All-star basketball athlete Leslie Pellerin (Seeley) proudly represented Durham College along with golf coach Gerry Pettit when the two individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to collegiate sports earlier this month.
Twenty-six athletes, six coaches and five builders were recognized at the third Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Hall of Fame Ceremony on Wednesday, May 2. Inductees from Durham College included Leslie Pellerin (Seeley) and Gerry Pettit.
Pellerin began her remarkable four-year collegiate career at Durham College in 1982, eventually excelling in three different disciplines. Prior to graduating in 1986 she was named an OCAA softball all-star for the 1984-1985 season, a volleyball all-star for the 1985-1986 season and a three time basketball all-star from 1982 to 1985.
In all, she earned Durham College a record 11 championship medals, including eight gold, one silver and two bronze. She helped the Durham Lords win three consecutive OCAA softball championships from 1982 to 1985 as well as back-to-back OCAA Division II basketball championships during the 1982-1983 and 1983-1984 seasons.
After earning Female Athlete of the Year in 1984-1985, she was a member of the Lords volleyball team that won the Ontario Championship and earned a bronze medal at the Canadian College's Athletic Association (CCAA) nationals in 1985-1986. Before graduation, she became the all-time career scoring leader for Division II women's basketball. She was inducted into the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.
Gerry Pettit began his career as an administrator at Durham College in November of 1969 where he served as a coach in both the hockey and golf programs.
An outstanding golfer himself, it was during his 23 years as the golf program's head coach that he enjoyed his greatest success. Winning back-to-back gold medal golf championships in 1988 and 1989, his teams also won one silver and four bronze team medals. In a remarkable testament to his abilities, his teams placed in the provincial top 10 for 20 of his 23 years as a coach. He retired from Durham College in 1993 and remains active as a casual advisor and tremendous supporter of the college's athletics program to this day. Pettit was inducted into the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.
The OCAA Hall of Fame is dedicated to the recognition of extraordinary contributions and accomplishments within collegiate sports in Ontario. A list of all of this year's winners can be found at www.durhamlords.com/news/april19.htm.