Doc Duval earns Pete Handley Friend of Sport Award

“I just wanted to help out” was the answer Brian “Doc” Duval gave when asked how he got involved in sports. His “help out” attitude led him to a long career as a therapist, and a "jack of all trades," has made him this year’s recipient of the Peter Handley Friend of Sport Award.

The Peter Handley Friend of Sport Award is an annual honour presented by the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame awards committee to an "unsung hero" who dedicates their time and efforts to local sports without seeking the limelight. It recognizes behind-the-scenes volunteers, advocates, and community leaders who enhance local sports.

While attending West Ferris Secondary School, “Doc”, as he is often referred to, had a conversation with football coaches Jack Green and Jim Randle that lead to him “helping out” as a manager for the senior football teams. From that moment on, he was hooked on that role and expanded his skills by taking weekend therapy courses and St. John’s ambulance courses amongst others. In 1981, he attended Sheridan College and graduated with honours from the Athletic Therapy program. Never one to sit idle, Brian volunteered numerous hours for a variety of teams while attending Sheridan College.

In 1985, he returned to North Bay and commenced a 45 year career with Canadore College and Nipissing University. He spent the first 15 years of his career at Canadore College serving as a gym technician as well as a therapist.

Overseeing programs, acting as hockey team trainer along with a myriad of other duties. In 2000, he moved over to Nipissing University where he held the same two positions, but as the athletic facility grew at Nipissing so did the responsibilities; thus, the therapist title was passed on. Brian assumed full-time responsibilities for the day-to-day operation at the University's athletic facilities.

It is really difficult to put into words what those titles he held actually meant and the impact that his dedication, compassion and commitment had on teams, coaches and students.

Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President of Nipissing University described Brian this way.

“A unique personality, a friend to all, a supporter of students and very, very committed to his job, Doc became an integral part of the Nipissing team," said Dr. Wamsley.  

"Doc’s inspirational daily greetings were a positive influence on everyone who entered the building. You could not pass Doc without receiving a welcome that reverberated throughout the hallways. Doc was such a reliable and hard-working employee, that he set the standard for the physical management of all athletic and classroom spaces.

"He brought energy and commitment to his work and a strong sense of responsibility for ensuring that all aspects of the setup for every sport and every academic class were perfect for the students participating. In a way, unfortunately, his skills were so exceptional that his work was probably taken for granted from time to time because everyone came to expect that the set-up at the Nipissing University gyms would be perfect – and it was. And the person behind it was always Doc.”

While Brian worked at the University, he was also a constant figure as a volunteer therapist at numerous community events, including the World Ringette Championships, many OFSSA tournaments and the Heritage Festival.

When informed of the recognition that he will be receiving, Brian stated “ I am honoured to receive this award and it is even more special to be associated with an award in honour of Peter Handley. There have been so many highlights including provincial championship teams, but the real reward has been the interaction with the students, coaches and staff that I have been most fortunate to come in contact with.”

Success is a team effort, and that team effort includes all involved. Brian “Doc” Duval has been an integral part of the post-secondary team at both institutions and any team organization or event that he has been part of are better off for his involvement.

Brian “Doc" Duval will receive their award at the 45th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on Saturday, May 2, at the Davedi Club. Tickets can be purchased through Larry Tougas at 705-303-8104. Tickets are also available at the Davedi Club by calling 705-474-4190. Tickets are $65.