David Baldock, the late Paul Davidson, David Edmonds, Jim Merrick and Peter Timpf have all been named to the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition for 2018. These outstanding athletes, coaches and builders are being recognized for their contribution to the rich sports history of Norfolk County.
Long-time Simcoe resident, David Baldock has excelled in the international sport of orienteering. This athletic endeavour combines racing and navigation with a compass through diverse and often unfamiliar terrain. Baldock has medalled in events held throughout North America and is a Canadian and Provincial champion. Locally, he helped to establish orienteering courses and enrichment programs for children in senior public school.
During his lifetime, Paul Davidson competed, coached and organized many sports with compassion. He won championships in basketball, lacrosse, hockey, and curling but is most widely recognized for being part of the mixed pairs National and Provincial lawn bowling championships, with partner Muriel LaPlante. Paul was a well-respected coach at the Delhi Public and Simcoe Composite Schools. Davidson also served as a sight coach/guide for blind golfers and curlers at the Provincial and National level.
David Edmonds is being recognized as a dedicated builder and coach of hockey, soccer and baseball in the communities of Delhi, Simcoe and Tillsonburg for over 50 years. Whether Dave was on an executive, coaching from the sidelines or officiating in some capacity, he tried to provide the best opportunity he could for all participants. Former athletes Edmonds has coached describe him as an outstanding leader who instilled the values of hard work and sportsmanship. Dave made the game fun and encouraged all to perform their best.
Jim Merrick is passionate about football! After getting his start as a high school football player at Simcoe Composite School, Jim trained hard to make the line-up with McGill University and the CFL, with stints in Saskatchewan and Hamilton. Along the way to the big league, he also excelled in the shot put event, winning a provincial university championship and competing at the Canadian National level. Back home in Norfolk County, Jim continues to lead young football players to great destinies. The most well-known player he has assisted with coaching is two-time Grey Cup Champion Shane Bergman.
Port Dover resident Peter Timpf is being recognized as a builder of sport for the lakeside community. For more than 30 years, Peter has served on executives, coached, and spearheaded fundraising and membership drives for the Port Dover Figure Skating Club, Port Dover Minor Softball Association and the Ontario Rural Softball Association (ORSA). He has successfully coached two female teams to ORSA provincial championships and another to an Eastern Canadian Championship. Many credit Peter for serving as a mentor who inspires them to volunteer with sport and service club organizations in the community.
These outstanding athletes, coaches and builders along with the 2017 inductees will be inducted into the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition at a gala celebration on July 13, 2019.