Jack Owen
At Port Perry High School, Jack excelled in basketball and set impressive records in pole vaulting, earning a spot at the prestigious Ontario Athletic Leadership camp in 1953. His athleticism extended beyond the schoolyard, as Jack became a standout in curling, softball, and hockey.
In curling, he vice-skipped a team that was a finalist in the Governor General’s provincial playdowns and went on to skip a Scugog men’s team to victory in the renowned RS McLaughlin curling bonspiel in 1994. His contributions to the sport of softball were equally noteworthy, having been part of an Intermediate B Softball Ontario finalist team from Brooklin, and later playing on another finalist team from Greenbank in 1958.
In addition to his success in curling and softball, Jack's prowess in hockey earned him recognition as a top-tier goalie. In 1952, he was scouted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, a testament to his skill between the pipes. Jack's most notable achievement in hockey came when he served as the goalie for the 1955-56 All Ontario Junior D Champion Brooklin Combines. His legacy as a versatile athlete and community leader lives on through his extensive contributions to local sports, where his passion and competitive spirit continue to inspire future generations. Jack's achievements in a variety of sports underscore not only his natural talent but also his dedication to promoting athletic excellence within his community.
Leanne Ashbridge
Leanne Ashbridge has dedicated decades of service to local sports organizations, primarily in Port Perry and Scugog. She began coaching youth soccer in the mid-90s and quickly became an active leader in the community, serving four years on the Port Perry Minor Hockey Board, managing multiple rep teams, and coordinating tournaments.
In 1999, she joined the executive of Port Perry Minor Softball, becoming President in 2002. During her tenure, she introduced several key initiatives such as standardizing interleague rules, implementing tobacco-free policies, and expanding umpire development programs. Leanne also facilitated workshops to improve administrative skills and led Port Perry Minor Softball to earn recognition from Softball Ontario with multiple program designations.
Beyond her local contributions, Leanne's impact extended to provincial sports governance. She served on the OASA Advisory Council for a decade, overseeing minor softball policies and tournaments. She also became a Certified Softball Administration Program (CSAP) facilitator and was invited to present the program nationally, including a notable assignment in Yellowknife.
Her leadership in sports preservation and recognition includes serving as Chair of the Scugog Sports Wall of Fame Committee and later the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame. Leanne’s dedication to community sports was honored with a spot on the Mayor’s Honour Roll in 2012, and she continues to serve as the volunteer curator for the Scugog Sports Hall of Fame Collection.
1973 Port Perry Ladies Minor Softball Team
The 1973 PWSU Championship Team cemented their legacy by winning the Juvenile "B" Provincial Women's Softball Union (PWSU) championship with two dominant victories over Ingersoll. After back-to-back appearances in the PWSU finals, the team broke through in 1973, following up their 1972 Lakeshore League title with provincial glory.
On September 5, they opened the championship series with an 11-5 win, then sealed the title on September 8 with a commanding 12-4 victory. Their perseverance and talent culminated in a well-earned championship, solidifying their place among the top women's softball teams in Ontario.