Gold, and Dr. Zuliani, as well as the relentless support and leadership of Athletic Directors Bob Davis and Lorne Adams, along with co-therapists Jim Bilotta and Karen Millar.

Iain Brambell (Class of 1997) Athlete

Iain Brambell was a key member of the Brock rowing team from 1993 to 1997. During his time at Brock, Brambell’s exceptional talent and dedication were recognized as he was named Oarsman of the Year twice, in both the 1994/95 and 1995/96 seasons. His efforts were instrumental in securing two Canadian University Rowing Championship titles for Brock, setting a high standard for excellence and teamwork.

Following his remarkable university career, Iain continued to shine on the global stage as a member of the Canadian national rowing team from 1994 to 2008. He competed in three Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, in Athens in 2004, and in Beijing in 2008 where he earned a bronze medal in the lightweight four.

His impressive career accomplishments also include six podium finishes at the World Rowing Cup and six national rowing titles. He also claimed a bronze medal in the lightweight four event at the 2002 World Rowing Championships.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Brambell has been a dedicated contributor to the athletic community. From 2001 to 2010, he served as a Canadian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission Member and would go on to be Chair from 2005 to 2010. His leadership extended to the Canadian Olympic Committee Board of Directors during that same period. He’s also been a member of the World Rowing Athlete Commission from 2008 to 2016. Brambell served as technical support and a team leader for Team Canada at the 2010 Vancouver, 2016 Rio, and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, and most recently was a team leader for the Australian Olympic team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Jacqui Cook (Class of 1999) Athlete

Jacqui Cook’s journey with the Brock University rowing team from 1995 to 1999 set the stage for her remarkable career. Her accomplishments on the international stage are a testament to her skill and perseverance. She earned a bronze medal in the women’s pair at the 2001 World Championships and followed that up with a silver medal in the same event at the 2002 World Championships.

Her prowess continued with a bronze medal in the women’s eight at the 2003 World Championships. That year, Jacqui also achieved a significant milestone by winning gold in the women’s pair at the World Rowing Cup and leading her women’s eight team to victory at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in England.

Cook’s dedication and talent shined brightly, leading her to represent Canada at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games,

In addition, Cook is incredibly grateful for the supportive connections offered within and by Brock University and the St. Catharines Rowing Club communities. The balance of larger lectures with the supportive smaller seminar learning environments at Brock, allowed her to feel more connected and engaged during her time as a student. Coming from a smaller community, this personalized approach to education made a significant difference in her university experience.

Rich Doey (Class of 1995) Athlete

Rich Doey’s Badgers journey began in 1982, and from his first stroke as a varsity rower, he demonstrated not only athletic talent but also a passion for the sport. In 1982, Rich coached Brock’s novice rowing team to their first-ever OUA Championship victory in the novice men’s eight event—a historic achievement for the university.

His ability to unite athletes and lead them to success, showcased his leadership and deep commitment to rowing.

Beyond his university years, Doey’s career soared to new heights. In 1984, he represented Canada at the Los Angeles Olympic Games, finishing an impressive fifth in the men’s four event. That same year, he was named Brock’s Varsity Oarsman of the Year, solidifying his legacy in Brock’s rowing history.

For his accomplishments on the water, Doey was honoured by his hometown of Chatham as he was inducted into the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

Doey’s story isn’t just about medals or victories; it’s about dedication, resilience, and teamwork. His success is a testament to the support of his coaches, teammates, supporters, and the entire Brock community, who helped shape his journey. Balancing the demands of training, competition, and travel with his educational responsibilities was no small feat, but Rich’s ability to master this balance speaks to the qualities that have served him both on and off the water: discipline, focus, and an unrelenting drive to succeed.

Tyler Emmett (Class of 2007) Athlete

Tyler Emmett attended Brock University from 2001-2007 and swam for the swimming team from 2001-2004.

His swimming career was marked by remarkable accomplishments and unwavering commitment. A significant milestone for Emmett was achieved at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, where he earned a bronze medal in the 200-metre individual medley.

Emmett’s performance didn’t stop there; he also placed fourth in the 50-metre freestyle and 100-metre breaststroke events, showcasing his versatility and skill.

In 2002, Emmett set a world record in the 50-metre backstroke S13.

That same year, he demonstrated his consistent high performance by finishing fourth at the World Para Swimming Championships in three events: the 100-metre breaststroke, the 200-metre individual medley, and the 50-metre freestyle.

Emmett’s swimming career continued at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, where he once again competed with distinction, finishing fourth in the 200-metre individual medley. His achievements are a testament to his commitment, resilience, and exceptional talent.

Joel Finlay (Class of 1971) Athlete

Joel Finlay has an incredible journey in the sport of rowing. He represented Canada on the international stage, earning recognition at the 1967 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, where he finished fourth in the men’s four event, and at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, where he placed ninth in the men’s eight.

His impressive career continued with gold medals in the men’s four and eight events at the 1969 Canada Summer Games, and he later placed eighth in the men’s eight at the 1975 World Rowing Championships. Joel’s dedication to the sport is further highlighted by his participation in seven Canadian National Rowing Championships and three United States National Rowing Championships.

In addition to his rowing achievements, Finlay was a member of the Brock varsity hockey team from 1970 to 1971.

In 2010, Finlay had the honor of being an Olympic Torch Bearer for the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games, a testament to his significant contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy.

Finlay’s time at Brock University helped him appreciate the value and joy of hard work—one of his favorite memories and most treasured values.

Elizabeth Walker-Young (Class of 2002) Athlete

Elisabeth Walker-Young’s accomplishments in the pool began before her time at Brock as she made her Paralympic debut in 1992 at the Barcelona Games. She then earned silver medals at the 1994 World Para Swimming Championships in the 50m butterfly and 200m IM events before joining the Badgers swimming team from 1996 to 2001.

Her unwavering spirit and skill earned her a bronze medal in the 100-metre backstroke at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games. but it was the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games where Elisabeth truly shined, capturing gold medals and setting world records in the 50-metre butterfly and the 200-metre individual medley. She also excelled in the 4 by 100-metre medley relay, securing yet another gold.

Walker-Young’s success continued at the 2004 Athens Paralympic Games, where she earned a bronze in the 50-metre butterfly and a silver in the 4 by 100-metre medley relay.

Her impact extends beyond the pool. As Assistant Chef de Mission at the 2012 London Paralympic Games and the Chef de Mission the 2015 Parapan American Games, she demonstrated her commitment to the next generation of Paralympic athletes ensuring that they, too, could shine on the world stage.

Walker-Young’s contributions have been recognized with her induction into the Ontario Aquatic Hall of Fame in 2008 and Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in 2014 as well as receiving the Order of Canada in 2018 and the L.B ‘Mike’ Pearson Award from U SPORTS in 2020.

On top of all these achievements, Walker-Young was awarded an honorary doctorate from Brock University in 2023.

Her journey in swimming has been more than just a pursuit of medals. It has been a path to self-acceptance and pride in her identity.

She has shown that true greatness is not only measured by athletic success but by the positive change one brings to the
world.

Brock intends to honour another hall of fame class in the New Year, featuring its perennial powerhouse, past and present, wrestlers.

“The induction into the Badger Hall of Fame is more than just an honour; it’s a celebration of the unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements of our Brock Badgers,” said Brock Sports and Recreation Executive Director Melissa Krist to gobadgers.ca

“This event is a chance to reflect on our storied past while also looking forward to an exciting future filled with promise and potential.”