MOUNT PEARL 2015 AWARD WINNERS

The Mount Pearl Sports Hall of Fame and 2015 Annual Awards Ceremony took place at the Reid Centre in Mount Pearl Friday night.

this year’s Athletic Award winners:
– Christine Young – Summit Synchro – (Peter Halliday Executive of the Year Award winner)
– Mark Miller – Pearlgate Track & Field – (Coach of the Year)
– Samantha Marsh – Target Shooting – (Female Athlete of the Year)
– Sam Leawood – Marlins/Seahawks Swimming – (Male Athlete of the Year)

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 

Province’ at 10 National championships and the 1993 Canada Games. Of particular note, Jennifer was an under-age player on the Provincial U18 team at 3 National Championships – 1989, 1990 and 1991, and was twice awarded the Keith Burt Scholarship.

From 1993 to 1998 Jennifer played with Acadia University, and selected AUAA ‘All Star’ from 1994 to 1996.  In 1995 Jennifer was League ‘Top Scorer’, AUAA ‘MVP’, Acadia University Athlete of the Year, and ‘1^st Team’ All Canadian.  She was also chosen as Mount Pearl’s ‘Female Athlete of the Year in ’95. In 1996 she was selected ‘2^nd Team’ All Canadian.

Ben Dunne coached Jennifer for many years.  He described her as “a player who displays true grit, determination, courage, sportsmanship and fair play. Her drive to win always kept her teammates upbeat and determined to be the best they could be. She was a pleasure to have coached at 10 National Championships and one Canada Games competition in 1993”.

Dave LeGrow

BUILDER

Dave LeGrow has devoted more than twenty years to the soccer community, volunteering with the local and provincial associations. His involvement covers a broad range, from referee, coach and convenor, through to treasurer, secretary, and various organizing committee functions.

Dave began with Mount Pearl Soccer (MPSA) in 1994 as a Class 3 referee and tournament convenor for more than 15 years.  In 1996 he “signed on” as House League Coordinator and coach.  From ‘98 to 2013 he served the Executive, including Treasurer, Secretary, Finance and Management Committees, ‘Senior and All Star’ Committee, management committee for the Challenge Cup team, and NLSA representative. He was part of the task group completing the Field Lighting, Clubhouse, and Field Turf projects, and Secretary to the 40^thAnniversary Committee. Since stepping away from the Executive in 2013 Dave continues to be active, chairing the Scholarship Committee, working with the Legacy Committee, and assisting with Provincial and National tournament hosting.

Dave has also served more than 15 years with the NLSA Board and Executive, including as Treasurer and Secretary, and continues work with NLSA hosted tournaments and NL teams in national competitions.

Dave has been recognized as “Executive of the Year” by the MPSA, Sport Alliance and NLSA.  In 2012 he was inducted to the MPSA Hall of Fame and NLSA Hall of Fame; in 2015 he received a lifetime achievement award from MP Men’s Slo-Pitch Softball and was recognized by Canada Soccer for his contributions to Discipline Committee/National Tournaments.

Dave Randell

BUILDER

Dave Randell began his ‘volunteer career’ as a coach in youth sports back in the mid-80s when his children were young and volunteer leadership was needed.  Back in 1985 Dave wouldn’t have predicted continuing to coach for 20 years, or joining the Executives of the Soccer Association and Sport Alliance.

As a coach Dave immersed himself in minor baseball, hockey, and soccer, and committed to being a competent coach, NCCP certified in all three sports. Over the next two decades, Dave would coach all age groups, helping many young people develop athletic skills and values; on four occasions leading to Provincial Championships in baseball and hockey.  He was recognized by MPMHA with a ‘Coaching Staff of the Year” Award in 1999.

Dave’s contribution to sport extends well beyond coaching and into the board room. He served seven years on the MPSA Executive, five as Treasurer; he also served as Treasurer for the 1996 Snickers National Boys/Girls U-17 tournament, the 1997 Cabot Celebrations (25^th MPSA Anniversary), and the 2005 Adidas Cup National Boys/Girls U-16 tournament.

Dave was also Treasurer for the Sport Alliance from 1997-2003.  During his tenure with the Sport Alliance he was Treasurer for Frosty Festival, the 2000 NL Summer Games, and a founding member of the Games legacy program, the Youth Opportunity Fund, which he continues today.

Wince Taylor

ATHLETE

Wince Taylor was a gifted athlete from his early days in minor hockey through to senior play in the 80’s. Active in several sports, Wince was well known for his goaltending in ice hockey and ball hockey, as well as his “strong bat” on the baseball field.

In Mount Pearl Minor Hockey Wince received ‘Top Goaltender’ and ‘MVP’ awards at Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget levels, and also while playing for the Mount Pearl Junior Blades.  His goaltending was a major factor for Provincial Championship Minor Hockey teams, the NL Select Team against a touring Russian Midget side, as a ‘pick up’ for the Brother Rice Celtics 1982 Atlantic Junior ‘B’ Championship Team, the 1983 Canada Games Team, and the Stephenville Jets ‘Herder Memorial Trophy’ winners.  Sought after as a strong goaltender, Wince also played with five different teams in the NL Senior Hockey.

Wince’s talent as a goaltender translated well to ‘Ball Hockey’ beginning in 1985. He was recognized with ‘Top Goaltender’ awards in four of his six years of Provincial ‘A’ Ball Hockey play, and competed in three National Championships, including Gold and Silver medal finish, and ‘All Star’ selections.

As a youngster in Mount Pearl Wince began playing baseball and continued to Junior and Senior play.  A big hitting third baseman he also played with Holy Cross after the collapse of the Mount Pearl team.  While playing with Holy Cross, Wince was picked up by the St. John’s Capitals Provincial ‘A’ Baseball Championship winners in 1982.