Norbert “Dick” Power – Athlete

Inducted October 22, 2005

They say that commitment and dedication is what sets the winners apart from everyone else. The late Norbert “Dick” Power of St. John’s was quite possibly one of the best multi sport athletes in Newfoundland and Labrador and he undoubtedly demonstrated what commitment and dedication is all about. Dick competed in a number of sports including ball hockey, basketball, ice hockey, running, softball and baseball throughout his career; however, he is best known for his accomplishments in soccer that included national medals, provincial championships and many St. John’s titles. His most impressive career highlight came with “The Big Red Machine” Holy Cross Teams of the 1980’s which won a gold medal at the 1988 Canadian Challenge Cup Soccer Tournament to which he and his teammates returned home to Newfoundland to a hero’s welcome. The Holy Cross soccer team also won a 1989 silver medal and a 1981 bronze medal at the national Challenge Cup; nine provincial Challenge Cup championships; two Atlantic Challenge Cup championships and a berth in the Atlantics five times. They were named the provincial team of the year in 1988 and 1989 and had a record fifteen consecutive St. John’s first division championships. Dick was also a member of the Memorial University of Newfoundland varsity soccer and basketball teams for four years. He was selected by the Canadian Ball Hockey Association as one of five Canadian All-Stars for the period between 1978 and 1982 and he was a member of two national championship teams – the India Bears in 1982 and the Best Western Travellers in 1987. Dick has been referred to as the heart and soul of the many teams he has played for. He had the ability to raise the level of play of his teammates by just putting on his uniform. Dick coached boys and girls basketball teams at Mobile High School, Baltimore High School and Stella Maris High School. Dick passed away in Ottawa on March 12, 2005 at age 46 years.