Today we continue our look at the origins of the trophies that you will see presented at the banquet on March 3rd with the story behind the Gerry Besselink Award.
Along with the description below, taken from the league 50th Anniversary History Book, you should know that Gerry was a player in the league along with his siblings, who lived in the neighbourhood – Pete’s neighbourhood- around St. Pat’s school. The school where the league began. After a very successful high school career at Regiopolis and KCVI, Gerry was awarded a basketball scholarship at the University of Connecticut where he had an exceptional NCAA career as well playing for the Huskies. The Huskies in the Little Guys Division were added because of Gerry’s connection to that NCAA team. Gerry went on to have a great professional career in Europe, where he still lives with his family.
The Gerry Besselink Award
This award, established by Gerry in 1992, is presented annually to the player or individual that “demonstrates effort, respect and dedication to the league”. Gerry continues to have a fond place in his heart for the league and in particular for Don Petersen, a solid supporter throughout Gerry’s basketball career. Each year a member of Gerry’s family is invited to the banquet to present the award on his behalf. Gerry’s sister Mary Jane will do the honour this year.
