2012 Hall of Fame

Athlete

  • James Steacy
    James Steacy

    James Steacy graduated from Winston Churchill high school in Lethbridge, where he participated on the volleyball, basketball, badminton, rugby and track teams. After his grade 10 year, James was discovered by Larry Steinke (track and field coach) and that was the end to all other sports, as his focus shifted to track and field - namely discus, shot put and javelin. In 2001, James earned gold at ASAA track provincials in shot put and discus - where he is still the current record holder with a throw of 48.38M. In 2002, he earned a gold medal in discus (again breaking the record) and shot put. As a high school athlete James excelled at the shot put and the discus, it wouldn’t be until after high school that he was introduced to the hammer throw.

    Since his high school days, James has gone on to have a storied athletic career. He is still an active Olympic athlete and has earned too many accolades to list in this brief biography. Some of his highlights to date have included: 8 International medals (4 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze) from Summer Universiades to Pan Am Games to Commonwealth Games; 23 National medals (18 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze) from CIS University championships to Canadian National Jr and Sr track championships; 9 regional medals (8 gold, 1 silver) at Canada West University Championships; 29 Alberta Provincial medals (all gold) at Provincial Sr, Jr, Intermediate, Juvenile, Legion and Midget events. Jim currently holds 6 Alberta Provincial indoor records and12 Alberta Provincial outdoor records.

    James has received many awards throughout his career that are once again too many to list but include numerous Athlete of the Year awards and a special award (near and dear to ASAA) he was selected for was the 2002 ASAA Alberta Milk Never Stop Scholarship, given to students who achieve balance in life, participate in school sport and have the promise to do great things later in life. It’s for students who will never stop learning, never stop participating and never stop being an active participant in life. Thank you James for proving us right in our selection!

    His Canadian National Team appointments are vast and accomplished and they include being a member of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing China where he finished 12th. James is currently going through Olympic Qualifications and hopes to represent Canada again at the 2012 Olympics in London.

  • Leighann Doan Reimer
    Leighann Doan Reimer

    Leighann Doan Reimer is a graduate of Wm E. Hay High School in Stettler, where she competed on the school’s volleyball, basketball and track teams, winning a gold medal in shot put in her grade 12 year and attending provincials in volleyball and basketball, earning a bronze medal at basketball provincials in 1996. Some of her other high school accolades included being the top scorer in the Central Alberta basketball league in her grade 11 and 12 years, being selected as 3A basketball player of the year and Miss Alberta Basketball in 1996.

    After high school, Leighann continued her athletic career at the University of Calgary playing for the Dinos from 1996-2001 and during that time was selected as Canadian Rookie of the year in 1997, All Canadian in each of 1998-2001, Canadian Player of the Year in 2000 and 2001 and is still the All-time leading scorer at the U of C with 1,958 points. In 2001, Leighann was the recipient of the Howard Mackie Award which is given to the Canadian University Female Athlete of the Year.

    Leighann also got to experience some National success when she was selected to be a member of the 1999 and 2001 Canadian Student National team and got to carry the torch for the 2001 World University Games in China. She was also a member of the 2002 and 2003 Canadian National teams and competed in the 2003 Pan Am Games and Olympic qualifications in Mexico.

    Even with all of her athletic success, Leighann’s greatest gift is her ability to make time for others and giving back to the sport she loves so much. In Leighann’s grade 12 year, her teammate and close friend died in a car accident during their run to provincials and Leighann has been instrumental in setting up a local camp in Stettler namesaked for her teammate. Camp Teckla is in its 16th year and Leighann has been able to share her knowledge and skills with over 2000 athletes in grades 1-12, since its inception.

    “Leighann exemplifies the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and moral character of any athlete I have ever coached.” ~ Kim Poapst, High school basketball coach ~

Athletic Administrator

  • John Takahashi
    John Takahashi

    John is a retired teacher from Ardrossan, where he taught for over 30 years. Through John’s exceptional years of service and outstanding contribution to athletics at Ardrossan Jr/Sr High, the new wing at the school was named after him. During his career he coached a variety of sports including volleyball, basketball, cross country running, badminton and track and field. Even though he has retired from teaching and coaching, you will still see John officiating at the Edmonton Journal Games. His passion for sport is still as strong as ever!

    John has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility and organization. He is a leader in all ways and was versatile in his areas of strength. Some of John’s administrative positions included: Physical Education Coordinator at Ardrossan Jr/Sr high, North Central Zone secretary/treasurer, ASAA Secretary/Treasurer, Co-Author of History of ATA Health and Physical Education Council and teacher.

    John has also been the recipient of many awards and special honours including: 1975 Robert H. Routledge Award, Edmonton Branch of CAHPER Honor Award, CFPSAA Recognition Award, Alberta Government Achievement Award in Youth Sport, North Central Zone Award of Merit, Athletics Alberta Official of the Year Award, and Metro Edmonton High School Athletic Association Recognition Award.

    “Under John’s mentorship I came to understand how important extracurricular sports are to the lives of students. His ongoing support to the physical education and athletic programs as a coordinator, teacher, coach, official and mentor to students and adults is an indicator of his philosophy and commitment to healthy living and life-long pursuits in sport.” ~ Dan Vanderburgh, Principal of Ardrossan Jr/Sr High School ~

Coach

  • Lou Rondeau
    Lou Rondeau

    Lou is a dedicated husband, caring father, a person that believes in lifelong learning, teacher, mentor and coach. He has been coaching for over thirty years in a variety of sports including volleyball and badminton. He is a now retired Athletic Director and teacher but stills holds strong to his coaching at the high school level. He has given thirty years of servant leadership to the youth, teachers and school division during his career.

    Over his career, he has won 4 volleyball provincial championships, 2 silver provincial banners, 1 bronze provincial banner and multiple zone championships. If you think that his knowledge and success is just in volleyball, think again - Lou lead his badminton team to an unprecedented 7 consecutive provincial team banners from 2001-2007. Lou’s dedication to his athletes is displayed by his willingness and continuous passion for mentoring young students and helping them to achieve success not only in sport but in life. Many of his former athletes keep up with their appreciation toward Lou as they continue to attend the “Lou Rondeau” Alumni Volleyball Tournament every September.

    “Lou has always been a figure that inspired you to respect yourself while pushing you to your limits”, says Rod Calihoo - colleague and nominator of Lou.

    Lou has left behind a legacy in the community of Barrhead and across the province, as he is well respected wherever he goes. He has mentored many during his career and continues to be an advocate for high school sport and leadership.

    “If you measure a man by his contributions - Lou has surpassed the expectations placed on the normal man.” ~ Rod Calihoo ~