HAMILTON, ON (May 6, 2024) – The Hamilton Sports Hall of Fame is excited to announce that four athletes and one builder will be added to the Hall this October, in addition to unveiling a new award recognizing and honouring an organization or event that has made a significant impact on the Hamilton sports community. The Class of 2024 was announced on June 5th, featuring 18-year NHL veteran, Steve Staios. Two-time Grey Cup Champion, Frank Cosentino. Two-time Olympian cyclist, Susan Palmer-Komar. Hamilton’s first-ever Olympic sailor, Norm Robertson. And manager, coach, and trainer, Ray Jones.
For the first time, the Hall will be honouring a Hamilton event or organization that has made an impact to the local sports community. This year, the Around the Bay Road Race, the oldest long-distance road race in North America, will receive special recognition.
The Hall of Fame’s annual induction luncheon is set for Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Michelangelo Banquet Centre (1555 Upper Ottawa St., Hamilton). Doors open at 11 and the event starts at 12 noon. Tickets can be purchased online from this link. Induction luncheon sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact [email protected] or more information.
The Hall of Fame’s hours at Eva Rothwell Centre (460 Wentworth St. N., Hamilton) are 6-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month (or by appointment). The Hall features curated displays and priceless artifacts from across Hamilton’s rich sporting history.
ABOUT STEVE STAIOS
Steve Staios, renowned for his steadfast defensive play and leadership on and off the ice, was born on July 28, 1973, in Hamilton, Ontario, Staios carved out a significant career in the National Hockey League (NHL) spanning 18 seasons. He was drafted 27th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, making his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins in the 1995-96 season.
Staios went on to play for several teams, including the Vancouver Canucks, Atlanta Thrashers, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and New York Islanders. His longest tenure was with the Edmonton Oilers, where he became a fan favourite and served as an alternate captain. Known for his gritty and reliable defensive style, he was instrumental in the Oilers’ unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2006. Staios is also a two-time gold medalist, representing Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships.
Throughout his career, Staios played in over 1,000 NHL games, accumulating 220 points and earning respect for his work ethic and professionalism. After retiring in 2012, he transitioned into coaching and management, serving in various roles, including President and General Manager of the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), winning two OHL Championships in 2018 and 2022 and the Jim Gregory Award, awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League General Manager of the Year. Currently, Staios is the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Ottawa Senators.
ABOUT FRANK COSENTINO
Frank Cosentino is a celebrated Hamiltonian and a prominent figure in Hamilton sports history, renowned for his achievements both as a professional football player and as an academic. Born on May 22, 1937, in Hamilton, Ontario, Cosentino’s athletic career began at Cathedral High School as a multi-sport athlete playing baseball and football. Frank went on to attend the University of Western Ontario, where he flourished as a quarterback.
Drafted in the first round of the 1960 CFL Draft by his hometown Tiger-Cats, Cosentino’s professional football career spanned from 1960 to 1972, during which he played for several Canadian Football League (CFL) teams, including the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Edmonton Eskimos and Toronto Argonauts. He won two Grey Cup championships with the Tiger-Cats in 1963 and 1965, establishing himself as a skilled and strategic quarterback.
As head coach at the University of Western Ontario from 1970 to 1974, he led the Mustangs to Vanier Cup championships in 1971 and 1974, winning nine of 10 playoff games during his tenure at Western. Moving on to York University in 1978, Cosentino inherited a team that had not won a game in two years and led them to three consecutive seasons of .500 or better, winning the inaugural OUAA Coach of the Year award in 1978. Cosentino led York to its first two post-season appearances in 1984 and 1985.
Cosentino also authored 17 books on the history of sports in Canada, including three on the history of the Grey Cup and some of the teams that have competed. Frank is also a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame (2018), York University Sports Hall of Fame (2017), Western University Sports Hall of Fame (1982) and is a member of the OUA Hall of Fame.
ABOUT SUSAN PALMER-KOMAR
Susan Palmer-Komar (Cubello) is a distinguished Hamiltonian and a prominent figure in the world of cycling, known for her exceptional achievements as a professional cyclist and her contributions to sports in Canada. Born on January 27, 1967, in Collingwood, Ontario, Palmer moved to Hamilton to attend McMaster University, joining Hamilton’s active cycling community.
Palmer-Komar represented Canada in numerous international competitions, including the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics, where she competed in road cycling events. Her participation in the Olympics highlighted her as one of Canada’s premier cyclists. In addition to her Olympic appearances, Palmer-Komar earned several national titles and competed in 13 World Championships.
Beyond her competitive career, Palmer-Komar has been a significant advocate for cycling and women’s sports. She has been involved in coaching, mentoring young athletes, and promoting healthy living and physical activity. Her efforts have contributed to the growth of cycling in Canada and have inspired many young athletes, especially women, to pursue their passion for sports.
Susan Palmer-Komar’s legacy in cycling and her dedication to fostering a positive sports culture continue to resonate in Hamilton and across Canada. Her achievements and contributions reflect her commitment to excellence and her enduring impact on the Canadian sports community.
ABOUT NORM ROBERTSON
Norm Robertson, born in 1897 in Hamilton, Ontario, was Canada’s first Olympic sailor, representing the country at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
In 1924, Robertson emerged victorious in a gruelling 21-race series at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (RCYC), earning his spot at the Paris Olympics. Despite challenging conditions and limited preparation time, he competed valiantly. Post-Olympics, he continued to make his mark in sailing, owning and racing notable yachts like Whirl, Crusader, and Vreda, often working with limited financial resources.
During the Great Depression, he sold Vreda but later purchased and rebuilt the P-Class sloop Nutmeg III, winning her division at the 1939 LYRA regatta. In 1947, he sold Nutmeg to finance a new Lightning for his son, John, who followed in his footsteps as an Olympic sailor in 1948 and 1952.
Norm Robertson was honored with a Lifetime Membership at RHYC in 1960. His legacy as a pioneering Olympic sailor and dedicated yachtsman remains prominent in Canadian yachting history. Robertson passed away in 1975 at the age of 78.
ABOUT RAY JONES
Raymond John Jones, affectionately known as “Jonesy,” was a towering figure in the world of local sports for over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of Hamilton’s sport community. With a passion for athletics rivalled only by his dedication to helping others, Jonesy’s legacy is one of boundless contributions and unwavering commitment to Hamilton’s sports community and its athletes.
Jonesy’s influence was felt in multiple sports, across every level of competition in the city. He served as the Head Trainer for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Trainer for Canada’s Men’s National Basketball team, Trainer for McMaster University and Mohawk College, Chairman, Convener, and Coach for the CANUSA Games, Founder of the Hamilton Amateur Basketball Association, and a manager, trainer, and mentor to countless men’s and women’s basketball teams, guiding them to provincial, national, and even international championships, and much, much more.
A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he was cherished by all who knew him for his kindness, generosity, and infectious spirit. Jones passed away in 2021 at the age of 86.
ABOUT THE AROUND THE BAY ROAD RACE
The Around the Bay Road Race, held annually in Hamilton, Ontario, is North America’s oldest long-distance road race, first established in 1894. This historic event features a 30-kilometer course that loops around Hamilton Harbour, offering a unique and challenging experience for runners of all levels. The race is renowned for its diverse terrain, including urban streets, rolling hills, and picturesque waterfront views, providing a demanding yet rewarding route.
Over the years, the Around the Bay Road Race has grown in popularity, attracting thousands of participants from around the world. It is celebrated not only for its rich history but also for the strong sense of community it fosters. Runners, spectators, and volunteers come together to create an atmosphere of support and camaraderie, making it a memorable event for everyone involved.
The race is also committed to philanthropy, with proceeds supporting local charities. This focus on giving back enhances the event’s significance, allowing participants to contribute to meaningful causes while achieving their personal running goals.
The Around the Bay Road Race stands as a testament to endurance and the collective effort to support and uplift the Hamilton community.