A pioneer of the Belleville Spirits basketball program is headed to the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame.
Long-time local teacher and coach Mike Kirby will be among the five new additions to the Hall of Fame during induction ceremonies at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre on Saturday.
MIKE KIRBY
2024 Inductee
Builder, Basketball
Belleville Spirits pioneer Mike Kirby has certainly left his mark on the basketball scene in this community. Born and raised in Belleville, Mike attended both Moira Secondary School and Belleville Collegiate Institute before pursuing his undergraduate and education degrees at Queen’s University in Kingston. While at Queen’s, he was a prominent athlete and a five-year starter on the Golden Gaels basketball team, graduating in 1983.
Mike’s teaching and coaching career began at Centennial Secondary School, continued at Nicholson Catholic College and then at St. Theresa Catholic Secondary School, before retiring in 2012. Throughout his career, Mike was committed to nurturing athletic talent and promoting the principles of sportsmanship and personal development among his students. In 1987, seeing the need for a more challenging platform for elite basketball players in Bay of Quinte schools, Mike, along with Paul Gaudet, created a team comprising grade 11, 12, and 13 girls from five local high schools, naming them the Belleville Spirits. From these modest beginnings with just one team and 12 players, Spirits Basketball has flourished under Mike’s guidance, growing to field provincially competitive and championship teams, along with numerous house league teams focused on player development. Now in its 37th year, Belleville Spirits has profoundly influenced the lives of hundreds of men and women in the Belleville area, continuing to thrive thanks to Mike’s vision and significant foundational investment. Mike has taken on multiple roles within Spirits Basketball, serving as President, Secretary, Treasurer, Coach, and House League Convenor. His relentless dedication has been vital to the organization’s longevity and success.
In 2005, Mike received the OFSAA Leadership in School Sport Award for exemplifying the values of fair play and sportsmanship while fostering enjoyment, personal growth and educational achievement through sports. In 2015, he was honored as the Quinte Basketball Personality of the Year by the Bay of Quinte Basketball Officials Association, reflecting his profound impact on the local basketball community. Mike Kirby’s induction into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame underscores his steadfast commitment to nurturing young athletes and highlights the incredible influence one dedicated individual can make in the lives of others.
Joining Kirby in this years’ class for the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame is Steve Stewart, Greg Terrion, Glenn Fortin and the the Belleville Yardmen Benefit Fund Ladies Softball Team 1973-1977.
The ceremonies take place on the second floor at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre Saturday afternoon at 1:30.
The public is welcome to attend. There is no admission charge.
