Jack Hooker
Football
Inducted: 2009
Jack Hooker started his football career as a Grade Nine student at St. Lawrence Secondary School in Cornwall, when he was asked to try out for the team by coach Art Anderson.
In his first two years of high school, his juniour team was the league champion, and Jack was considered to be one of the best defensive players in the league. In 1966, the St. Lawrence Saints were Senior champions and Jack was a formidable force on defence. He played many different positions, including middle guard, defensive tackle, defensive end, and on all of the specialty teams.
Jack continued his football career with the Junior A Cornwall Mustangs of the Interprovincial Junior Football League, coached by Ed Lumley. His standout play led to an invitation to the Toronto Argonauts training camp, which he had to decline for medical reasons.
Jack was also an accomplished hockey player who played in the City Jr B League, and eventually played with the Cornwall Royals in the Montreal Metropolitan League. He also won numerous awards as a track and field athlete while at St. Lawrence High School. Considered one of the best discus throwers in Eastern Ontario, he was also a member of the school's relay teams.
Away from sports, Jack has been honoured with the St. John Ambulance Award for saving the life of a co-worker while at Domtar. He's also received the Governor-General Certificate of Acknowledgement for saving the life of a second co-worker.
Ron Alguire presenting to Jack Hooker.