Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024

by Last updated Oct 8, 2024Hall of Fame

The Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Enshrinement Ceremony honours 9 remarkable inductees, celebrating their outstanding achievements and contributions to sports. Discover the inspiring stories of this year’s inductees, including Olympians, professional athletes, and visionary builders.

Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Enshrinement Ceremony

October 5, 2024 Baron® Championship Rings is honoured to be the official provider of the Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Enshrinement celebration.

The Class of 2024 marks the 42nd Annual Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Sports Gala includes 9 inductees.

The Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 ceremony, takes place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at Ciociaro Club in Oldcastle, ON.

Join us for a night to remember as we honour our 2024 Class of Athletes and Builders who have made their mark on the sports world both in our community and beyond!

2024 Bob Turner Award Recipient: Gerry Strong
Gerry Strong, a retired high school teacher and coach, has been honoured with the 2024 Bob Turner Award for his exceptional service to athletics in Windsor/Essex County.

The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated years to promoting athlete participation, leadership, and well-being.

Strong’s illustrious coaching career spanned multiple sports across several schools, including Forster, Walkerville, Riverside, Herman, and Sandwich.

Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024: Meghan Agosta, Josh Bourke, Tyrone Crawford*, Miah Marie Langlois, Glen Mills, Steve Ott, Gerald Serviss, Chantal Vallée, Luke Willson (*Tyrone Crawford’s induction will be deferred until our 2025)

His philosophy focused on making a positive impact on students’ lives through encouragement and motivation. Strong’s legacy includes establishing successful wrestling programs and leading teams to championships, all while emphasizing teamwork and the development of every athlete, not just star players.

@BaronRings

“These moments in our community are what keep us motivated. 2024 WECSHOF Inductee Gala – celebrating the incredible inductees. Here’s a quick video recap of the wonderful night that captured the journey, moments and legacies of local talent.”

Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame (WECSHOF)

The Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame (WECSHOF) is a non-profit community-based sports heritage organization, operating since 1981 under the direction of community volunteers, and with the generous support of donors in our community.

A primary objective of the WECSHOF is to celebrate and harness excellence in our community by highlighting the sporting accomplishments of our very best local athletes and builders, and by sharing these achievements and stories with the public in inspiring, interactive, and educational ways.

The primary home is located in the main lobby of the Windsor International Aquatic & Training Centre in downtown Windsor.

The Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame welcomes all to learn more about WECSHOF and to become a volunteer, donor, or supporter of this great organization. “Become the Legacy”, and help us inspire future generations of excellence through sport!

Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Inductees

*Tyrone Crawford’s induction will be deferred until our 2025 induction ceremony, but WECSHOF is proud to include him in this year’s Class!

Meghan Agosta

Hockey | Athlete

Meghan Agosta, a hockey star and a Class of 2024 inductee into the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame, transitioned from figure skating to hockey at the age of six. At age 19, she was the youngest member of Team Canada’s gold-medal-winning squad at the 2006 Turin Olympics. Agosta’s career includes four Olympic appearances, earning three gold medals and one silver. She also helped Canada win two World Championship golds and six silvers.

Agosta’s collegiate career at Mercyhurst College was equally impressive:

  • the first freshman to be a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award
  • led the Lakers to the NCAA finals
  • graduated as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer

She set records for short-handed and game-winning goals, solidifying her reputation as a clutch player.

After college, Agosta excelled in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), earning all-star and MVP honours in her rookie season. She won the Clarkson Cup with the Montreal Stars in 2012, joining the elite Triple Gold Club.

Agosta retired from hockey earlier this year and now serves with the Vancouver Police Department. Her induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes her outstanding contributions to the sport.

  • @wecshof – Class of 2024 Spotlight
        🏒 Meet the Inductee – Meghan Agosta 🏒 Meghan is our first Inductee to introduce you too! Her accolades speak for themselves as he has achieved so much in her illustrious hockey career, including a Gold Medal for Team Canada! 🇨🇦 🏅

Olympic appearances

gold medalist

silver medalist

career in the Canadian Football League (CFL)

Montréal Alouettes' Grey Cup Champions

Montréal Alouettes' Grey Cup Champions

Josh Bourke

Football | Athlete

Josh Bourke, a Class of 2024 inductee into the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame, had an outstanding football career. Bourke is known for his impressive size at 6’7″ and 315 pounds and his skill as an offensive lineman. Over his 10-season career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), Bourke became a cornerstone of the Montreal Alouettes’ offensive line, recognized as both a team leader and a top player in his position.

From 2008 to 2014, Bourke was a perennial East Division All-Star and was named CFL Lineman of the Year in 2011. He also won the Leo Dandurand Award as the East Division’s Lineman of the Year twice (2011, 2012) and was a CFL All-Star in those same years. Bourke played a key role in the Montréal Alouettes‘ Grey Cup victories in 2009 and 2010. In 2013, he re-signed with the Alouettes for a record salary for a non-quarterback, highlighting his value to the team.

After nine years with Montreal, Bourke spent his final, injury-riddled season with the Toronto Argonauts in 2016 before retiring in 2017. Originally from Windsor, Bourke played high school football at St. Mary’s Preparatory in Michigan and then at Grand Valley State, where he earned first-team conference All-Star honours and was named Conference Lineman of the Year in 2005.

Although Bourke was drafted by the Alouettes in 2004, he initially pursued opportunities in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers before returning to Canada. Bourke’s achievements on the field have earned him a well-deserved place in the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.

  • @wecshof – Class of 2024 Spotlight
        🏈 Meet the Inductee – Josh Bourke 🏈 Josh was a stand out player on the football field for the entirety of his career! His achievements in his beloved sport of Football is a mile long with the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL! He’s done it all, and cemented his place in the Windsor/Essex Sports Hall of Fame!🏆
Tyrone Crawford

Football | Athlete

Tyrone Crawford, a Class of 2024 inductee into the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame, was a standout athlete in Windsor well before his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys.

At Catholic Central Secondary School, Crawford excelled in football, basketball, and track and field, earning first-team football all-star honours all four years and winning multiple Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) gold medals in discus, shot put, and basketball.

He also became a repeat winner of the prestigious Royal Arcanum Award as the Best Male Athlete in the Windsor Essex County Secondary Schools Association.

Crawford’s football career took off after high school when he played as a defensive end at Bakersfield Junior College, where he earned first-team All-American honours. He continued to excel at Boise State, leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss in his final season. In 2012, Crawford was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, beginning a successful nine-year career.

By 2016, Crawford had become a starting defensive lineman for the Cowboys and signed a five-year, $45-million contract, making him the highest-paid Canadian player in the NFL. Despite a promising career, injuries to his ankle, shoulder, and hips led to his retirement in 2021. Over his NFL career, Crawford played in 112 games, recording 194 tackles and 25 sacks.

Crawford’s impressive achievements on and off the field have earned him a well-deserved place in the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.

games played

tackles

sacks

AVERAGE points scored Langlois' final CIS National Tournament

assists in the 2015 FIBA Americas Cup

gold medalist in 2017 FIBA AmeriCup

Miah Marie Langlois

Basketball | Athlete

Miah Marie Langlois, a Class of 2024 inductee into the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame, was the standout point guard for the nationally dominant Windsor Lancers Women’s Basketball team. Known for her leadership on the court, Langlois guided the Lancers to four consecutive CIS National Championships before graduating in 2013-14. Her performance in the CIS tournaments was exceptional, earning her four straight Most Valuable Player honours. She was also recognized as the CIS Defensive Player of the Year for three consecutive years.

In her final CIS National Tournament, Langlois averaged 16.1 points and 5.1 assists per game, showcasing her ability to lead both offensively and defensively. A local talent from Catholic Central Secondary School, she continued her basketball career on the international stage, joining Canada’s Senior Women’s program from 2014 to 2019.

Langlois contributed to Canada’s first-ever gold medal at the Pan American Games in 2015 and helped the National team win the FIBA Americas Cup that same year, where she recorded 37 assists throughout the tournament. She also played in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Canada finished seventh, and won another gold at the FIBA AmeriCup in 2017.

Langlois played professionally in Sweden and Russia, where she found further success. In Sweden, she helped Northland Lulea win a Championship and was named MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the Sweden Federation League in 2014-15. In Russia, she averaged 16 points and 5.2 rebounds per game during her best season in 2015-16 before retiring in 2019.

Langlois’ remarkable career and contributions to basketball have earned her a rightful place in the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.

  • @wecshof – Class of 2024 Spotlight
        🏀 Meet the Inductee – Miah Marie Langlois 🏀 Miah was a powerhouse guard for the U of W, and quickly moved on to the National team where her skills were on full display! From local talent to the worlds stage, she’s represented Windsor/Essex and Team Canada proudly! Undoubtedly, she has etched her name in the Windsor/Essex Sports Hall of Fame!🏆
Glen Mills

Football | Builder

Glen Mills, a Class of 2024 inductee into the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame in the builder category, is a highly successful football coach whose career has spanned over two decades. As the head coach of the Essex Ravens, Mills led his teams to nine Championship titles across various levels—bantam, junior varsity, and varsity—within Ontario’s evolving minor football leagues, including:

  • the Ontario Varsity Football League
  • the Ontario Provincial Football League
  • the Ontario Summer Football League

Additionally, five of his teams reached the League Championship finals between 2002 and 2023.

Mills’ coaching excellence was recognized in 2012 when he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame within its OVFL section. His impact on football extends beyond the Ravens; Mills co-founded the Ravens’ football program in 1997 and has served as its director of operations and head coach for 27 years, as well as club president since 2012. In their first season, Mills led the Ravens to a Championship in the Southern Ontario Football Conference.

Mills’ success was also recognized at the provincial and national levels. He served as the head coach of Team Ontario U18s from 2012 to 2018, winning two National Championships. In 2015, he led Team Canada to a gold medal at an event in Texas. For his contributions, Mills was named Ontario Football’s Coach of the Year in 2017.

Now, Glen Mills is being honoured for his significant contributions to the sport by being inducted into the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.

LEAD TEAM to the League Championship finals between 2002 and 2023

years served as co-founder, director of operations and head coach for Ravens’ football program

head coach of Team Ontario U18s and winning 2 National Championships

penalty minutes: NHL career

career in the NHL

games: NHL career

Steve Ott

Hockey | Athlete

Steve Ott, a Class of 2024 inductee into the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame, built a successful 12-year career in the NHL through passion and grit. A former Windsor Spitfire, Ott was drafted 25th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2000. During his five years with the Stars, he was known as a pesky center and consistent scorer, achieving a career-high 22 goals in the 2009-10 season.

Ott also played for the Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, and Montreal Canadiens before retiring in 2017. His leadership skills were recognized when the Sabres named him co-captain shortly after he joined the team. After his fellow co-captain was traded, Ott served as the sole captain.

Throughout his NHL career, Ott played in 848 games, scoring 109 goals and 179 assists while accumulating 1,555 penalty minutes, a testament to his aggressive playing style that led to several NHL suspensions. After retiring, Ott transitioned to coaching, becoming an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2019.

As a junior, Ott represented Canada at the 2001 and 2002 World Junior Championships, winning bronze and silver medals. In May 2024, he made his international coaching debut as an assistant coach with Team Canada at the IIHF World Championships in Czechia.

Born in Summerside, P.E.I., Ott grew up in Stoney Point and played minor hockey for Sun County, the Belle River Canadiens, and the Leamington Flyers. He spent three seasons with the Windsor Spitfires, notably scoring 50 goals in 55 games during the 2000-01 season.

Ott’s contributions to hockey, both as a player and coach, have earned him a well-deserved place in the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.

Gerald Serviss

Hockey | Builder

Gerald “Gerry” Serviss, a Class of 2024 inductee into the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame in the builder category, is celebrated for his impactful coaching career, particularly with the St. Clair College hockey team. Under Serviss’s leadership, the Saints became a dominant force in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) and a formidable contender at the national level in the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) during the late 1970s.

Taking over from former coach Jack Costello, Serviss maintained and expanded the team’s success. The Saints captured OCAA titles in 1976, 1977, and 1979, and they won the CCAA National Championship in 1976 with an undefeated season (20-0 in the regular season, 6-0 in the playoffs). They also earned national bronze medals in 1977 and 1979. For his achievements, Serviss was named OCAA and CCAA Coach of the Year in 1976. His legacy was further cemented in 2005 when he was inducted into the OCAA Hall of Fame, and St. Clair College honoured him by renaming their Coach of the Year Award after him.

Before coaching, Serviss was a skilled player, playing center for the Windsor Bulldogs from 1959 to 1964, where he won a national title and the Allan Cup in 1963. His coaching career extended beyond St. Clair, including leading teams to Championships in Windsor South Little League baseball and Windsor Minor Hockey. He also served as head coach of the Windsor Spitfires from 1971 to 1973 and coached the Flint Generals in the IHL for one season.

Serviss contributed to hockey development through his St. Clair Beach hockey school, scouted for the Detroit Red Wings, and served as a board member and advisor for the Junior C Essex 73s. Originally from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Serviss’s extensive contributions to the sport have earned him a well-deserved place in the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.

OCAA and CCAA Coach of the Year Awards

head coach of the Windsor Spitfires

inducted into the OCAA Hall of Fame

Big Sky Coach of the Year

female general manager and head coach of the Hamilton Honey Badgers

Led the Lancers winning consecutive Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) Championships

Chantal Vallée

Basketball | Builder

Chantal Vallée, a Class of 2024 inductee into the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame in the builder category, is celebrated for her transformative impact on the University of Windsor’s Women’s Basketball program. When Vallée took over as head coach in 2005-06, the program was struggling, having not posted a winning season since 1993-94. With her sharp eye for talent and bold recruiting strategies that extended beyond Essex County, Vallée overhauled the team’s roster and culture. Within two years, she led the Lancers to the first of 12 consecutive winning seasons.

Under Vallée’s leadership, the Lancers reached their peak by winning five consecutive Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) Championships from 2011 to 2015, tying a CIAU record. In the 2012-13 season, her team became the first in Ontario University Athletics (OUA) history to go undefeated (21-0) since the league’s schedule expanded.

In 2018, Vallée made history by becoming the first female general manager and head coach of the Hamilton Honey Badgers, a men’s professional team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, during a sabbatical from the University. Her coaching expertise has also been sought by Canada Basketball, where she served as an assistant coach at the junior and senior levels, including at two World University Games, a World Championship, and a FIBA championship.

Before arriving in Windsor, Vallée was instrumental in transforming the basketball program at Vanier College in Quebec. She also served as an assistant coach at McGill University and the University of British Columbia and as head coach of a Quebec provincial team.

Beyond coaching, Vallée is a published author and has worked as a color commentator and analyst for CBC, CTV, and TSN during the Olympics and NBA playoffs.

Chantal Vallée’s extraordinary contributions to basketball have earned her a well-deserved place in the 2024 Class of the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.

Luke Willson

Football | Athlete

Luke Willson, a Class of 2024 inductee into the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame in the athlete category, is celebrated for his impressive football career, which saw him rise to the pinnacle of the sport in the NFL. Originally from LaSalle, Ontario, Willson was a multi-talented athlete who had to choose between promising careers in both baseball and football. After being a three-time Conference All-Star at Villanova Secondary School, he earned a scholarship to play tight end at Rice University from 2009 to 2012.

In 2008, Willson showcased his baseball talent as a first baseman and cleanup hitter for the Canadian Junior National Baseball team and even signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. However, he ultimately chose to pursue football, a decision that led him to a successful NFL career.

Selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Willson made an immediate impact in his rookie season, appearing in every game and scoring his first touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers. He played a key role in Seattle’s Super Bowl XLVIII victory, catching two passes in the 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos. The following season, Willson had standout performances, including a game-winning touchdown against the Carolina Panthers and a 139-yard, two-touchdown game against the Arizona Cardinals. He also returned to the Super Bowl that year, although the Seahawks were narrowly defeated by the New England Patriots.

After five seasons with Seattle, Willson fulfilled a childhood dream by signing with the Detroit Lions. He also had stints with the Baltimore Ravens and returned to the Seahawks before retiring in 2020 after eight seasons in the NFL.

Known for his engaging personality, Willson became a fan favorite and hosted a popular radio show in Seattle. He now works as an NFL analyst with TSN in Canada. Willson’s remarkable career and contributions to football have earned him a well-deserved place in the 2024 Class of the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.

caught in the 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl XLVIII

touchdown game against the Arizona Cardinals

seasons with Seattle Seahawks

Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame

The Windsor Essex County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Enshrinement not only commemorates the incredible accomplishments of these athletes and builders but also serves as an inspiration for future generations.

As we celebrate their legacy, we are reminded of the enduring power of sport to unite communities, inspire excellence, and create lasting memories. Baron® Championship Rings is honoured to be a part of this tradition, recognizing those who have shaped the history of sports in Windsor and Essex County.

Order your custom Hall of Fame Ring today!

Honour your legacy with a custom Hall of Fame Ring from Baron® Championship Rings. Order your Hall of Fame Ring today and celebrate excellence with a piece of history you can wear proudly!

#yourjourney #yourmoment #yourlegacy

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