Dewey Jacobs inducted into the OLA Hall of Fame

On the lacrosse floor, Duane Jacobs was more than a force. The Six Nations man, the lacrosse world fondly knows as ‘Dewey’, was relentless in his pursuit for loose balls during his playing days. He was a grinder, and an unstoppable force when it came to offensive opportunities. He was a player that could score goals and be there for his teammates.

Those qualities alone, along with the championships he won, made him a lock as a member of the class of 2015 Ontario Lacrosse Association Hall of Fame.

But there is so much more that makes him a special person – his humility, leadership, and his love for the game, teammates and his family. On Saturday night in Niagara Falls, those qualities were honoured at the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“I want to thank the selection committee,” Jacobs said Saturday in Niagara Falls, as he accepted his induction. “They (inductees) talked about their childhood playing lacrosse. That was one of the most fun times in my life.

“I want to thank Six Nations minor lacrosse,” he said. “We used to have to go out to Waterford and play games because we didn’t have an arena yet. But we were able to play a game we loved with our friends. We had some great coaches, and because of them, it was an awesome experience. I was one of the fortunate ones that was able to progress.”

And progress he did, having a brilliant career at the senior B, senior A and National Lacrosse League levels. During that time he was able to share his love and passion for the game.

“It was an honour to be the one introducing Dewey,” Rusty Doxtator said. “It truly is an honour and privilege to get up there and speak about a guy who has done a lot in this sport and for this sport.

“Dewey has been nation wide,” he said. “He’s won at almost every level and has been an influence for many. He’s played across this country for several teams, winning Presidents Cups and Mann Cups. He’s represented the Iroquois Nationals. Former teammates can’t say enough about his talent, leadership qualities and work ethic. When Dewey spoke in the dressing room, everyone listened.”

As a player, Jacobs won Presidents Cups, the national

senior B championship, with the Owen Sound North Stars and Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks. At the senior A level, he captured three Mann Cups with the Six Nations Chiefs. As a coach, he recently won two Mann Cups, also with the Chiefs.

While winning championships was something Jacobs was accustomed to, it is something that was secondary for him.

That’s one of many things that makes Jacobs truly special.

Doxtator said one of those things that makes him special is that, “He has maintained a spiritual essence of the game, honouring those that have played before him and those that follow.”

True to form, Jacobs was humbled by being honoured Saturday night, and made sure that everyone he’s come across in the game was mentioned in some form or another.

“I was able to do something very special,” Jacobs said. “I was able to play a game I love, and make life-long friendships, be able to travel and meet other great people that love the game of lacrosse. Although it was great to win those Mann Cups, the most memorable thing were those life-long friendships.

“All in all, it was a pleasure and honour to be playing the game of lacrosse,” he said. “The roots are deep in my family and community. To be able to walk away from the game with some accomplishments is much more than I could ever ask for. I’m blessed to be able to do what I did. To be able to do something very special.”

Along with Jacobs, Clinton ‘Jan’ Magee, of Peterborough, and Brampton’s Dan ‘Teeter’ Teet were honoured as players, while Gary Carr, of St. Catharines was honoured in the veteran category.  Barry Trood, from Shelburne/ Caledon and Bob ‘Beav’ Clevely were named in the builder category.