Wall of Fame group remarkable

The North Cowichan Sports Wall of Fame’s motto of ‘honouring the past to inspire the future’ is represented perfectly by the five latest inductees.

Total membership on the commemorative wall in the Cowichan Aquatic Centre grew from the inaugural 10 last year to 15 following the second wave of inductions Saturday night. Interest was so high the ceremony had to be moved from the pool lobby to the Island Savings Centre’s Heritage Hall where four individuals and one team inherent to the valley’s great sporting history were honoured.

Preston Bruce — The biggest Boston Red Sox fan of all time, Mr. Baseball around Duncan for his rousing renditions of Take Me Out To The Ball Game and his extraordinary tournament organization, not to mention his incredible fundraising efforts on behalf of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, made the posthumous inclusion of the Ole Man who used to hang out in the basement of Bruce’s Grocery a shoo-in.

“He was a real worker in the community — there’s no doubt about that,’’ said Garry Bruce, who accepted the award on behalf of the family. “I still have people coming up to me quite often and remember the Old Man.’’

Glen Harper — Harper, 80, is the community’s true curling legend, with nearly 68 years in the sport. He skipped Duncan teams in the Brier in 1960 and ‘63, B.C. mixed championship teams in 1966 and ‘70, and the 1980 B.C. seniors champs.

Harper and wife Margaret will celebrate their 60th anniversary Nov. 7. “I don’t think there’s any medal she can get for putting up with me all these years,’’ quipped Harper.

Duncan Native Sons — The 1932-33 soccer team is an incredible story, having to make the arduous trip over the Malahat and winning the Jackson Cup without ever playing a home game.

Through an oversight, the team’s name was never engraved on the cup. Primarily through the efforts of Jan and Bruce Ovans, Bill Keserich unveiled the cup and made the announcement the situation has been rectified.

Descendants of the deceased team members were grateful for the honour, including Cowichan Tribes general manager Ernie Elliott whose dad Ed Sr. was the manager. “Words can’t express the gratitude for that team being honoured in that way,’’ said Elliott.

Richard Peter — There’s no greater role model in any community than Peter, who’s still playing wheelchair basketball profesionally in Germany and couldn’t attend, but he will be here for the Olympic torch relay Saturday.

Peter has been a standout Paralympic athlete for many years.

“His advice he wanted me to pass on is always do all the little things,’’ said mom Gloria. “It’s easy to be the top scorer.’’

Bill Robinson — He’s the Steve Nash of his era, coming out of Chemainus Secondary School and leading the Canadian basketball team to fourth place in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.

Robinson’s already in the Simon Fraser, Basketball B.C. and Canadian Basketball Halls of Fame.

“I’ve traveled many, many places in the world,’’ he said. “The Cowichan Valley is the best place in the world to live.’’

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