Durham College recently held its 2007 Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony for a trio of past student-athletes. Honoured this year were, from left, Mike Timpano, Darlene Cook (Henderson) and Laurie Castator (Thompson).
With countless provincial championship titles, all-star appearances and MVP awards between them, it seemed only natural to add a spot in the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame to the successful athletic careers of Mike Timpano, Darlene Cook (Henderson) and Laurie Castator (Thompson).
Timpano, Cook and Castator were celebrated on December 6 during the 2007 Hall of Fame induction ceremony in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre's Upper Gallery. The trio was honoured before a crowd of staff and faculty, including Durham College President Leah Myers, current and previous student-athletes and coaches, alumni, family and friends.
"It was a special night that continues to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of extraordinary Durham College student-athletes and coaches," said Ken Babcock, director of athletics at Durham College. "The event was well-attended by administration, past hall of famers, friends of the varsity program and of course, families of the inductees. It was a tremendous night here on campus."
Castator and Cook enter the Hall as one of the most feared pitching duos in OCAA women's fastball history.
Before graduating from the Business Administration program in 1987, Castator racked up an amazing record of 16 wins and two losses, while being named an all-star and the OCAA's top pitcher in 1985-1986. Castator was also a member of three regular season championship teams. Teaming up with Cook in 1984, the duo dominated the woman's fastball scene.
Prior to Castator's arrival at Durham, Cook was already racking up the accolades, including being named an all-star, winning the OCAA's top pitcher award in 1984-1985 and leading the Lords to two provincial championships. Cook amassed a career record of 16 wins and three losses before graduating from the Business Administration - Accounting program in 1985.
Timpano, a three-sport varsity athlete, graduated from Durham College in 1982 from the Sports Administration program. During his athletic career, Timpano played volleyball, basketball and badminton, claiming all-star status in all three. He excelled at badminton, pairing with his brother Paul to win a provincial doubles gold medal in 1980-1981 and was the top scorer on the men's basketball team for both years that he played.
Cook's, Castator's and Timpano's inductions bring the total number of honourees in the Durham College Sports Hall of Fame to 32 members. The Hall officially opened in 1997 and was established to recognize the significant achievements and accomplishments of Durham student-athletes, coaches and builders.