Derrick Byrd

In every sport Derrick played he was always a top performer. His commitment to physical fitness always kept him at the top of his game. A focused and determined athlete he excelled on the field and ice.

As a hockey player, Derrick played for the Kemptville 73’s from 1985-88 and the Thorold Black Hawks Jr B Team from 1988-89. He also played with the Brock University Badger Team. His coach Michael Pelino remembers Derrick as a player who always worked hard on and off the ice and deservedly became one of the team Captains in his senior year.

Derrick began playing Kemptville Jr Fastball competing in many Provincial championship tournaments. As an Intermediate player he was a member of the 1991 ISC Travel League of Eastern Canada. He was a member of Kemptville Thunder Sr. Mens Fastball Team that participated in the North American Challenge, the Perth Shootout, considered the top invitational tournament in the world from 1992-99. He played on teams that competed in the International Softball Congress World Championships and the Sr. Men’s Canadian Championship. He was named the ACT Fastball Player of the year in 1997.

Derrick continues to use his love of sports as a teacher for the past 20 years and leads by example. Through his coaching he continues his commitment to doing things consistently and with determination and focus.

For any team player and athlete the biggest compliment always come from your fellow athletes who all agreed that what made him a great athlete was his mental toughness and never wavering commitment to his teammates.