varsity news

Durham Lords Media Release
Thursday, November 27, 2008

Two more greats inducted into the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame

OSHAWA, Ont. - Wednesday night was a very special evening for Durham College as the department of athletics held the 14th annual Durham College Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Trillium Trails in Oshawa.

A pair of great student-athletes were honoured as Stephanie Axford and Rick Debres were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“It was an evening of celebration as we inducted two more of our great student-athletes into the Hall of Fame,” said Ken Babcock, athletic director. “What a great night for everyone involved and what a big night for Stephanie & Rick and their families and friends in attendance.”

The event was a huge success as it was witnessed by invited guests that included family and friends, current Hall of Famers, staff, faculty, administration, past athletes of the year, student association representatives, current and past coaches, media, team captains, members of the alumni association and President Don Lovisa.

Axford and Debres became the 35th and 36th members inducted into the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Stephanie Axford – Student Athlete Category
Women’s Soccer

Stephanie Axford began her dominating collegiate career at Durham in 1990 by helping Durham launch its first ever varsity women's soccer program. Stephanie is considered by many to be the leading pioneer in what has become one of the most successful college soccer programs in the country. The ultra rich tradition of success that the Durham College Women's Soccer program has built over the years can be attributed to Stephanie and members of that very first team laying the foundation for excellence. As a member of the DC women’s soccer team, she was named an OCAA provincial league all-star in that very first year and later was named an OCAA Championship All-star in 1992-93.

She was instrumental in leading the program to their first ever provincial medal (silver) in 1992; only three years after soccer became a full varsity sport here. In addition, she helped the Lords go undefeated with a perfect 6-0-0 record and win a Central Division OCAA title in 1991-92. Stephanie was OCAA central division and overall OCAA scoring champion in 1991-92 with an impressive 13 goals in six conference games. Her stellar three year collegiate career on the soccer field saw her score a career total of 26 goals (which ranks 8th all-time in OCAA history and third all-time in Durham College women’s soccer history). She capped things off by being named Durham College female athlete of the year in 1992-93 and more recently was inducted into the OCAA Sports Hall of Fame this past spring.

Rick Debres – Student Athlete Category
Men’s Soccer & Volleyball

Rick Debres came to Durham College in 1982 to pursue his college education and also compete in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA). He was a standout student-athlete at DC in not one, but two varsity sports - soccer and volleyball. During his three year post secondary athletic career, he achieved provincial recognition in both sports. He quickly established himself across the province, leading his Lords soccer team to contender status in just his first year as goalkeeper for the men's soccer team. Over the three years in OCAA soccer, Rick was stellar in goal, ultimately leading the program to an OCAA provincial championship silver medal in 1984-85. He was considered by opposing head coaches as the best college keeper in the province. Had there been official awards at that time, he would have easily been named the OCAA's best goalkeeper and All-Canadian on more than one occasion.

On the volleyball hardwood, Rick was equally as impressive as one of the most powerful hitters in the OCAA. When the ball went up at the net, he struck fear in the opposition who was faced with the daunting task of trying to return his powerful spikes. In his first year with the Lords Volleyball program, he helped lead the team to the OCAA provincial championship silver medal and National recognition. He would then lead the team to a final four finish, the very next year. He capped off a terrific collegiate career by being named Durham College Male Athlete of the Year in 1984-85. An outstanding two-sport star for Durham College and very deserving of Hall of Fame status.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES (36)
The Durham College Sports Hall of Fame officially opened in the spring of 1997 in order to recognize significant achievements and accomplishments of Durham student-athletes, coaches and builders.  On behalf of Durham College and the Durham College Athletic Department we are pleased to announce the formal induction of outstanding individuals into the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame and we salute their many contributions and achievements during their time at Durham.

DAVID STEWART inducted in 1997
GERRY PETTIT inducted in 1997
VASO VUJANOVIC inducted in 1997
TED HARRISON inducted in 1997
CAROL HART (Cruwys) inducted in 1997
LESLIE PELLERIN (Seeley) inducted in 1997

HERB KIRKCONNELL inducted in 1998
JILL DRINKWATER inducted in 1998
RICHARD SNOWDEN inducted in 1998

ERNIE RAINBOW inducted in 1999
SUSAN SCOBIE (Smith) inducted in 1999
ALLEN GATES inducted in 1999

JULIE HORNSBY inducted in 2000
RYAN HUGHES inducted in 2000
JAMES BUCK inducted in 2000

STAN MARCHUT inducted in 2001
MICHAEL STAUFFER inducted in 2001

GARY POLONSKY inducted in 2002
AUGUSTO DUQUESNE inducted in 2002

DAVE DOBSON inducted in 2003
JOANNA VAN DYKE inducted in 2003

ANNE WEIR inducted in 2004
JULIE GOEDHUIS inducted in 2004

DAVE CUTLER inducted 2005
TAMMY BAKER inducted 2005

SAMANTHA LANGFORD inducted on November 18, 2005 10th Anniversary Edition
O'NEIL BROWN inducted on November 18, 2005 10th Anniversary Edition

LAURENCE BISHOP inducted 2006
BILL CROWDIS inducted 2006

MIKE TIMPANO - inducted 2007
DARLENE COOK (ANDERSON) - inducted 2007
LAURIE CASTATOR (THOMPSON) - inducted 2007

RON WINTERINK - inducted 2008
MARIO BRUNO - inducted 2008

STEPHANIE AXFORD – inducted 2009
RICK DEBRES – inducted 2009

-30-

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)

Please note that more pictures are available upon request