Skip to content

Runway of Recognition inductees revealed

Each year, Thorold celebrates its greatest athletes—past and present—by adding a plaque in their honour to the Runway of Recognition in the Frank Doherty Arena

As they do every year, the committee also hosts a gala dinner, to be held this year on March 31.

Regional Coun. Tim Whalen appeared at council last week—assisted by Coun. Carmen DeRose— to unveil this year’s 13th annual roster of exceptional athletes from Thorold.

Among them is the late Phil Persia, “a great guy, and a great hockey player” according to Whalen, who played for the Oshawa Generals and the Long Island Ducks of the Eastern Hockey League.

“In 1973, he suffered a knee injury, ending his career,” added Whalen, and he “passed away 15 years ago.”

Errol McKibbon was a goaltender who had such an illustrious career, noted Whalen, that “when Errol left the Cornell hockey team in 1966, Ken Dryden filled his shoes.”

He then went to the Barrie Flyers, where he played on a Senior OHA championship team, and won an Allan Cup with the Galt Hornets.

According to Whalen, Ryan Serravalle had “a great career with basketball,” and “unbelievable accomplishments” during his time with the NCAA.

World-class arm wrestler Paul Cecchini earned 11 national titles, “not losing a single match. He was also a world champion in 1987.” 

See a video of Paul competing in the World Championships here.

The 1970-71 midget all stars hockey team won the OMHA Silver Stick tournament, and sadly, the team’s MVP Rick Upper “is no longer with us,” said Whalen.

He will reveal this year’s male and female athlete inductees in the near future, he added.

Tickets for the dinner cost $20, and will be available within the next couple weeks at the Thorold Community Credit Union, 63 Front St. South, or by emailing Coun. Carmen DeRose, at [email protected]


Reader Feedback

Cathy Pelletier

About the Author: Cathy Pelletier

Cathy Pelletier is an award-winning newspaper journalist/editor who writes for ThoroldNews.com
Read more