THUNDER BAY, ON – Lakehead Athletics is pleased to announce its inductees to the Wall of Fame for 2011, who will be inducted on October 1 at the Lakehead University Hangar.
The inductees for 2011 are:
- Dr. Norman La Voie (Builder) – Director of Physical Education and Athletics, 1988-94;
- Men’s Basketball 1976-77 (team);
- Larry Zulianello, men’s hockey, 1970-74;
- Jeannie Tuomi, women’s basketball and field hockey, 1971-75;
- Rob Smyth, men’s wrestling, 1993-98;
- Lana Puumala, women’s nordic skiing, 1992-2000.
Norm La Voie’s was Director of Phys. Ed. and Athletics from 1988 to ‘94. He helped to create the Lakehead Sports Medicine Clinic, the dubbing of ‘The Thunderdome’, and chaired the committee that hosted three women’s national basketball tournaments.
The Men’s basketball team of 1976-77 was coached by Arne Donovan, along with his assistants Wayne Bovay and Don Punch. The team was a CIAU finalist, losing in the final to Acadia in the Halifax Metro Center. This team was highlighted by its two captains, Brett ‘Hooper’ McEwan and Mel Bishop, along with 7’ footer Jim Zoet.
Larry Zulianello was a star on the Nor’Westers hockey team, and set the record for most goals scored in a Lakehead career (97), before his record was surpassed recently by current coach Joel Sherban. Zulianello played against two tough leagues of opponents in the American NAIA and the GPAC conferences.
Jeannie Tuomi was a dual athlete, excelling in both field hockey and basketball. Her hockey team went undefeated for two seasons, and she was an adept shooting guard and a rare ‘jump shooter’. She averaged 31 points per game in her final season.
Rob Smyth, a 65 kg wrestler, was named CIAU champion and Male Wrestler of the Year in 1997. Smyth carried the team to much success and inspired the next generation of Lakehead wrestlers.
Lana Puumala was a prolific nordic skiier in her time at Lakehead, which spanned from 1992 to 2000, as an athlete and coach. During her illustrious career she captured two Overall Aggregate Championships in the OUA (‘94 and ‘95) for Lakehead.
The ceremony will begin at 11:15 am on October 1st and kick off Saturday’s line up of events. For a full itinerary of the Lakehead Athletics Homecoming Weekend (Sept 30-Oct 1), visit: www.thunderwolves.ca/walloffame
