The Burlington Sports Hall of Fame (BSHOF) held its 15th induction ceremony on Tuesday, May 30 at the Burlington Golf and Country Club and it was an evening befitting the quality of the class of inductees for 2023.
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward brought greetings from the city but also captured the importance of Burlington’s sporting heritage as she noted the efforts of so many that have put Burlington on the map in Canada and on the world stage.
Full disclosure: I am on the BSHOF executive and am the author of A Hero’s Journey: Beyond Little Norway and Olympia Sports Camp, and this evening reminded me that we are surrounded by heroes who accomplish great things in their sporting careers, but it’s the impact on others that makes them Hall of Famers. The four inductees are all world-class athletes and builders, yet they are also world-class people Burlington should be very proud of.
The evening had a new twist as emcee Steve Foxcroft had a question and answer session with each inductee. The beautiful room at the Burlington Golf and Country Club held an addition of two chairs on a riser, where Steve led each honouree through an engaging conversation for the crowd of 200 to witness. In each instance, the inductee proved the adage that it’s the person we become on our journey that is more important than the accolades we earn and things we accomplish. The four newest members of the BSHOF all accomplished great things, but it is the humility and how they each give back to their sport and their community that was most impressive.
Shelley Barnett started figure skating at age 3 and competed at the national level before turning professional and skating with Stars On Ice and Disney On Ice. She then turned her attention to coaching synchronized skating and has brought notoriety and success to Burlington through the NEXXICE Skating program on the national and world stage for over 20 years.
Dr. Marnix Heersink won a junior boys basketball championship at Central High School (his jacket still fits!) and was one of the best basketball players in Canada, earning All-Canadian status at Western University, but it’s his philanthropic efforts in Alabama, where he still practices ophthalmology, at his alma mater Western, and his hometown’s McMaster University where his true humanity shines. When asked why he gives back so much, Marnix simply stated that he has been blessed and it is imperative to him to give so that others can have a better life.
Brady Heslip played four years at Baylor University and was considered one of the best shooters in the NCAA. One NBA executive called Brady the best shooter in the world outside the NBA. He went on to represent Canada on the national team for ten years and played in several European professional leagues. Brady now gives back as the general manager of the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League. He credits his parents, grandparents, and uncle Jay Triano for giving him the path to follow. He also stated that living in Burlington gave him opportunities he took advantage of. He stated that Canada is one of the best countries in the world to live and Burlington always ranks as one of the best places in Canada to live. How lucky we are!
Kate Psota was a trailblazer for women’s baseball in Canada and a four-time World Cup All-Star as one of the best players in the world. Her accomplishments were not limited to the diamond. She played five years of varsity hockey at Wilfrid Laurier University, winning five Ontario championships and a bronze at the nationals, all while earning academic All-Canadian honours. Kate is now giving back as she coaches Team Canada and talked about how globally women’s baseball has spread and how tough it is to coach, extolling gratitude to all her coaches at Aldershot High School and throughout her career.
Added to the evening was the respect that these four inductees have garnered throughout their journey. Shelley had colleagues and former skaters share in her night. As a Western grad, Marnix had a contingent of Mustang staff and alums. He also had a strong cohort from his Central days, in town partly for the 100th anniversary of Burlington’s first high school. Brady had a strong contingent from Nelson High School, including Coach Bob Stacey, as well as his mom Jody Triano and his grandma. Kate had many people from her days at Laurier, including former Athletic Director Peter Baxter.
That’s a wrap on BSHOF 2023 but people are encouraged to go to the interactive touchscreen at the Burlington Visitor Centre at 414 Locust Street. The touchscreen has pictures and biographies of all members of the BSHOF and some amazing memorabilia.
Burlington citizens should also be aware that they are the first stage of a deserving athlete or builder getting nominated to the Hall. Any Burlington resident can nominate by going to the BSHOF website, burlingtonsportshalloffame.ca, to download the nomination form.
Fifteen years of recognizing Burlington’s best. Every class has been stellar, with 2023 being another awesome group added to the hall. Save the date of May 28, 2024, as another class will join BSHOF.
