On February 22nd, Loyalist College honoured four exceptional individuals by inducting them into the Loyalist College Sports Hall of Fame. Inductees are athletes, coaches and builders who by outstanding achievement have brought honour to Loyalist College by attaining prominence in a sport, or who have made a major contribution to the development and advancement of athletics at Loyalist College. This year’s inductees are Kim Lavender, Chris Carson, Brad Gordon and Ken Brown.
Kim Lavender graduated from the College’s Recreation Leadership program in 1991. Her exceptional athletic abilities are diverse and she became a player of note on both the volleyball court and as a member of the softball team. The contributions she made to these teams are reflected in the recognition she received in both sports. As a volleyball player she was named Most Valuable Player and during her second year she was awarded a volleyball scholarship. As a valuable member of the softball team she was named Ontario Colleges Athletic All-Star and was also awarded a bronze medal.
Chris Carson has carved himself a reputation as one of Canada’s most knowledgeable and respected coaches on the volleyball courts. He led the Loyalist men’s team to an impressive six Provincial Championships between 1990 and 2004. Under his guidance, his teams claimed a silver and a bronze Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) medal. The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) has honoured him five times as Coach of the Year and he was nominated on three occasions as CCAA Coach of the Year. Prior to his role as coach, he played varsity volleyball for Loyalist and his team won the Division II Championships. He was a member of Team Ontario and participated in the 1985 Canada Games.
As a volleyball player at Loyalist from 1999 to 2002, Brad Gordon’s reputation as a player of note was quickly established. He was recognized as three-time Male Athlete of the Year and three-time Most Valuable Player. Provincially he was a four-time OCAA East League All-Star, a three-time OCAA Championship Tournament All-Star, a four-time OCAA All-Star representative, and a two-time All-Star Game Dream Team representative. On the National courts he was a two-time CCAA All-Canadian and a member of the CCAA First Team All-Stars at the National Championships. His team earned two provincial golds and one silver. During his final year of college his team brought home the bronze from the 2002 National Championships.
Loyalist College Professor Ken Brown went on his first Athletics Department outdoor education trip in 1977 and since that time has devoted countless hours to enriching the students’ experiences on these excursions. Whether it has been leading students to the top of Mount Marcy, the highest mountain in the state of New York, or helping them navigate their way through the rapids of the Madawaska River, he has been there to offer both his assistance and his expertise. Through his efforts, hundreds of Loyalist students have had once-in-a-lifetime experiences that they will never forget.
Kim Lavender described the impact that varsity sports had on her as a student. “As a varsity athlete the impact on my approach to academics and the college experience as a whole was enhanced. From the social support network, to the transferable life skills we acquired while competing at this level, it was all a positive experience for me. There was a true sense of belonging, where friendships grew and experiences were shared. We learned how to win and to lose. I believe that the success I have had in my career has been influenced by the life skills I learned while playing sports and competing. The program at Loyalist has depth in its coaching and support staff. My experience was tremendous and I would not change a thing.”
“These four individuals have dedicated their skills, time and energy with a commitment that goes well beyond that of most, and they’ve set a standard of excellence for others to follow with pride,” said Jim Buck, Assistant Athletic Director. “As a college, we bask in the glory of the medals won and the school spirit generated by those who participate in all of these activities. Tonight, however, this induction ceremony recognizes exceptional dedication. Without individuals such as Kim, Chris, Brad and Ken, these programs would lack the depth, the victories and the excitement that they have generated. Thank you, for all that you have done, and all that you do, to make Loyalist’s Athletic program one of the finest in Ontario.”
The inductees’ photographs and citations will be added to those previously honoured in the Sports Hall of Fame outside the Loyalist College gymnasium.
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332; e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca or Jim Buck, Assistant Athletic Director at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2245