HAMILTON, Ont. — McMaster Athletics & Recreation honoured seven new members of its Sports Hall of Fame on Friday evening, celebrating a class that spanned championship-winning teams, multisport standouts, international competitors, and foundational figures in sport medicine.

Held at The MSU Hub on McMaster's campus, the 2025 induction ceremony welcomed six individual honourees and one team into the university's Hall of Fame. The evening served as a reflection on the legacies that have helped shape Marauder Athletics, and a tribute to those whose contributions continue to inspire generations of student-athletes.

Hosted by former swim team captain and current Arts & Science student Naeva Scott Bouris, the event brought together alumni, coaches, staff, and families to recognize the 2025 class: Jeremy Groenveld (Men's Volleyball), Brittany Hicks (Fastpitch, Track & Field, Ice Hockey, Fencing), Scott Lafleur (Swimming), Dr. David Levy (Builder – Sport Medicine Physician), Kurt Pristanski (Wrestling, Fencing, Rowing), Terrence (Tyler) Santoni (Men's Volleyball), and the 1999–00 Women's Tennis Team.

"These names are etched in Marauder history forever," said Scott Bouris in her opening remarks. "To stand in the same room as those who wore the maroon and grey with pride, broke records, built programs, and inspired generations—it is humbling and motivating."

The inductees were recognized for exceptional provincial and national accomplishments, as well as their lasting impact on the McMaster community.

Dr. David Levy, who helped found McMaster's sport medicine clinic in 1978, was honoured in the builder category after more than 35 years of service to student-athletes. "We started the clinic in a small lecture room in the basement," Levy reflected. "Now, it's a multi-disciplinary space that works terrifically. It's not like coming to work—it's something I truly enjoy."

Multi-sport star Brittany Hicks, known best for her success on the fastpitch field and silver medal with Team Canada at the 2011 Pan American Games, also competed in track and field, hockey, and fencing during her time at McMaster. "It's nice to recognize not just me, but the softball community as a whole," Hicks said. "To be here with my family and coaches tonight—it means a lot."
Men's volleyball standouts Tyler Santoni and Jeremy Groenveld were celebrated for their leadership during a dominant era that saw the Marauders win multiple OUA titles. Former swimmer Scott Lafleur was recognized for his role in McMaster's early 2000s success, while three-sport athlete Kurt Pristanski earned praise for a decorated varsity career that spanned rowing, wrestling, and fencing in the 1970s.

The 1999–00 Women's Tennis Team, which captured both the OUA title and the Canadian University Tennis Championship, were celebrated as the only national champions in program history. "We were always laughing, always united, always getting into a bit of trouble on the road," one team member joked during a lighthearted group interview. "But we played with heart. And we wouldn't be here without our coach, Doug Ho."

In his remarks, Director of Athletics & Recreation Keenan Jeppesen reflected on the role of the Hall of Fame in connecting past and present. "Each of us inherits a legacy," said Jeppesen. "The accomplishments and the people we celebrate tonight are not frozen in time. They are part of Mac Athletics now, and in the future."

Established in 1984, the McMaster Sports Hall of Fame now includes more than 280 members, honouring those whose achievements have defined the university's athletic tradition.

Friday's ceremony concluded with a reception, where inductees reconnected with former teammates and shared stories from their time in maroon and grey.
 














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