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NORTHERN
FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
Hall of
Fame
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Background of the Hall of
Fame:
The Northern Football Conference began in
1954 as the Northern Ontario Rugby-Football Union. It was designed to
allow athletes to continue to play the great game of football beyond
the high school level. Over 40 years later the league is still
strong, vibrant and it has provided the opportunity to play at a high
level of competition to over three thousand players. Some of these
players are remembered and honoured through induction into the
Northern Football Conference Hall of Fame.
The longevity and quality of the Northern
Football Conference is a testament also to the coaches, officials and
administrators who have been involved and have contributed so much to
football and the League. Some of these individuals are remembered and
honoured through induction into the Northern Football Conference Hall
of Fame for their contributions.
The Northern Football Conference Hall of
Fame was established for the League and is to be used as a means by
which the NFC recognise players of outstanding merit over a period of
years, as well as honouring coaches, officials as well as club and
league administrators whose contributions to the league over a period
of time was seen as being of a consistently high level. Five "Charter
Members" of the Northern Football Conference Hall of Fame were
inducted in 1985.
Over the course of the first five years of
inductions the committee was to nominate individuals that had made
their contributions during the first 25 years of the league (1954 -
1978). Starting in 1989 the Committee would begin to nominate
individuals whose contributions occurred after 1978.
Nomination Process:
Anyone may nominate a derserving candidate
by supplying the name to the Nominating Committee. The nomination
must include a biography of the candidate stating the years the
person was involved with the NFC and the teams with which the
candidate was associated. Supporting evidence for the candidate may
also be supplied at this time. When a name is brought forward, the
NFC will research the candidate's statistical background in the NFC
through the Office of the Statistician in order to support the
nomination.
The Nominating Committee will review the
list of nominees and determine which names to present to the Annual
General Meeting of the NFC. The NFC may then ratify, add or delete
the names of the nominees.
Once a nominee's name has been ratified by
the NFC they will be considered an Inductee. An Inductee will
formally become a member of the NFC Hall of Fame at the Induction
Ceremony held during the playing season.
Eligibility:
A Player or Official must have actively
participated in the NFC for a minimum of three years and demonstrated
outstanding ability. A nominated candidate in this category must not
have played for the three (3) years prior to their nomination and
must have played within the fifteen (15) year period prior to their
nomination.
A Coach or Administrator must have actively
participated in the NFC for a minimum of five years and demonstrated
outstanding ability at a consistently high level over a period of
time. A nominated candidate in this category may still be active in
the league.
Exceptions may be made with unanamous
approval of the Nominating Committee and the NFC.
Since 1985 seventy people have been
recognised through induction into the Northern Football Conference
Hall of Fame. Individuals inducted into the Hall receive a plaque
which bares the NFC logo and the phrase "In recognition of his
outstanding contribution to the game of football" .
The Northern Football Conference has
inherited a very rich tradition of excellence from the involvement of
all who have been inducted and the many others who will similarly be
recognised in the future.
The Members of the Hall of Fame are listed
alphabetically below. The induction date and a short biography are
listed as well. Please glance through the biographies of some of the
great athletes and administrators of the Northern Football
Conference:
Jerry Allard
Rouyn-Noranda; Val D'Or; Sturgeon Falls; Kirkland Lake
Inducted: 1987
Jerry was an outstanding Running back. He scored 30 career
touchdowns and had a 10.2 yards per carry average in 1967. Larry won
three Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championships (1960, 1964, 1967) and
played in two others (1959, 1962). He went on to coach beginning in
1967.
Ken Arp
Oakville
Inducted: 1999
Ken worked with the Oakville Longhorns.
Larry (Ace) Avery
North Bay
Inducted: 1985
Larry played offensive line for 12 years beginning in 1954. He won
the NFC Lineman-of-the-Year Award in 1965. Larry won three Plaunt
Memorial Trophy Championships (1960, 1964, 1965) and played in two
others (1959, 1962 ). He went on to coach beginning in 1967.
Bill Ball
Kirkland Lake
Inducted: 1996
Bill was an outstanding player in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In 1965 he lead the Alouettes to a share of the Fourezious/Pestolis
Memorial Trophy and he competed for the Plaunt Memorial Trophy
Championship in the same year. Bill was named NFC Most Valuable
Player in 1968.
Andre Bedard
North Bay
Inducted: 1986
Andre established himself as a dedicated and hard hitting player
during his 15 year playing career with the North Bay Roughriders. He
later went on to coach for North Bay. Andre was named to the NFC
All-star team in 1971 at Centre and again in 1974 at Linebacker which
speaks to his versatility.
Jean-Guy Bigras
Sturgeon Falls / League Office
Inducted: 1989
Jean-Guy served as General Manager of the Bombers for a number of
years and then moved into the executive of the NFC as
Secretary-Treasurer where he served for ten years. He was
instrumental in developing the NFC office and updating the Player
registration process and procedures.
Phil Brideaux
Sault Ste. Marie
Inducted: 1996
Phil was a valued member of the Sault Steeler organization. He was
a tireless advocate of football in Sault Ste. Marie and worked hard
to keep the team operating in the late 1970s and early 1980s when he
served as Club President. Phil was ethusiastic and vibrant and a
great friend of football in the north!
Norm Brown
North Bay / Orillia
Inducted: 1996
Norm began a stellar 11 year career by winning the Leo Troy Award
as Rookie of the Year in 1968 and followed it up with the NFC Most
Valuable Player award in 1969. He played in 5 Plaunt Memorial Trophy
Championships winning in 1969. In 1978 he won the Lineman of the Year
award.
Val Buttazzoni
Sudbury
Inducted: 1993
Val played seven outstanding seasons. He was chosen to NFC
All-star teams six times (1972 - 1975, 1977-1978). Val was also named
NFC Lineman-of-the-Year in 1977. He played for the Plaunt Memorial
Trophy Championship 5 times winning it in 1977.
John Clifford
Sturgeon Falls
Inducted: 1985
John was an exciting two-way player who won the August Kangro
Trophy scoring title and was selected as the NFC Most Valuable Player
in 1962. He won three Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championships (1961,
1962, 1963) and played in one other (1966 ).
Arnold Cline*
League Office / North Bay
Inducted: 1991
Arnold was active as a player, Official, and Administrator.
He was an Official from 1960 until he became NFC Referee-in-Chief
from 1971 to 1973. He was also NFC Secretary-Treasurer in 1973 and
served as NFC President in 1974. He returned to North Bay as Club
President from 1975-1980.
Carl (Cam) Cook
North Bay
Inducted: 1995
Carl was an outstanding Defensive Tackle for the North Bay
Tiger-Cats. He was recognised for his efforts by being named to the
NFC All-star team three times (1975-1977). Carl reached the Plaunt
Memorial Trophy Championship in 1976.
Gary Costello
Sudbury
Inducted: 1989
Gary was a long time trainer for the Sudbury teams in the NFC and
continued to help the team in administrative roles. In 1972 he was
named the NFC Executive-of-the-Year an award which is only presented
periodically to recognise outstanding contributions to the NFC or its
affiliated clubs.
Sam Cuomo
Sudbury
Inducted: 1991
Sam made a big hit in the NFC literally as a stellar linebacker
for 10 years. He was selected as NFC Rookie-of-the-Year in 1977. He
was also named to NFC All-star teams 8 times (1979-1986). Sam played
for the Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship 7 times winning it five
times.
Otavio DeBenedet
Sudbury
Inducted: 1997
Otavio was an outstanding player in the mid to late 1970s. He was
a three time league All-star as Running Back (1976-78) and was named
NFC MVP. He also won the August Kangro Memorial Trophy in 1977. He
competed in 2 Plaunt Memorial Trophy championships winning in
1977.
Rocky DiPietro
Sault Ste. Marie
Inducted: 1990
Rocky played in the NFC for 4 years before going on to a stellar
professional career in the CFL. He was a unanimous NFC All-star
selection in 1975, 1976 and 1977 as well as being selected as NFC
Most Valuable Player in 1975 and 1976.
Nick D'Orazio
Sudbury
Inducted: 1997
Nick played seven years as a Running Back in the NFC from 1981 to
1987. He averaged 5.18 yards per carry. He was named to the NFC
All-star team three times (1984-85, 1987) and won the August Kangro
Memorial Trophy in 1985. He played for the Plaunt Memorial Trophy
Championship seven times winning five (1982-85, 1987).
Mervin (Butch) Dupuis
North Bay; Sturgeon Falls
Inducted: 1986
During his career Mervin was an outstanding quarterback and
receiver and later went on to coach. Mervin played on three
championship teams from 1961 -1963. He was named co-winner of the NFC
Most Valuable Player award in 1962 and winner of the award in
1964.
Peter Ennis*
Sudbury
Inducted: 1999
Peter worked with the Sudbury Spartans.
Gord Evans
Sudbury
Inducted: 1987
Gord played half his ten year career on defence but was the career
offensive leader for Sudbury. He returned punts and kickoffs as well
as rushed and caught the ball. Gord's dedication to Sudbury football
both on and off the field was noted by all.
Gaetan (Pie) Ferlatte
Sturgeon Falls; Laurentian University
Inducted: 1990
With Gaetan as head coach the Sturgeon Falls Bombers won the
Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championships in 1961, 1962 and 1963. They
returned to the final again in 1966. In 1972 Gaetan was instrumental
in getting Laurentian University to compete in the NFC. He coached
them until 1973.
Brad Fevreau
Oakville
Inducted: 1993
Brad played in 1978 and 1979 as a lineman. When he retired he
joined the Executive of the Longhorns and served as Club President
from 1981 to 1990. His greatest contribution to the Club was as fund
raiser and supporter of amateur football.
Alex Fex
Sturgeon Falls; Sudbury
Inducted: 1986
Alex was considered the premier offensive player in the NFC from
1965 through 1968. He won August Kangro Trophy scoring titles in
1965, 1966 and 1968 and was named NFC Most Valuable Player in 1970.
In 12 seasons he played in 12 Plaunt Memorial Trophy championship
games winning eight.
Mike Frank
Brampton Bears
Inducted: 1997
Mike was an offensive force to be reckoned with in the late 1980s.
He was named to the NFC All-star team as a Place kicker twice
(1987-88) and unanamously as a Running Back in 1988. He won the
August Kangro Memorial Trophy in 1988. Mike twice competed for the
Plaunt Memorial Trophy championship.
Sid Forster*
Sudbury / League Office
Inducted: 1985
Sid was a player, coach and executive in the NFC. He won the
August Kangro Trophy scoring title in 1955 as a player. As coach he
won 17 Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championships and was named NFC
Coach-of -the Year 8 times. Sid had also served as President and
Secretary of the NFC.
Bob Forsyth
North Bay
Inducted: 1992
Bob had a stellar five year career as Running back and Kick
Returner. He was named NFC Rookie-of-the-Year in 1974 and was
selected NFC All-star as a Running back in 1974, 1975 and 1977 and as
a Kick Returner in 1975 and 1977. Bob was a very exciting player.
Kevin Ford
Hamilton / Oakville
Inducted: 1997
Kevin was a top Linebacker during the 1980s and was selected 5
times as an NFC All-star (1982, 1984, 1986-88) and was twice named
NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1986, 1988). He competed in 6
Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championships winning two (1986, 1988).
Eric France
Hamilton; Oakville
Inducted: 1995
Eric was an outstanding Defensive End for five years. He was
selected the the NFC All-star team five consecutive years (1983-1987)
and was chosen NFC Lineman-of-the-Year in 1984 and 1985. Eric reached
the Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship three times winning it in
1986 with Oakville.
Mike Frank
Brampton
Inducted: 1997
Mike played for the Brampton Bears.
Neri Fratin
Sudbury
Inducted: 1994
Neri played for the Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship 6 times
winning in five (1982-1985, 1987). He was named NFC Offensive
Player-of-the-Year and won the August Kangro Memorial Trophy as
scoring leader in 1982. He was named to NFC All-star teams twice
(1982, 1985).
Paul Gauthier
Sudbury
Inducted: 1995
Paul was named NFC Most Valuable Player in 1985, NFC Offensive
Player-of-the-Year in 1983 and 1985 and was selected three times to
NFC All-star teams (1983-1985). He reached the Plaunt Memorial Trophy
Championship 7 times winning 5 and being named Game MVP in 1983 and
1984.
Bruce Gilroy
Oakville
Inducted: 1991
Bruce was an excellent coach and hardworking executive for over a
decade. As a coach Bruce was awarded NFC Coach-of-the-Year honours in
1984 and 1985. His teams reached the Plaunt Memorial Trophy
Championship game four times and won it in 1986 and 1988.
Tom Graham
North Bay
Inducted: 1996
Tom was a defensive force to be reckoned with in the late 1960s
and early 1970s. He played in 5 Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championships
winning in 1969. Tom was named to the NFC's first All-star team in
1971. He went on to coach and manage the North Bay team in subsequent
years.
Ken Green
North Bay
Inducted: 1994
Ken played six seasons being named the NFC Lineman-of-the-Year in
1966 and being selected to the NFC All-star team in 1971 as an
Offensive Tackle. He played for the Plaunt Memorial Trophy
Championship 5 times winning in once in 1965.
Al Gyemi
Oakville
Inducted: 1997
In a seven year playing career in the late 1980s Al was named to
the NFC All-star team as a Receiver three times (1986, 1987 and 1988
unanamously). He played for the Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship
four times winning two (1986, 1988). He was a steady performer
averaging 11. 4 yards per reception.
Pete Handley
League Office
Inducted: 1990
Pete was the NFC Statitician from 1959 until he retired after the
1994 season. Pete was instrumental in developing, in 1966, the NFC
League Statistics package which is the envy of amateur leagues around
the continent. He also helped to establish the NFC Hall of Fame in
1985.
Steve Harrington
Oakville / League Office
Inducted: 1995
Steve's connection to the NFC began as a player with Orillia and
then Oakville. He moved onto Oakville's executive then to the NFC
executive where he served tirelessly as Secretary-Treasurer from
1981-1988 and as President in 1994. He also served as Vice-president
of Football Ontario.
Wayne Henderson
Kirkland Lake; North Bay
Inducted: 1987
Wayne began playing in the NFC in 1955 and developed into a feared
"pulling guard", on of the new breed at the time. He was twice named
NFC Lineman-of-the-Year (1961, 1963).
Henry Kango
Kirkland Lake; Sturgeon Falls; North Bay
Inducted: 1989
Henry was an outstanding player during 11 seasons in the NFC. He
was named NFC Most Valuable Player in 1960 and won the Scoring title
in 1957. In fact is was Henry that donated the trophy named for his
father (August Kango Memorial) which is awarded to the NFC's leading
scorer.
Ted Kerr
North Bay
Inducted: 1986
Ted was an outstanding player for 15 years and continued his
association with the NFC as a coach; all in North Bay. Ted was a
major contributor to North Bay's Plaunt Memorial Trophy championship
teams of 1960, 1964 and 1965. He was the coach in 1969 when North Bay
captured the title.
Leo Lavergne
Sturgeon Falls; North Bay; Sudbury
Inducted: 1988
Leo was inducted in his first year of eligibility for the NFC Hall
of Fame. He was very versatile as he played both receiver and running
back. His career receiving yardage was 1969 yards and rushing yardage
was 3274 yards. Leo was named to NFC All-star teams in 1971, 1972 and
1976.
Ernie Lekun
Sudbury
Inducted: 1990
Ernie was one of the fiercest linemen in the NFC in the 1960s. He
was named NFC Lineman-of-the-Year in 1962 and 1967. Ernie won the
Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championships three times. He was recognised
and feared as a big strong and tough player on both sides of the line
of scrimmage.
Norm Lekun
Sudbury; Sturgeon Falls
Inducted: 1986
Norm was a star player for 10 years in the league. He won the
August Kangro Trophy for scoring title in 1958 and was named the
first Most Valuable Player in the NFC. In 1960 he again won the Angus
Kangro Trophy. Norm placed second in scoring in 1961 and third in
1959.
Paul Linklater
Sault Ste. Marie
Inducted: 1992
Paul was an outstanding Defensive back from 1973 to 1980. He was
named to the NFC All-star team five times (1975-1979) and lead the
league in interceptions four times. Paul played for the Plaunt
Memorial Trophy Championship 5 times winning it three times.
Barry Magill
Sault Ste. Marie
Inducted: 1997
Barry had a stellar five year career as a Defensive Back in the
NFC. He was recognised as NFC All-star all five years (1972-76).
Barry competed in and won three Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championships
(1972, 1975-76).
Dennis McPhee
Hamilton; Oakville
Inducted: 1993
Dennis was named NFC Defensive Player-of-the-Year in 1984 and NFC
Lineman-of-the-Year in 1988. Dennis was also selected to the NFC
All-star team five times (1982-1985, 1988). He played for the Plaunt
Memorial Trophy Championship 5 times winning it and the Game's MVP in
1986 and 1988 .
Gary Meehan
North Bay
Inducted: 1989
Gary enjoyed a 10 year playing career. He was Runner-up in scoring
in 1962 and again in 1963. He won Plaunt Memorial Trophy
Championships in 1960, 1964, 1965 and 1969. He was inducted into the
North Bay Sports Hall of Fame in 1987.
Frank Moffat
Hamilton
Inducted: 1994
Frank was twice selected NFC Lineman-of-the-Year (1982, 1983) and
was chosen to the NFC All-star teams in 1982, 1983, 1984 as an
Offensive Tackle. He played for the Plaunt Memorial Trophy
Championship twice coming out on the short end both times.
Len Monico
Sault Ste. Marie
Inducted: 1988
Len was the principle architect in getting Sault Ste. Marie into
the NFC. He went on to coach them to three Plaunt Memorial Trophy
Championships (1972, 1975, 1976) and one other appearance in the
final (1977) . Len was named the NFC Coach-of-the-Year in 1972, 1975
and 1976.
Rick Morenz
Bramalea; Oakville; Brampton
Inducted: 1990
As a player, Rick was named NFC Most Valuable Player in 1979,
selected NFC All-star in 1973, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1982 and won the
August Kangro Memorial Trophy as scoring leader in 1973. As a Coach
he was selected Coach-of-the-Year in 1988 and 1989.
Brian Murray
North Bay / League Office
Inducted: 1988
Brian was a player, coach, official and executive in the NFC. He
played from 1965 to 1968 winning the Plaunt Memorial Trophy
Championship and the NFC Most Valuable Player award in 1965 . Brian
then officiated for two years before becoming a coach. In 1977 he was
President of the NFC.
Ken Naples
Sudbury
Inducted: 1993
Ken was incredibly dedicated as he commuted 120 km round trip to
practice every day for 6 years. He was selected to the NFC All-star
team four times (1971 - 1974) as an Offensive Tackle. Ken played for
the Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship 6 times winning it in 1970
and 1971.
Derek Orr
Sault Ste. Marie
Inducted: 1989
Derek was an outstanding defensive player. He was named NFC
Lineman-of-the-Year in 1972 and again in 1976 and was named to the
NFC All-star team six straight years (1971 - 1976), twice as a
unanimous choice of the coaches and his peers.
Ray Owens*
Sudbury
Inducted: 1988
Star player and later assistant coach with the Sudbury Spartans,
Ray won August Kangro Trophy scoring titles in 1970 and again in
1971. He scored 287 career points and lead the league in rushing in
1971. Ray played on 4 NFC Plaunt Memorial Trophy championship
teams.
Butch Pelletier
North Bay
Inducted: 1987
Butch entered the NFC as a player in a big way by winning the Leo
Troy Rookie-of-the-Year Award in 1964. An outstanding Running back,
he won August Kangro Trophy scoring titles in 1964 and again in 1967.
Butch played on three NFC Championship teams (1964, 1965, 1969).
James (Moose) Pestolis*
League Office / Sturgeon Falls
Inducted: 1985
James coached the Sturgeon Falls Bombers and served as the NFC's
first Secretary-Treasurer in 1954 and 1955. He later went on to be
President of the NFC for 11 years. Jim was instrumental in hosting
the 1969 Canadian Senior Football Championship game in North Bay.
Les Piccolo
Sault Ste. Marie
Inducted: 1995
Les was an excellent Running back and Kick Returner. He was named
NFC Most Valuable Player in 1973 and was named to NFC All-star teams
in 1972, 1973 and 1975. He held the record for Kickoff Return Average
of 39.9 yards. Les won the Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship three
times.
Vern Plummer
Kirkland Lake; South Porcupine; Sudbury
Inducted: 1988
Vern was an outstanding offensive player. He rushed for 2,090
yards during his career and was runnner up to the NFC scoring title
in 1970 when he set a league record with 1380 yards in rushing for an
average of 10.0 yards per carry. Vern held another recod for scoring
6 touchdowns in one game.
Ron Preston*
Kirkland Lake
Inducted: 1985
Ron was a player, coach and executive in the NFC. As a player he
was selected as NFC Most Valuable Player in 1959 and 1963. After 11
years as a player he went on to coach in Kirkland Lake. Ron served
one year as President of the NFC.
Brian Reid
Sudbury
Inducted: 1992
Brian started his career with a bang by winning NFC
Rookie-of-the-Year honours and being named to the NFC All-star Team
in 1973 and he ended his career by being named again to the NFC
All-star Team in 1983. In between that, he was named to the NFC
All-star Team 7 more times.
Gary Ricker
Sudbury
Inducted: 1996
In a seven year playing career Gary was twice named to the NFC
All-star team as a lineman and played for the Plaunt Memorial
Championship every year winning three. Gary became an assistant coach
with Sid Forster and won eight more championships. He was Spartan
head coach from 1995 - 1997.
Bob Riley
Etobicoke, Oakville
Inducted:1992
Bob had a stellar five year career. He was named NFC
Rookie-of-the-Year and NFC Most Valuable Player in 1978. Bob was
named NFC Offensive Player-of-the-Year and NFC Most Valuable Player
in 1984. He was named to the NFC All-star Team 4 times (1978,
1984,1985, 1986).
Jerry St. Jacques
Sturgeon Falls, North Bay
Inducted: 1991
In an eight year playing career Jerry was an outstanding Offensive
Back and Kicker. He currently sits 24th on the NFC Career Point
Leaders Table with 174 points from 26 touchdowns, 17 converts and 1
single. He played for the Plaunt Memorial Championship seven times
winning five in a row .
Gino Sandrin
Kirkland Lake
Inducted: 1992
Gino played for 10 years, from 1955 to 1964. He won the August
Kangro Memorial Trophy as scoring leader in 1959. Gino played for the
Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship 3 times coming up short all three
times.
Wally Schpitzer
Kirkland Lake
Inducted: 1995
Wally was an outstanding athlete that played both Running back and
Defensive back during a 6 year career (1966-1971). He was named NFC
Most Valuable Player in 1971. During his career he averaged 5.8 yards
per carry and 16.2 yards per reception.
Ken Sheilds
Sudbury
Inducted: 1993
Ken played five stellar seasons as a Tight End. He was named NFC
Rookie-of-the-Year in 1971 having never played football before. Ken
was selected to the NFC All-star team three times (1972 - 1974). He
played for the Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship 5 times winning it
in 1971
Marty Smith
Sault Ste. Marie
Inducted: 1991
Marty had a stellar career as both a player and a coach. He was
named to the NFC All-star team as a quarterback in 1977 and 1980 and
selected NFC Most Valuable Player in 1980. He won the Plaunt Memorial
Trophy Championship game in 1980. Marty was named NFC
Coach-of-the-Year in 1986.
Phil Smith Sr.
Sudbury
Inducted: 1987
Phil was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contribution as a
"builder". He was associated with Sudbury football for 35 years at
the time of his induction and was a cornerstone for the club in an
administrative capacity. Phil was President of the Spartans for over
15 years.
Scott Spurgeon
Sudbury
Inducted: 1994
Scott was chosen to the NFC All-star teams four times as a
Defensive Back (1980,1981,1983,1985) and twice as a Returner (1983,
1984) . He played for the Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship 6 times
winning in four (1982-1985). He set the Single season record for
interceptions with 9 in 1980.
Dave Stevens
League Office
Inducted: 1990
Dave was one of the finest Football Officials in the NFC. He was
named the Referee-in-Chief of the NFC in 1966 and served in that
capacity until 1970. Dave was responsible for setting up Official's
Clinics to improve the level of officiating throughout the NFC.
Jerry Topazzini
League Office
Inducted: 1999
Jerry retired as league President after the 1993 season.
His 15 years in that capicity make him the longest standing
NFC President in league history. Jerry was instrumental in
seeing the NFC through some of its toughest years and
increasing the league's membership as he tirelessly sought
new communities and football clubs to enter the senior
loop.
John Toswell
League Office
Inducted: 1994
John was a Football Official in the NFC for 10 years. He was named
the Referee-in-Chief of the NFC in 1977 and served in that capacity
until his retirement after the 1994 season. John was responsible for
setting up Official's Clinics to improve the level of officiating
throughout the NFC.
Mike Turnbull
Oakville
Inducted: 1999
Mike played for the Oakville Longhorns.
Hector Valade
North Bay
Inducted: 1993
Hec played eight stellar seasons. He holds the single season mark
for average reception yardage of 44.6 yards per catch set in 1968.
Hec was named to the NFC All-star team in 1971. He played for the
Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship 5 times winning it in 1969.
Pete Wason
Etobicoke, Oakville
Inducted: 1992
Pete was named NFC Most Valuable Player in 1983 and twice named
NFC Defensive Player-of-the-Year (1981, 1983). Pete was also named to
the NFC All-star Team 8 times (1978, 1981-1986, 1988). As Coach he
reached the Plaunt Memorial Trophy Championship twice winning in
1990.
Honorary Life
Members
Honorary Life Membership in the Northern
Football Conference is bestowed to those individuals who have
contributed greatly to the success and quality of the league over a
long period of time. Honorary Membership is a form of recognition for
the individual's service to the NFC and football in general. In the
45 years of operation only four individuals have had Life Membership
bestowed.
MAJOR LEO TROY*
Date Bestowed: March 3, 1963
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Leo was the hardworking Secretary-Treasurer of the NORFU
(predecessor of the NFC) from 1955-1962. He retired from the
league when he became a Member of Parliament. Leo was
instrumental in affiliating the NORFU with the Canadian
Football Union in 1954 and arranging the Provincial playoffs
with the ORFU beginning in 1955. He acted as delegate to the
CRU and ORFU during his tenure as league
Secretary-Treasurer.
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BRITT JESSOP*
Date Bestowed: September 12, 1981
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Britt can be considered the founding father of the NFC.
He was the person who, in the spring of 1954, telegraphed
delegates from the northern communities, who were playing
"outlaw" exhibition football games, and invited them to
attend an organizational meeting in North Bay. Out of the
meeting came the Northern Ontario Rugby-Football Union, the
forerunner of todays' NFC.
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JERRY TOPAZZINI
Date Bestowed: October 29, 1993
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Jerry retired as league President after the 1993 season.
His 15 years in that capicity make him the longest standing
NFC President in league history. Jerry was instrumental in
seeing the NFC through some of its toughest years and
increasing the league's membership as he tirelessly sought
new communities and football clubs to enter the senior
loop.
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PETE HANDLEY
Date Bestowed: February 10, 1996
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Pete retired as league Statistician after the 1994
season. He served for 35 years and provided the NFC with
Statistics and an archive which are the envy of football
leagues throughout North America. Pete was also instrumental
in developing the NFC Hall of Fame and in serving on its
Induction Committee since 1985. He was himself inducted in
1990.
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*-indicates deceased