Parker Van Buskirk tends goal for the Lancers men's hockey team. He is one of four 2025 inductees into the Alumni Sports Hall of Fame (EDWIN TAM/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
Whether on the track, the field or on the ice, former Lancers Corey Bellemore, Brian Jones, Gisèle Poulin and Parker Van Buskirk collected victories, medals, all-star recognitions and records.
On Nov. 16, they will take home yet another honour as the 2025 inductees into the University of Windsor’s Alumni Sports Hall of Fame. (Click this link for event photos.)
First established in 1986, the Hall of Fame honours alumni who have significantly contributed to University of Windsor athletics and/or have exemplified the spirit and ideals of University of Windsor sports.
This year’s inductee class includes athletes in track and field, football and hockey in addition to awarding team achievement honours for a standout season on the soccer pitch.
Corey Bellemore was a track and cross-country standout for the Lancers (file photo/University of Windsor)
Inductee Corey Bellemore (BA ’17) is one of the most decorated athletes in Lancer history, competing in both track and field and cross country.
He won 15 U SPORTS individual medals and seven team medals.
A two-time winner of the Olympic Shield as UWindsor’s male athlete of the year, Bellemore was named a U SPORTS all-Canadian and Ontario University Athletics (OUA) all-star multiple times as well as representing Canada internationally, including at the 2017 International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games.
Bellemore credits his successes to those who supported him throughout his Lancer career.
“Although it might be my name getting inducted into the Alumni Sports Hall of Fame, this honour represents my family, teammates, coaches and therapists that worked just as hard in support,” he says.
He was also motivated by the Lancers who came before him as well as the local community.
“Not only did faculty support our journey towards success but also nearby residents followed our team because of the legacy that renowned track and field and cross-country coach Dennis Fairall created,” Bellemore explains.
Describing the lasting memories and friendships formed during his time as a Lancer, Bellemore notes, “If you immersed yourself within the team, it was an open door to learn, work hard and ultimately, have fun.”
More recently, Bellemore has moved into longer distance events.
In October, he took home first place in the Detroit Free Press International Half-Marathon after placing a close fourth in 2024 and is currently ranked 20th in Canada on the professional triathlon circuit.
“I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Lancer family,” Bellemore says. “I remain a very proud alumni as I watch the next generation come through the ranks.”
Brian Jones was a two-sport athlete in football and track and field (file photo/University of Windsor)
Brian Jones (BA ’07, MBA ’10) was a two-sport Lancer who excelled in football and track and field.
A five-year starter and three-time team captain on the offensive line, he earned OUA all-star honours in 2005 and 2006.
In track and field, he won a U SPORTS gold medal in shot put and was a three-time OUA all-star. Jones was also a silver medalist in shot put and two-time all-Canadian. As team captain, he helped lead the Lancers to three national titles in 2002, 2003 and 2005.
Jones describes his induction into the Hall of Fame as incredibly humbling, especially given the other former Lancers who have been recognized before him.
“I was fortunate enough to have success as a two-sport athlete,” he says.
“Those roles I played (offensive linesman and shot putter) don’t generally get the spotlight, and it’s special that my peers have recognized my efforts and contributions.”
Jones says that being inducted has allowed him to reflect on his memories of his time as a Lancer, on and off the field.
“My most cherished thing I take away from my time as a Lancer wasn't the wins and losses but the life-long relationships that were forged,” he explains, noting that the large football and track and field rosters gave him the opportunity to train and compete with hundreds of peers.
“Some of them remain my best friends to this day,” says Jones. “We are groomsmen in each other's weddings. Our kids are friends. And when we get a chance to get together and share stories, it's as if we were 20-year-olds all over again, re-living the moments. Whether it was playing cards on long bus rides to Ottawa or South Bend, or Thursday night burgers or Lancer Corner during relays.
“I can only hope that all Lancers (past, present and future) can foster these types of meaningful relationships that will stand the test of time.”
Gisèle Poulin was a multiple medallist in women's track and field (file photo/University of Windsor)
Gisèle Poulin (BHK ’95) was a standout in women’s track and field.
A Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) gold medallist in long jump in 1992, she contributed to four national championship teams and won three Ontario Women’s Interuniversity Athletic Association (OWIAA) gold medals.
Poulin still ranks third all-time in Lancer history in long jump and the 4x200m relay as well as fifth in the 60-metre dash.
Like her fellow inductees, Poulin emphasizes the importance of community in her success.
“To me, it’s a reflection of years of dedication, teamwork, and the unwavering support of coaches, teammates, family, and the community,” she says.
“This recognition reminds me of all the early mornings, long practices and moments of perseverance that shaped not only my athletic career but also who I am today. Most importantly, it’s a celebration of the values sports teach us: discipline, resilience, leadership and the importance of lifting others up.”
Reflecting on her time as a Lancer, Poulin cites standout memories including national championship wins and competing at the Skydome.
She also fondly remembers time with teammates at training camps in Puerto Rico and one particularly hectic meet during which the team’s luggage went missing en route to Sherbrooke, Quebec.
“We did not have our jerseys or equipment in time for the meet, and we used Sherbrook's green and red basketballs uniform,” she explains. “We made the best of a bad situation and had good laughs about it.”
Poulin describes her induction into the Hall of Fame as a link to Lancers past, present and future.
“Being part of the Hall of Fame connects me to a legacy of excellence,” she says.
“I hope it inspires future athletes to chase their goals with passion and integrity, just as those before me did.”
Parker Van Buskirk achieved 85 career victories in men's hockey (file photo/University of Windsor)
A goaltender with the Lancer hockey team from 2011-15 and a recipient of the Olympic Shield as UWindsor’s male athlete of the year, Parker Van Buskirk (BComm ’15, MBA ’18) is the winningest goaltender in Lancer men’s hockey history with 85 career victories.
He played from 2011 to 2015 and was named an OUA all-star twice. In 2015, he was named OUA Goaltender of the Year and a finalist for U SPORTS national goaltender of the year.
Van Buskirk led the Lancers to the Queen’s Cup championship in 2014 and back-to-back national tournament appearances.
Van Buskirk calls his induction into the Hall of Fame both a surprise and a humbling experience. Having attended past Alumni Sports Hall of Fame celebrations to honour teammates, being inducted this year gave Van Buskirk another chance to reflect on four seasons of accomplishments.
“It wasn’t just one day or one playoff run,” he says of the team’s Queen’s Cup win, “it was a three-year build-up and getting close. It’s not common that a team plays in four straight finals.”
“I still look back and smile about it,” Van Buskirk says of the team’s 2014 win. “I remember the celebration with the team, finding my parents and family in the crowd, and just enjoying that moment.”
Sharing the win with the local community on home ice at South Windsor Arena made the experience all the more memorable, he says.
In addition to the four inductees, the Hall of Fame ceremony will also celebrate the 1985 men’s soccer team, who will be awarded Team Achievement honours.
In only their third OUAA season as a varsity team, the 1985 men's soccer team earned its place in Lancer history by finishing the regular season with a 10-0-2 record and winning the OUAA west division championship.
Led by OUAA west coach of the year, John Vacratsis, the team finished the season undefeated and were ranked number one in Canada for the first time.
To learn more about the Alumni Sports Hall of Fame or to register to attend the ceremony, visit the event page on the Alumni Association website. There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is required.
The Alumni Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is generously supported by the University of Windsor Alumni Association.