Four new members were inducted into the Sault Ste. Marie Sports Hall of Fame during a special ceremony on Thursday night.
Rocky DiPietro, John Mealey, Frank Nolan Sr. and Raymond Smillie were inducted in front family and friends at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
DiPietro, who starred on the football field, was unable to attend but his award was proudly accepted by his father Frank DiPietro.
The late Nolan and Smillie, both Canadian boxing legends, had their awards accepted by son Michael Nolan and grandson Mark Oja, respectively.
Mealey, who starred on the alpine ski slopes, was present to accept his award.
The 2004 induction ceremony marks the third year of inductees for the newly created Hall of Fame.
A display case, featuring pictures, awards and memorabilia, of past inductees is located in the lobby on the second floor of the Rhodes beside Brody's Sports Bar & Grill.
The Hall was created to recognize the diverse history of the local sporting scene. Athletes, coaches and builders will continue to be honoured for their accomplishments at local, provincial, national and international levels.
*** The following is a look at each inductee:
ROCKY DIPIETRO, Football
* Inducted into the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame in 1997. * Played 204 games for the Hamilton Tiger Cats from 1978 to 1991. * Played in four Grey Cup games and was on the winning team in 1986. * Career total of 706 receptions for 9,762 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns. * Inducted into Northern Football Conference Hall of Fame. * Had football field at Queen Elizabeth Park renamed in his honour. * Former Collegiate Wildcat star in football and basketball.
JOHN MEALEY, Alpine Skiing
* Won Canadian Downhill Championship in Lake Louise in 1994. * Numerous top twenty finishes in World Cup Races from 1990 to 1994. * Numerous podium finishes in Europa Cup and Nor-Am Cup races. * Slalom gold medalist at the Canadian Juvenile Ski Championships, 1983 * Former member of the Sault Ski Runners
FRANK NOLAN SR., Boxing Coach
* Head coach of Canadian Olympic Boxing Team in 1980. * Sault Ste. Marie Coach of the Year in 1978. * Sault Ste. Marie Sportsperson of the Year in 1977. * Head coach of the Canadian National Boxing Team at events in Finland, Germany, Puerto Rico and Hawaii from 1978 to 1982. * Head coach of team Ontario from 1973 to 1975
RAYMOND SMILLIE, Boxing
* Won bronze medal in the welterweight division at the Amsterdam Olympics in 1928. * Won Ontario Championship and National Championship in 1925. * Officiated bouts for Joe Louis and Jack Dempsey. * Officiated more than 2000 fights in the 1930's. * Was the Ontario Swimming Champion in 1919 as a member of the Toronto YMCA.
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PHOTO: Inductees (from left to right) Michael Nolan -- accepting for Frank Nolan Sr., John Mealey, Mark Oja -- accepting for grandfather Raymond Smillie, and Frank DiPietro -- accepting for son Rocky DiPietro.