(Newest inductees to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday L-R Howard Dell, Jon Mills, Frank Farrell, Steve Bancroft. Jennifer Herron Mills was unable to attend due to a commitment in Pennsylvania)
The Belleville Sports Hall of fame welcomed five new inductees during ceremonies at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre Saturday afternoon.
Many turned out to support Steve Bancroft, Howard Dell, Frank Farrell, Jennifer Herron (Mills) and Jon Mills as they joined an impressive fraternity of athletes, builders and media during the 26th Induction Ceremony. (Complete bios below)
STEVE BANCROFT
2023 Inductee
Athlete, Hockey
Madoc’s own Steve Bancroft boasts a successful career that transitioned between the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the American Hockey League (AHL), and the NHL. After stints in junior hockey with Madoc, Trenton and St. Catharines, Bancroft was drafted by the Belleville Bulls in 1987. His OHL performance as a formidable defenseman attracted the interest of NHL scouts, and he was drafted 21st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. Bancroft’s NHL career consisted of six games, split between the Chicago Blackhawks and the San Jose Sharks, but his impact went well beyond these appearances. Bancroft flourished in the AHL, where he made significant contributions to several teams. In the 1998-99 season, he hoisted the Calder Cup Trophy as a member of the Providence Bruins. In the 2000-01 AHL season, Bancroft earned a spot on the AHL First All-Star Team after he led the league in assists, goals and points for a defenseman while playing for the Kentucky Thoroughblades.
After almost 1100 games, Bancroft retired from professional play in 2006, but remained deeply connected to the sport he loved. He channeled his knowledge and passion into coaching, serving as an assistant and head coach for the Quinte Red Devils. Over six seasons, Bancroft mentored young players, helping them develop their skills and achieve success on the ice. Under his guidance, the team achieved significant accomplishments, including an OMHA Silver Medal in the Major Bantam division in 2016 and an OMHA Bronze Medal in the Minor Midget division in 2017. Bancroft’s talent, dedication, and resilience have garnered the admiration of his peers. He is recognized by fellow BSHOF member Rob Ray as someone who has the greatest respect both for and from his teammates. Friend and former teammate Jake Grimes remembers Steve for his skills and strength, his determination despite dealing with multiple injuries and his big heart. As Steve Bancroft enters the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame in 2023, his legacy will forever be remembered as a testament to the power of perseverance and the love of the game.
HOWARD DELL
2023 Inductee
Athlete, Multi-Sport
Howard Dell attended Bayside Secondary where his natural talent and athletic versatility propelled him to shine in multiple sports. From 1984 to 1986, Dell pursued both track and basketball at Laurentian and McMaster University. Displaying speed, strength, agility and a fierce competitive spirit, Dell consistently placed within the top 10 in the National Decathlete rankings in those years. Dell launched onto the international stage as a member of the Canadian National Bobsleigh Team, winning a world championship bronze medal in the former Soviet Union and finishing 15th at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Appropriately nicknamed Do-It-All Dell by the Toronto media, Dell next ventured into the Canadian Football League (CFL) where he played 7 games with the Toronto Argonauts and 1 each with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Ottawa Roughriders between 1989 and 1991. Although he was released prior to the season, Dell also signed with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals. Dell went on to play professional basketball on his own LA Summer Pro team in Hong Kong from 1994-1996, adding another dimension to an already stellar career.
In 2009 at the age of 47, Dell’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was forced to undergo life-saving liver transplant surgery in response to a rare illness. The road to recovery was arduous, but the setback seemed to fuel Dell’s determination. Dell not only rehabilitated himself but also found renewed purpose in training for and ultimately representing Team USA in the World Transplant Games (WTG). He attended two World Championship editions of the games: Sweden (2011) and South Africa (2013). Dell’s performances earned him five gold medals, one bronze medal and five world records, three of which still stand. Howard’s perpetual motivation led him to compete for Romania in master’s athletics where he won multiple national and Balkan championship gold medals. Moving forward, Dell continues make his mark as an elite trainer to top international athletes in 4 different sports including football, basketball, tennis and track and field. As Howard Dell is inducted into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame, his extraordinary achievements despite adversity are a testament to his infinite drive for excellence and a reminder of the transformative power of sports.
FRANK FARRELL
2023 Inductee
Builder, Basketball
Born in Belleville, Frank Farrell excelled in multiple sports as a youth, including hockey, football, baseball and basketball. After graduating from Western University, Farrell joined the Nicholson Catholic College (NCC) teaching staff in 1968, and for over three decades, coached Crusader football, track and field and basketball teams. Under his guidance, the NCC’s senior boys’ basketball team achieved perennial provincial success with appearances in 13 OFSAA championships, four final fours, one silver medal and one bronze medal. Fuelled largely by Farrell’s tireless efforts, NCC’s boys’ basketball program became renowned as one of Ontario’s best.
Farrell’s coaching philosophy emphasized continuous improvement rather than focusing solely on victory. He revolutionized high school basketball in the Quinte area by providing development opportunities beyond the court. He organized memorable travel experiences across Canada and the USA, fostering athletic growth while incorporating valuable educational opportunities, and broadening the horizons of young athletes. Farrell also introduced initiatives such as the popular Burger King-sponsored Thursday Night Basketball doubleheaders, which showcased young players and boosted their skills and confidence. Additionally, he organized competitive tournaments that attracted top teams from across Ontario, enhancing the overall growth and quality of basketball in the region. “The Little NBA” program, which introduces thousands of young boys and girls to the game in a fun and inclusive environment, was spearheaded by Farrell in 1984 and still thrives today.
Farrell’s unwavering commitment earned him widespread recognition and respect. He received prestigious awards such as OFSAA’s Pete Beach Award and the Governor General’s Award for coaching excellence. Labelled affectionately as the basketball czar of Belleville by one former player, Farrell served as a mentor, role model and friend to numerous aspiring athletes and coaches who continue his legacy. Heartfelt letters in support of his nomination described him as a legend; someone who could turn a high school sport into a lifelong memorable event. Because his contributions to Belleville’s high school basketball scene have left an enduring impact that will resonate for generations, Frank Farrell rightfully takes his place in the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame as a Builder.
JENNIFER HERRON (MILLS)
2023 Inductee
Athlete/Builder, Volleyball
Hailing from a family of athletes, Jennifer Herron’s passion for sports ignited at an early age. In 1994, Herron was named the Centennial High School Athlete of the Year for her outstanding performance in volleyball. She is also the first Belleville McDonald’s High School Female Athlete of the Year to be inducted into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame. Herron’s volleyball career continued to soar at Barton College. Incidentally, her versatility was evident when she also joined Barton’s Tennis Team despite no prior competitive tennis experience. By her final year, she not only captained the tennis team but was also named a 2nd Team All-Conference Selection. For her success on the volleyball court, she was a three-time 1st Team All-Conference Selection, she ranked among the top 30 nationally in service aces in all four seasons, she served as co-captain of the Barton Volleyball Team in 1997 and 1998, and in her final year, she was named Team MVP. In 2006, Herron was selected to the Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference All-Time Best Players list and in 2013, Barton College recognized her extraordinary career by inducting Herron into their Athletic Hall of Fame.
Following her playing career, Herron seamlessly transitioned into coaching. At Glenelg High School in Maryland, she coached her team to three consecutive state championship appearances, including a victory in 2002. In 2007, she took the helm as Head Coach at Clarion University of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Throughout her 17 seasons at Clarion, her team claimed three Division Titles, two PSAC Titles, and made 11 NCAA Appearances. Her coaching record to date stands at an impressive 365 wins and 160 losses. For her part, Herron was named AVCA Division II Atlantic Region Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2010. Moreover, she has received the esteemed PSAC West Coach of the Year award three times, in 2010, 2013, and 2014. Alongside her coaching responsibilities, Herron has recently assumed the role of Senior Woman Administrator, showcasing her continued dedication to her profession. Jennifer Herron’s impact on the world of volleyball, both as an athlete and builder, is undeniable. Her skills, leadership and notable track record have earned her a well-deserved place of honour in the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame alongside her father Dave Mills and brother Jon Mills.
JON MILLS
2023 Inductee
Athlete/Builder, Golf
Jon Mills first stepped onto the golf course at age 6, following in the footsteps of his family. By 17, Mills’ exceptional technique and powerful drive off the tee caught the eye of Herb Page, Kent State Coach and Canadian Golf Hall of Famer, who recognized Mills’ potential as a special player. In 1996, Mills secured the Ontario Junior Boys Championship, setting the stage for future success. Upon graduating from Centennial Secondary in 1997, he earned a golf scholarship to Kent State University. Mills’ career flourished as he was named the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year in 1998, consistently earning a spot on the All Mid-American team from 1998 to 2001. He represented Golf Canada’s National Team with pride from 1999 to 2001 and achieved the coveted number one ranking in Golf Canada in 2000. In 2001, Mills claimed victory as the Ontario Men’s Amateur Champion, led Ontario amateurs in rankings and won the Golf Canada National Order of Merit.
As a professional, Mills continued to excel, playing on the Nationwide Tour from 2002 to 2007 and the PGA Canada Tour in 2002 and 2003. In 2005, Mills captured his biggest win at the CPGA Canadian championship and earned his PGA tour card, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a PGA tour member. He played and held membership in the PGA tour in 2006 and 2008.
Other notable victories included the Manitoba MTS Classic and the Canadian Tour Order of Merit in 2002, as well as the Toledo Open in 2003 and the Boise Open in 2007. Throughout his career, he competed in nine Canadian Opens, 70 PGA Tour events (including three US Opens), and 184 Web.com Tour events, accumulating over $1.7 million in winnings.
In 2016, Mills joined Kent State University as an Assistant Coach and became the Head Coach in 2019. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, winning the 2021 Purdue Boilermaker Invitational (Purdue) and the Mid-American Conference Championship in 2021 and 2022. Mills’ coaching excellence was acknowledged with the Kermit Blosser Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year award. In 2022, Jon Mills joined his father Dave Mills in the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame. This year, he takes his place alongside both his father and sister Jennifer Herron as a deserving addition to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame.
