GUELPH – Four generational athletes, two builders, and two history-making teams. The Guelph Gryphon Athletics Hall of Fame welcomes a new class in 2018, with each of the recipients fully deserving the honour. Two-time All-Canadian football player Dave Irwin, two-sport athlete Brooke Hilditch, rugby star Jacey (Murphy) Grusnick, cross country and track and field legend Kyle Boorsma, former athletic director Tom Kendall, volleyball player, coach and donor Larry Pearson, the 2005 Gryphon women's cross-country team, and the 1977-78 men's volleyball team have all contributed immensely to the University of Guelph's rich sporting history. All will officially enter the Gryphon Hall of Fame on Friday, September 21, 2018 during a ceremony at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre.
 

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2018 Gryphon Hall of Fame Class

Athletes:
Dave Irwin - (Football, 1990-1993)
Brooke Hilditch - (Rugby & Wrestling, 2000-2003)
Kyle Boorsma - (Cross Country & Track, 2006-2011)
Jacey (Murphy) Grusnick - (Rugby, 2007-2012)

Teams:
1977-78 Men's Volleyball
2005 Women's Cross Country

Builders:
Tom Kendall
Larry Pearson
 

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2018 Gryphon Hall of Fame Banquet

Date:  Friday, September 21, 2018
Time:  6pm-10:30pm
Location:  Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre
Tickets:  $80 per ticket (includes cocktail reception & dinner)
  For more information contact:
Jen Green | External Relations and Events Officer
jgreen15@uoguelph.ca | 519-824-4120 ext. 56207
 

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Dave Irwin
Football (1990-93)  

Dave Irwin finished his four-year University of Guelph career as one of the most recognized football players in program history. A two-time All-Canadian, and Yates Cup winner in 1992, Dave exemplified the Gryphons' "team-first" approach. He was a phenomenal athlete, tall, deceptively-fast and capable of coming up with something special just when the team needed it. "Dave Irwin was a 'big play' kind of receiver," said Daniel McNally, his coach at Guelph. "You knew he could outrun everyone if you could just get the ball out there. Dave would catch everything he was supposed to catch and some that you didn't think were catchable. He was a great receiver, great teammate and a great person."               
 
University Honours:
- Male Athlete of the Year – 1993
- Varsity Honour Award – 1993
- 1990's Team of the Decade
 
School Records:
- Leading Receptions – 1991, 92
- Leading Reception Yardage – 1991, 92
- Leading Touch Downs – 1991
 
Conference Honours:
- OUAA All-Star – 1991, 92, 93
- Yates Cup Champions – 1992
- OUAA Reception Yardage Leader (712) – 1993
- OUAA Most Receptions in a Game Leader (11) – 1993
 
National Conference Honours:
- CIAU All-Canadian – 1992, 93
 
Professional Sports Accomplishments:
- Toronto Argonauts (CFL) Draft Pick – 1994
 

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Brooke Hilditch
Rugby (2000-03)
Wrestling (2002-03)

 

Brooke Hilditch was one of the most gifted athletes to wear the red, black and gold colours. A two-sport star, who excelled both on the rugby pitch and on the wrestling mat, Brooke always put in maximum effort to set an example for her teammates. She was known as a gifted, low-maintenance player in the eyes of coaches. Brooke's 2003 season, which included an OUA rugby gold medal, the conference MVP and All-Canadian honours, individual and team silver medals in wrestling, as well as the U of G Varsity Honour Award, Female Athlete of the Year, and President's Trophy, will rank as one of the most memorable ever put together by any Gryphon. "Brooke was true student-athlete," said her rugby coach Dr. Jim Atkinson. "She could do both. Brooke was a bright woman, mentally tough and very principled."
 
Team Honours:
- Rugby MVP – 2003
- Wrestling Rookie of the Year – 2002
 
University Honours:
- Varsity Honour Award – 2003
- Athlete of the Year – 2003
- President's Trophy – 2003
 
Conference Honours:
Rugby:
- OUA Gold Medal – 2000, 03
- OUA Silver Medal – 2001, 02
- OUA Russell Division All-Star – 2002
- OUA All-Star – 2003
- OUA MVP – 2003
 
Wrestling:
Individual:
- OUA Bronze Medal – 2002
- OUA Silver Medal (68kg) – 2003
- OUA All-Star – 2003
Team:
- OUA Silver Medal – 2003
National Conference Honours:
Rugby:
- CIAU Silver Medal – 2000
- CIS All-Canadian – 2002, 03
- CIS Tournament All-Star – 2003
 

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Jacey (Murphy) Grusnick
Rugby (2007-11)    

A humble, focused, and determined athlete, Jacey (Murphy) Grusnick was a force on the rugby pitch from the moment she set foot on the U of G campus. Jacey's university career ultimately ended in storybook fashion as the famed Eighth man on the powerhouse Gryphon side earned national Player of the Year honours in her fifth and final season wearing the red, black and gold. But what made it all the more special was Guelph's dominant 28-0 win over St. Francis Xavier in the CIS title match, which completed a long quest for her and her teammates. It was a wonderful way to cap a historic run that included four OUA championships, three consecutive team MVP awards and two U of G Female Athlete of the Year nods. "Jacey was one of the best athletes I've ever had the pleasure of coaching," said Gryphon women's rugby coach Colette McAuley. "She made everyone around her better and led the pack without ever saying a word. Jacey was exceptional. She worked tirelessly for her teammates for 80 minutes, doing what needed to be done, whether that was making the tackle, winning the ruck, carrying the ball or scoring the try."
 
Team Honours:
- Rugby Rookie of the Year Award – 2007
- MVP of the Year – 2009, 10, 11
 
University Honours:
- Female Athlete of the Year – 2010, 2011
 
Conference Honours:
- OUA All Star – 2007
- OUA Russell Division Rookie of the Year – 2007
- OUA Team Bronze Medal – 2007
- OUA Team Gold Medal – 2008, 09, 10, 11
- OUA Shiels Division All Star – 2009, 10
- OUA Rugby Shiels Division MVP of the Year – 2010, 11
 
National Conference Honours:
- CIS Team Bronze Medal – 2007, 08, 09, 10
- CIS Team Gold Medal – 2011
- CIS Tournament All Star – 2008
- CIS All Canadian – 2009, 10
- CIS Rugby Player of the Year – 2010, 11
- CIS Championship All Canadian – 2011
 

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Kyle Boorsma
Cross Country (2006-10)
Track & Field (2006-10)

 


Kyle Boorsma possessed an attribute that most athletes in any sport dream of having – genuine fearlessness. That internal confidence, combined with exceptional athleticism and a strong work ethic, helped Kyle become one of the greatest runners in the history of U SPORTS. A three-time Gryphon Male Athlete of the Year and 10-time All-Canadian, he was a great all-around athlete, who excelled in hockey and golf before finding his groove as a cross country and track and field star. Gryphon head coach Dave Scott-Thomas saw Kyle as the entire package – a mix of athletic ability and academic prowess, with a definitive commitment to team. "It's seldom that you have an intersection of physical and psychological ability like Kyle has," Scott-Thomas said. Kyle also cycles competitively and has been the Gryphon endurance coach for the past three years.
 
Team Honours:
- Art Hackett Cross Country MVP Trophy – 2007, 10
- Hamilton Olympic Club Track MVP – 2008, 09, 10
 
University Honours:
- Male Athlete of the Year – 2008, 09, 10
- President's Trophy – 2009
 
Conference Honours:
Cross Country:
Individual:
- OUA Rookie of the Year – 2006
- OUA Individual Gold Medal – 2007
- OUA First Team All Star – 2007, 09, 10
- OUA Individual Silver Medal – 2008, 09, 10
 
Team:
- OUA Team Gold Medal – 2006, 07, 08, 09, 10
 
Track & Field:
Individual:
- OUA Male Events MVP – 2008
- OUA All Star – 2008, 09, 10
- OUA Individual Silver Medal (3000M) – 2008
- OUA Individual Gold Medal (1500M) – 2008, 10
- OUA Individual Silver Medal (4x800 Relay) – 2008
- OUA Individual Gold Medal (3000M) – 2009
 
Team:
- OUA Team Silver Medal – 2008, 09, 10
 
National Conference Honours:
Cross Country:
Individual:
- CIS First Team All Canadian – 2007, 08, 09, 10
- CIS Individual Silver Medal – 2009
- CIS Cross Country Male MVP – 2010
- CIS Individual Gold Medal – 2010
 
Team:
- CIS Team Gold Medal – 2006, 07, 08, 09, 10
 
Track & Field:
Individual:
- CIS First Team All Canadian – 2008, 09(x2), 10(x2)
- CIS Second Team All Canadian - 2008
- CIS Individual Gold Medal (3000M) – 2008, 09, 10
- CIS Individual Silver Medal (1500M) – 2008
- CIS Individual Gold Medal (1500M) – 2009, 10
CIS Athlete of the Meet – 2010
 
Team:
- CIS Team Bronze Medal – 2008
- CIS Team Silver Medal – 2010
- CIS Team Gold Medal – 2009
 
Other:
- Gryphon Track & Field Assistant Coach – 2015, 2016, 2017
 

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BUILDERS
Tom Kendall

Tom Kendall was essentially interested in one thing when he took over as the Gryphon Athletics Director in the mid 2000s – achieving excellence. That goal was evident not just on the fields of play but in every aspect of the department. And over the course of Tom's 11-year tenure, both the varsity program and the athletic infrastructure looked very different by the time he retired from his post in 2016. The Gryphon AD was notoriously intense, and not a fan of losing games.

That passion for winning was forged during his incredible run as head coach of the University of Winnipeg women's basketball team, when the Wesmen secured three consecutive national titles from 1993 to 1995, in addition to winning 88 straight games, tying a North American collegiate sports record set by the legendary John Wooden's UCLA Bruins. Guelph's varsity teams obliged by winning 45 OUA banners in addition to 29 national titles with Tom at the helm. But he also put his stamp on campus by building the Gryphon brand, placing a focus on academics, developing student-athlete scholarships, creating the Jr Gryphon programs, and augmenting the athletic facilities on campus.

The problematic grass at both Varsity Field and the Gryphon Soccer Complex was replaced with turf, while a new track at Alumni Stadium and the creation of the Field House were other projects Tom spearheaded. The sparkling new GGAC is another jewel made possible by Tom's work reaching out to students and alumni asking for funding. The athletic program and facilities, used by the entire community, that Tom left behind is the envy of many academic institutions across Canada.

"Tom's greatest impact has more to do with the students themselves than it does anything else," said the University of Guelph's outgoing Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Brenda Whiteside. "He was an extraordinary director. In his 11 years at Guelph, the department grew significantly in terms of reputation.  While many might speak to his impact on our facilities, I believe that his lasting legacy will be a culture that focuses on student growth and development."

 

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Larry Pearson

Larry Pearson began his long and distinguished association with Gryphon Athletics nearly 50 years ago when he first set foot on the University of Guelph campus in 1970 as a student and athlete. Larry completed his varsity career in 1972 and three years later, he would take the reins of the men's volleyball team, eventually leading the Gryphons to their first and only OUA championship in 1978. While he has been an influential member of the volleyball program for decades, Larry's scope expanded when he took a leadership role in the university's Building Potential Campaign and the plan to build the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre. He was a key member of the advisory council for the campaign and a personal gift he donated in 2007 kickstarted the project. Larry, who also served on the University of Guelph's Board of Governors from 1995-2001, spearheaded the support of varsity athletes and has contributed to athletic scholarships for over a dozen Gryphons through his Larry Pearson Scholarship Fund. Larry's perseverance through multiple administrations, both at the Departmental and University level was instrumental in ensuring the completion of the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre.

"Larry Pearson is one of the best leaders and developers of people I have ever seen," said Gryphons' men's volleyball coach Cal Wigston. "His attention to detail, his love for the university and his love for competition is off the charts. Larry cares a lot about the program and wants to one day see a championship banner hang from the rafters, however, he cares even more about the athletes. Larry gets great satisfaction from helping the athletes develop into the best version of themselves not just as athletes but as well-rounded human beings.

"Larry does not only give his money to the university, he gives his time. When he could be at his home in Florida during the winter months he instead, chooses to be in the gym fixing equipment, chasing volleyballs, coaching the guys and coaching the coaches. It's incredible to see what has been done with the money he has donated, it's even better to hear the stories from the guys about what he means to them as a coach and as a mentor."
 

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TEAMS
Women's Cross Country (2005-06)  

In 2003, Guelph Gryphons' women's cross-country coach Dave Scott-Thomas was certain that his women's team, loaded with talented rookies, would eventually win a national title. That dream was realized just two years later when a group that had something to prove went out to Halifax and returned with a CIS banner, sparking an incredible run of 12 consecutive national championships.

A deep Gryphon team enjoyed a strong regular season with a win at the prestigious Western Invitational and a fifth-place finish at the Lakefront Invitational in Chicago, against a field of over 40 NCAA teams. Guelph secured its sixth OUA championship in a nine-year span when Laura Moulton, Erin Sask, Julia Beniusis, captain Liz Forbes and Kate Henderson all earned All-star status. But they had a bigger prize in mind. Moulton led the way in Halifax, earning the third spot on the podium and First Team All-Canadian honours by running a time of 17:13. Guelph came away champions and set the stage for one of the most dominant stretches by any team in collegiate sports history.
 
"The goal was to win a national title," said Scott-Thomas, who was named OUA and CIS Coach of the Year in 2005. "It was goal realization."

Team members: Christine Gibb, Diana Ashrafhosseini, Donne Verge, Elizabeth Forbes, Erin Sask, Glynis Perrett, Jacqueline Gauthier, Jeff Haller, Jenn McCallum, Jenni Vanos, Julia Beniusis (Innis), Kate Henderson, Kate Stewart, Kimberly Volterman, Laura Hutchinson (Moulton), Mary Catherine Stewart, Michelle Basu Roy, Natalie Humphry, Rachel O'Reilly, Shantelle Novak (Roundell), Vaiva Yeager.
Coaches: Dave Scott-Thomas (head coach), Ali Salfi (assistant), Jeff Haller (assistant)
 

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Men's Volleyball (1977-78)

The Guelph Gryphons men's volleyball team wasn't necessarily a favourite to become provincial champions in the 1977/78 season. But head coach Larry Pearson and his players put in the work to produce a run that would etch their names in University of Guelph history.

The Gryphons were led by a couple of stars, Tony Tenwesteneind and Dennis Somerton, a towering pair of left-handers down the middle, who posed problems for opponents all season long. The duo was key in the OUAA semi-final match at the W.F. Mitchell Centre, when Guelph, wearing its trademark long-sleeved, red pinstripe jerseys, upset the defending champions Laurentian Voyageurs 15-2, 8-15, 16-14, and 15-3 on a memorable Saturday morning. The Gryphons completed their quest later that day, defeating Queen's in straight sets, 15-12, 15-2, and 15-12, to secure the program's first and only provincial championship.

"It was fun to watch us develop, play as a team, win as a team, and scrap," said Pearson, who fondly remembers the strong bond amongst his players. "This group of guys never gave up. They were just like bulls in a China shop – and they weren't going to be beat."

Team members: Al Braiden, Albert Matsushita, Bill Ketcheson, David Lemon, Dennis Somerton, Doug Hanes, John Kelly, Ken Johnston, Paul Jackson, Randy Lemon, Roman lanno, Tony Tenwesteneid.
Coach: Larry Pearson.
Trainer: Beth Charles. 
 

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Background:

The Gryphon Hall of Fame began in 1984 when the Gryphon Club recognized the need to honour the many athletes and builders who had made outstanding contributions to Athletics at the University of Guelph. Candidates are considered on the basis of playing ability, sportsmanship, character and exemplification of the spirit and ideals of the University of Guelph. To date, 134 athletes, 40 builders and 29 teams have been elected to the Hall. Plaques of the athletes and builders bearing their pictures and highlighting their accomplishments are displayed in the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre at the University of Guelph.

Full list of members