Another stellar class for Burlington’s hall
The Burlington Sports Hall of Fame recently announced the Class of 2017. And what a remarkable class it is.
This year’s inductees include 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Burlington-born Melanie Booth (soccer) and three-time Olympic gold (2002, 2006, 2010) and silver (1998) medallist Becky Kellar-Duke (hockey); LPGA Tour winner (1984) Barb Bunkowsky; NHLer Tim Bothwell (1978-1990), and World, Canadian and American Masters squash champion Sean McDonough.
Booth and Kellar-Duke join 12 other Olympians in the BSHOF: Don McFarlane (Burlington HS grad – 1952 Olympics – track); Gord Dickson (1960 – marathon); Angela Coughlan (M.M. Robinson – 1968 – swimming bronze); Steve Mitruk (1968 and 1972 – gymnastics); Melanie MacKay (Nelson – 1976 – swimming), Jamie Russell (Nelson – 1976 – basketball); Alan Nolet (1988, 1992, 1996 – gymnastics); John Wallace (Aldershot – 1988 and 1992 (gold) – rowing); Graham Hood (Nelson – 1992, 1996 – track); Paula Schnurr (Assumption – 1992, 1996 – track); Helen Nichol (M.M. Robinson – 2004 – badminton); Colin Russell (Burlington Central – 2008, 2012 – swimming).
Melanie Booth honed her skills with the Burlington Youth Soccer program. Upon graduating (2003) from Aldershot High School, Booth accepted a scholarship to NCAA D1 University of Florida Gators.
Career highlights include a bronze medal performance at the 2007 Pan American Games; the 2011 Games where Team Canada won its first Pan American soccer gold; and the 2012 Olympic bronze medal presentation at London’s Wembley Stadium, where 80,000 witnessed Team Canada receiving its first women’s summer Olympic team medal.
Booth recalls standing on the podium next to teammate Marie-Eve Nault. “I was the giddiest I have ever been” said the “bronzed” Booth.
Since retiring from international hockey (2010) Becky Kellar-Duke has dedicated herself to community and kids.
Among the beneficiaries of the decorated defenceman’s expertise: Burlington Blast Ringette, Burlington Youth Soccer, BOMBA Baseball, Burlington Barracudas Girls Hockey, BLOMA Hockey, Burlington Rep Hockey, Girl Guides of Canada, First Nation communities, service clubs, and a plethora of school children.
Kellar-Duke was a dual athlete at Brown University — a standout in softball and hockey. She was inducted into Brown University’s Hall of Fame in 2005.
Golfer Barb Bunkowsky was a four-time All-American. In 1994, Bunkowsky was inducted into the Florida State University Hall of Fame, joining Seminoles golf alumni Paul Azinger and Lisa Walters.
Among Bunkowsky’s 17-year LPGA career highlights was winning the 1984 Chrysler- Plymouth Classic, defeating Muffin DevlinSpencer by four strokes.
Burlington Springs Golf and Country Club proudly displays a sign that reads: “The Home of LPGA Touring Professional Barb Bunkowsky.”
Tim Bothwell’s NHL career spanned 12 years (1978-1990) with the New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Hartford Whalers. Three consecutive years Bothwell earned the Emery Edge Award for the best plus/minus on the team.
Bothwell is a (1978) graduate of Brown University. The deft defenceman was selected All-Ivy First Team All-Star a record three consecutive years.
Since retiring, Bothwell has had an outstanding coaching career at various levels, including serving as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Women’s Team.
World, American and Canadian Masters squash champion Sean McDonough — a graduate of the Class of 1977 – University of Western School of Dentistry — was tutored initially on the courts by legendary Mustang squash coach Jack Fairs.
McDonough has won three world doubles titles (1994, 1998, 2002), eight U.S. doubles championships, four Canadian single titles and 13 Canadian doubles titles.
Also being honoured at the induction ceremony with an Award of Distinction will be the Burlington Oldtimers Hockey Club.