Jim Wagdin was bestowed two honours last night at the Bell Warriors Volunteer Appreciation Night. The Warriors have created a Bell Warriors Hall of Fame and the first inductee is Jim Wagdin of Richmond. Going forward, the Bell Warriors post-secondary bursaries will be known as the Bell Warriors Jim Wagdin Scholarships. Each year since Mr Wagdin introduced the Bell Warriors Scholarship Program, the Warriors have given up to two $1,000 scholarships. The three main selection criteria are Athletic experience, Academic achievement, and Community volunteerism. In all, the Warriors have given out $26,000 to ex-Warrior players in support of their scholastic goals and aspirations. On and off the field, the Warriors stand by our players and believe in giving back to our community.
A committee will be struck in the New Year to source out a suitable location for the Bell Warriors Hall of Fame. Jim started with the Warriors Club in 1989. Over his 24 years with the Warriors, Jim was involved with mentoring over 3,000 young boys and girls and won many Regional Championships. Jim also sat on the NCAFA (National Capital Amateur Football Association) Board of Directors. Jim was a VP on the Board and was the Chair of their Disciplinary Committee.
“Jim’s impact in our community with his commitment, his dedication, his resourcefulness and competence will be felt for years to come. He just didn’t do the work, he made it work. He has touched so many young peoples’ lives and that of their families. He understood that setting an example with your actions can be contagious. He has been a true leader in our community. He deserves every ounce of credit that comes his way. The Warriors family is proud to rename our Scholarship Program after Jim and to bestow Jim with the honour of becoming our Club’s first inductee into the Bell Warriors hall of Fame.” – Paul Stewart, Bell Warriors President