Celebrating the 2025 Western Mustangs Sports Hall of Fame team inductees

Men’s Baseball 2005, 2006, 2007 - OUA three-peat Champions

The 2005-07 Mustangs Baseball, OUA Champions were a dynasty. In the history of OUA baseball, no other program has achieved a three-peat.

Mustangs Baseball won the program’s first ever championship in 2005 with a sweep of the playoffs, including both games of the finals over the Brock Badgers. The Mustangs repeated that feat the next season, again sweeping Brock in the finals. In 2007, following a dominant 15-2-1 regular season, the three-peat was capped off in thrilling fashion with a 2-1 win in the clinching game over arch-rival Brock once more.

Across these championship years, 14 different Mustangs collected OUA All-Star selections, plus additional major OUA awards: Head Coach Mike Lumley, Coach of the Year, 2005; Ben Rich, Most Valuable Hitter, 2005; Sean Grimes, Most Valuable Pitcher, 2007.

The 2005-07 Mustangs Baseball teams were characterized by dominant pitching, flawless defense, timely hitting, exceptional execution, and contributions from players throughout the entire roster. The program benefitted from outstanding coaching from Al Neal, Lawrence Dyck, Sean Latimer, Mark Grimes and especially the leadership of Head Coach Mike Lumley, the only Head Coach the program has ever known, who continues to serve in that role today.

Perhaps more than anything, the 2005-07 Mustangs Baseball dynasty is noteworthy for their incredible team chemistry. Each year, the team functioned as a cohesive unit that was truly greater than the sum of its parts. Players supported each other, actively sought ways to help each other improve and were united in a vision of striving towards team achievement rather than individual accolades. Lumley summed it up perfectly in his closing message for the 2005 season following the championship win: this was the best team he had ever been a part of, on and off the field. That sentiment anchored the Mustangs Baseball culture for subsequent seasons and was a driving force in the on-field performance that carried the team to future championships.

Women’s Soccer 1985 and 1986 OWIAA RE-peat Champions

The 1985 and 1986 Western Mustangs women’s soccer teams made history by capturing the first two OWIAA Championships in program history, earning their place as 2025 team inductees.

In 1985, the Mustangs delivered a flawless 17-0-0 season. The Gazette headline read:

“Perfect team takes Ontario title.”

They scored 60 goals and allowed just 7, with goalkeeper Danyet Cunningham recording four playoff shutouts. Defensive leaders Michelle Bishop and Danielle Dignard were joined by standout rookies Kelly Kitamura and Erika Seits. Midfielders Sue Crowther and Sandy Lubert anchored play, while forwards Laurie Danowski (Golden Boot, 19 goals) and Deb Ohlson (16 goals) led the attack. In a dramatic shootout win over Queen’s, Blair, Crowther, Seits and Hobson sealed the title.

Five players and Coach Mary Riezebos represented Ontario at the first Canadian Championship. The 1985 team became the first inducted into the Mustang Soccer Wall of Honour.

In 1986, despite early injuries, the Mustangs finished 11-3-1, overcoming adversity with help from rookies Lisa Robb and Allison McEnteer. After playoff wins over Queen’s and York, they faced McMaster in the final. Rookie Sheri Kitching scored in overtime, but McMaster equalized, forcing another shootout. Blair, Crowther, Seits, and Lisa Bowes converted their shots to repeat as champions. Deb Jones and Deb Ohlson were named OWIAA All-Stars.

The Gazette headline said it all:

“History repeated as soccer team captures crown.”

These teams weren’t just winners—they were trailblazers. Their legacy continues to inspire as they are honored in 2025 for their unmatched excellence and Mustang pride.