McMaster to induct six into Athletic Hall of Fame

McMaster Daily News | Hamilton, ON | Posted on October 28, 2011

Greg Marshall is one of six being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame Friday night. File photo.

McMaster will induct four athletes, a coach and a builder into its Athletic Hall of Fame this weekend as part of the first Celebration of Sport event.

Amy Apps, Ben Chapdelaine, Sarah Laudenbach, Roger Martindill, Greg Marshall and Peter George will all be honoured at the event, part of the University's annual Homecoming festivities.

"The Celebration of Sport dinner and Hall of Fame induction is a great opportunity for us to recognize some of the very talented athletes, dedicated coaches and supportive builders who have made Marauders athletics what it is today," said Jeff Giles, director of Athletics & Recreation. "We're very excited to be hosting this event during Homecoming."

Former Toronto Argonauts player and coach Mike "Pinball" Clemons will deliver a keynote address at the event.

Hall of Fame inductees

Apps was a key member of the 1997 women's soccer team that won Ontario University Athletics (OUA) silver. A team MVP in her final year, Apps went on to enjoy a successful professional career with the Vancouver Whitecaps. She will join her grandfather, former NHLer Syl Apps, in the Hall of Fame.

Chapdelaine, named OUA Rookie of the Year as quarterback of the 1997 Marauders football team, led McMaster to its first Yates Cup championship in 2000. He finished his varsity career as the all-time leading passer in Canadian Interuniversity Sport.

Laudenbach, one of the most-decorated swimmers McMaster has ever produced, helped the Marauders win three straight OUA championships, from 1998 to 2000. She won six individual medals at the national level and was part of three medal-winning relay teams. In 1997 she was named the University's Female Athlete of the Year.

Martindill captured gold in the 10,000-metre event in 1977 and was named track team MVP in his first year. In 1980 he earned a silver medal in the 10,000-metre event and was twice named All-Canadian in cross-country.

Marshall spent seven years as coach of the Marauders football team, taking the squad to the OUA playoffs after a 12-year absence. He coached the first Yates Cup-winning team in 2000 and was twice named OUA Coach of the Year. He left the University with 53 wins, 18 losses and 2 ties.

George, who served as McMaster's President from 1995 to 2010, was a fervent supporter of Marauders athletics and was often in attendance at University sporting events. George was a keen advocate for McMaster's student-athletes and during his presidency oversaw the expansion and development of many athletics projects, including construction of Ron Joyce Stadium and the David Braley Athletic Centre.

Tickets for the Celebration of Sport dinner are available on the McMaster Athletics & Recreation website at marauders.ca or by calling 905-525-9140 ext. 20353.