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Warriors Hall of Fame - Class of '24

Four athletes, one builder and one team to be inducted in 2024

The Department of Athletics and Recreation is thrilled to announce the latest inductees into the Waterloo Warriors Hall of Fame. This esteemed group includes four distinguished former student-athletes, one influential builder, and one exceptional team, each of whom has left a lasting legacy on our department.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, at 6 p.m. For more information, please visit the Waterloo Warriors Hall of Fame website. Tickets and tables are now available for purchase. 
Briana Cunningham (Athlete – Women's Rugby, BSc'13)

Briana Cunningham (BSc'13) made her mark as a dominant force in rugby, earning numerous accolades throughout her university career. As a standout prop, Briana showcased her prowess in the scrum and open play, securing an OUA bronze medal with her team in 2010 and subsequently clinching OUA all-star titles in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Cunningham's outstanding performance led to her recognition as a CIS All-Canadian in 2012, and she was honored with the Warriors Shield of Excellence in 2013. Beyond her athletic achievements, Briana excelled as a kinesiology student, achieving honor roll status while actively participating in Waterloo's peer mentoring program and contributing to the development of Succeed Clean, an anti-doping initiative. Briana was also named OUA Women of Influence in 2013 as a student-athlete who excelled in their sport and field of study.

In addition to her Warriors accomplishments, Briana was selected to represent Team Canada in a historic All-Canadian versus US Collegiate all-star match, highlighting her exceptional talent on an international stage. Known for her tenacity and leadership, Briana exemplified the ideal student-athlete, leaving a lasting impact both on and off the field throughout her five-year career with the Waterloo Warriors women's rugby program.
Jake Walker (Athlete – Men's Curling, BASc'14)

Jake Walker (BASc'14) is one of the most decorated student-athletes in the history of the men's curling program. Walker achieved great success during his four-year tenure at the University of Waterloo, winning the Totzke Trophy as the Waterloo male athlete of the year and Warriors Shield of Excellence. Walker's accomplishments included back-to-back OUA Championships in 2011 and 2012, as well as being named an OUA all-star and CIS All-Canadian in both of those seasons. Walker also made impressive appearances in two CIS Championships, winning a gold medal in 2013 and a silver medal in 2011, boasting a 13-5 record overall. In addition to his university playing success, he was a Canadian Junior Champion in 2010 and a bronze medalist at the World Championships the same year.

After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering, Jake showed a commitment to his career and family while continuing to enjoy curling at a recreational level. In 2021, Jake was inducted into the Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Fame.
Sarah Demaiter (nee Bryson) – (Athlete – Women's Hockey, BA '09)

Sarah Demaiter, a standout centre from Kitchener, Ontario, is honored as a member of the Women's Hockey program. In her rookie year, she played a pivotal role in leading the women's hockey program to its first-ever playoff berth, marking a significant milestone for the team. Her debut season was highlighted by a memorable hat trick scored against the Mustangs, showcasing her exceptional skill and foreshadowing the remarkable career that lay ahead. Demaiter finished her first season with an OUA all-rookie team nod.

Throughout her five-year tenure with the Warriors, Sarah established herself as a dominant force on the ice, amassing 36 goals and over 27 assists. Sarah made an immediate impact as an OUA first team all-star in the 2006-2007 season with 13 goals and 9 assists, and continued to excel in the following years. Her leadership, as both assistant captain and captain, was instrumental in inspiring her teammates with her right-handed shooting and tireless work ethic. Sarah has stayed connected to the program for years, played a key role in establishing the Warriors Women's Hockey Alumni Committee in 2023, and continues to be a founding member.
Garrett Rank (Athlete – Men's Golf & Men's Hockey, BA'12)

A standout athlete at the University of Waterloo, Garrett Rank's collegiate golf career was nothing short of extraordinary. Rank was a two-time OUA Individual Champion in 2010 and 2011. In 2011, his leadership was crucial in guiding the Waterloo Warriors to their first OUA Championship banner since 2006. Rank's dominance on the university circuit was further highlighted by his victories at the Laurier/Waterloo and Guelph Invitational tournaments, and his consistent performance earned him multiple OUA first-team all-star selections. His remarkable versatility was also recognized when he was named the 2012 Waterloo Male Athlete of the Year. Additionally, in 2012, Rank clinched the individual Canadian University/College Championship, further cementing his status as one of the top amateur golfers in Canada. In the 2008-2009 season, Rank played for the Men's Hockey team, showcasing his athletic versatility before his golf career took center stage.

Rank's success extended well beyond university golf. Garrett was a member of Golf Canada's National Team from 2012 to 2014, showcasing his talents on a national level. His achievements on the amateur circuit include winning the 2019 Western Amateur Championship and being a three-time Canadian Mid-Amateur Champion. Rank represented Canada at the World Amateur Golf Championships in 2016, 2018, and 2022, reaching as high as 25th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, further underscoring his elite status.

In addition to his golf career, Rank has made significant contributions to the sport of hockey as an NHL official. Since joining the NHL in 2015, he has officiated over 600 games, earning respect and recognition for his authoritative presence and strong work ethic on the ice.
Richard 'Rich' Nichol (Builder – Public Announcer/Play-by-play) - Posthumously

Rich Nichol, a cherished and influential figure in the history of Waterloo Warriors athletics department. His remarkable contributions, both as a student and after completing his studies, have left an indelible mark on the university's sports community. As a student, Rich Nichol was deeply involved in Warriors athletics, managing two teams while balancing a demanding academic schedule and contributing to The Imprint student newspaper as sports editor. His most notable contributions were with the Warriors basketball teams, where his dynamic presence over the public address system made a lasting impression on players and fans alike for two decades. Rich also brought his passion and enthusiasm to the field and rink as the public address announcer for football and hockey programs.

Rich's influence extended far beyond his time as a student. Nichol played a pioneering role in the development of webcasting for OUA sports, beginning with a self-funded trip to Nova Scotia to report on the Warriors' success at nationals in 1998. His foresight and dedication were instrumental in ushering in an era of increased visibility for university sports, setting a standard that many teams across the OUA now follow. Rich's dual voice as PA and webcast play-by-play announcer gave him the well-earned moniker of the Voice of the Warriors.

Rich worked as a web developer for RBC in Toronto and was a beloved figure in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region for his 20 years coaching Hespeler minor hockey. Nichol also won a Grey Cup with the 1999 Hamilton Tiger-Cats as their media relations director. Known for his humour, passion, and dedication, Rich was always ready with a joke, a song, or hard work. Since his passing in 2010, Rich is profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all those who knew him at UWaterloo.
1960-1961 Men's Basketball Team

The 1960-1961 Waterloo Warriors Men's Basketball Team, under the leadership of Coach Dan Pugliese, etched its name into the annals of university sports history with a standout season. The team achieved a perfect 8-0 record in the Ontario Intercollegiate Athletic Association (OIAA) and an impressive 19-2 overall mark. The best winning percentage record in Warriors men's basketball program history. Their crowning achievement came with a commanding 92-73 victory over McMaster in the OIAA Championship game, sealing their place as the best team in the league. The Warriors' season was marked by their exceptional performance against both Canadian and American opponents. They remained undefeated at home and navigated a challenging schedule that included games against several American colleges and key OUAA teams like Windsor, Queens, and McMaster. Despite two close road losses — to Geneseo State and the University of Windsor—the Warriors showcased remarkable resilience and balance.

The standout player was Bill Jones, who averaged 26.5 points per game and was instrumental in the team's success, even though he missed four games mid-season due to injury. His leadership, alongside key contributions from Ray Palmer and Dick Aldridge, highlighted the depth of talent on the team. The team was acknowledged for their crucial role in enabling the Waterloo Warriors to compete in the OQAA and for their success in drawing future star athletes to the University of Waterloo.

Players – Dick Aldridge, Dick Callahan, Tim Craig, Jim Hann, Jerry Hickey, Bill Jones, Bernie Long, Ian MacNaughton, Brian McCormick, Ray Palmer, Bob Pando & Bill Steinburg
Coaching Staff – Dan Pugliese (Team Coach), Don Brown (Manager), Terry Boyle (Assistant Manager), Pat Bishop (Trainer) & Charlie Pouliot (Assistant Trainer)

 We look forward to celebrating these remarkable individuals and their extraordinary contributions to the Waterloo Warriors with you at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. We hope you will join us on Saturday, September 21, at 6 p.m. for an evening of honoring excellence and reminiscing about the outstanding achievements of our inductees. For details and to secure your tickets or tables, please visit the Waterloo Warriors Hall of Fame website. Your presence will make this event even more special as we pay tribute to the legacy of these exceptional champions.
 
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