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CALGARY, Canada, May 28, 2015 - This year, Volleyball Canada has
recognized the passion and significant contributions of Don
Saxton (Athlete category) and the 1980 Canadian Junior Women’s
team that won gold at the NORCECA Championship (Team category).
“It is an honour and a pleasure to welcome Don and the 1980
Junior Women’s team into our Hall of Fame family,” said Debra
Armstrong, President of Volleyball Canada.
"Their contribution to the history and development of the sport
in Canada is significant, and it is very important for the
up-and-coming players, including those at our recent Volleyball
Canada National Championships, to understand the background of
the sport in this country. Thank you to Don and all the athletes
and coaches who were able to attend the ceremony. It was a
special night!"
Don Saxton first rose to prominence as a volleyball player at
the University of Saskatchewan when he joined its squad for the
1976-77 season. He began in the National Team program in the
early 1980s. Highlights of his career during this period
included a second-place finish at the 1983 Universiade Games in
Edmonton, and qualifying for the 1984 Olympic Games in Los
Angeles where the team finished in fourth place – the highest
placement for a Canadian men’s team at an Olympic Games.
But Saxton, a member of the Alberta Volleyball Hall of Fame, has
made contributions that go way beyond the National Team, as a
club founder, facility owner, coach, and mentor. He continues
to compete at various masters’ championship events, and has
carried on his winning career with three gold medals at the
World Masters’ Championship including two indoor titles and one
beach title. Don is married to former national player Mylene
Camu, and their brood includes Ben Saxton, who is on the
National Beach Team.
The Canadian Junior Women’s team accomplished an historic feat –
winning a gold medal at the 1980 NORCECA (North, Central America
and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation) Championship. This
achievement was a first for a Canadian team in international
competition, and remains the only gold medal to be won by a
Canadian team in an internationally recognized indoor
championship.
The team roster for the Canadian Junior Women’s team included:
Andrea Williams, Gisele Rongve, Bonnie MacRae, Judy Szepesi,
Ruth Klassen, Tracy Mills, Rachèle Béliveau, Wanda Guenette,
Tara Senft, Anna Bergeron, Joan Buck. Head Coach: Michel Gagnon,
Assistant Coach: Merv Mosher, Assistant Coach: Mike Burchuk,
Manager: Doramy Ehling, Trainer: Gunner Obrascovs.
Lorne Sawula, the technical director of the Canadian Volleyball
Association at the time, explained the significance of this
achievement: "The result of this victory and the success of the
junior program brought Canada to the attention of NORCECA and
its member organizations. It was the first time that Canada had
seen success in the building blocks of junior volleyball. To
beat the Cubans was a shock that people outside Canada could not
believe happened."
The Hall of Fame induction took place in Calgary, Alberta,
during the largest-ever Volleyball Canada National
Championships, which also showcased the Women’s National Team in
two international matches (winning both over Puerto Rico) and
the successful opening weekend of FIVB Men’s World League. |
