A trailblazer in the world of women’s long distance running is being inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame this evening in the Athlete category.
Thunder Bay’s Janet Sillman started making herself known as an accomplished runner in the 1970’s, competing in races throughout Ontario and Minnesota.
In the 80’s Sillman began dominating triathlon events in the province and at the world level.
Also being honoured as an athlete is Lynda Devine Starczewski who won her first District Ladies golf title in Port Arthur in 1964 when she was 14 years old and went on to claim 18 district titles over the next several decades.
Fellow Thunder Bay Athlete Dave Gatherum is also being inducted tonight for his professional hockey career that started with the Detroit Red Wings in 1952.
Gatherum served as the backup goaltender for Terry Sawchuk
Kenora’s Dennis Olson is receiving his honours for his time in professional hockey as well for the time he spent in the IHL, WHL and the NHL where he too was with the Detroit Red Wings during the 1950’s.
Being inducted in the Builder category will be Scott Fawcett of Fort Frances who turned his love of football into a 30-year coaching career which included a CFL Grey Cup victory with the 1999 Hamilton Tiger-Cats as a special teams coordinator.
Also in the Builder category is Thunder Bay’s Dick Hill who spent six decades as a sports administrator, official and volunteer.
Included in that was 40 years behind home plate as a Little League umpire.
The 37th annual Hall of Fame Induction Dinner & Ceremonies starts at 6:30 at Thunder Bay’s Valhalla Inn Ballroom.