The objective of the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame is to recognize and honour the achievements of Oshawa individuals and teams who have attained prominence and distinction in sports as well as those who have made a major contribution to the development of sport.
Located inside the Tribute Communities Centre, the Sports Hall of Fame plaques and citations are displayed on the main level walls. The 3600 square foot Museum housing artifacts, memorabilia and photographs is also located on this level at the west end behind Section 119. The new Museum location opened officially in the spring of 2008.
Year Inducted: 2006
Home Town: Lansing, Michigan
More about Beatrice (Bea) Ross-Kotelko:
Beatrice (Bea) Ross-Kotelko is inducted into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame for her high level of excellence in 5-pin bowling. Born in Lansing, Michigan she was a resident of Oshawa for 92 years! Bea passed away in 1998. Bea was a participant in the Motor City Bowling League from 1949 - 1974. Bea won the Eastern Ontario Woman's Title 3 times. After capturing it twice in a row, she was given the Molson Cup to keep in 1955. Bea represented the Oshawa area in the Sportsmans Show competitions in 1954 and 1955. She was also a C.B.C. 5-Pin bowling show participant in 1956.
Bea was inducted into the Ontario 5-Pin Bowlers Association Hall of Fame in 1987. She shared her love of the sport and founded the Youth Bowling Council in the 1950's. Bea organized, instructed, coached and supervised mixed leagues from Bantams to Seniors. She won a high singles award in a men's tournament in Belleville in 1954, and was also named a Canadian Bowling Association representative. In 1954, Bea opened the 'Men's' Tournament for eastern Canada in Campbellford, Ontario bowling a strike in each alley.
In 1955, after losing the Sportsmans Show competition by one pin, sports columnist Dick Brett of Hamilton was moved to write this poem:
Here's to Bea Ross who didn't win,
The Molson Classic by a single pin,
For she accepted defeat with a smile and grin,
That belied the heartache she must have felt within,
So hats off to the gal, who in losing won,
The hearts of the spectators, every one.
Wednesdays: 11am - 2pm
Also open during every Oshawa Generals home game
BROWSE INDUCTEES
