Bill Jacko’s contribution to sport cannot only be measured in stats or titles. Along with those stats and titles, his contribution is measured in leadership, commitment, dedication and community participation. Since coming to North Bay in 1980, Bill has competed in sports, taken a leadership role in a number of organizations and has been a key figure in the success of a number of special events.
As an athlete, he was a top-notch pitcher in the GMFA for 20 years. He had a winning percentage of 66%, 5 Morland Cup championships, was league MVP in 1989 and playoff MVP in 1986. It is fair to say that of the 5 championship teams, Bill was the difference between winning and losing. Over a three-year period that led to 2 championships, his win/loss record was 16-31.
When they put his daughter in Apollo gymnastics, little did Bill know that this would lead to a 25+ year commitment. Numbers alone don’t speak to his impact and commitment to the club as he stayed strong through many challenges that have led to many successes. He has been part of virtually every aspect of the operation of the Apollo club over that time span.
He was asked to join the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame as a director in 1991 which led to an unprecedented run as Board Chair for 28 years and under his leadership the Hall of Fame, we have today, is a living legacy to his leadership.
Along the way, Bill held a variety of executive roles for the Gateway Major Fastball Association as well as the Northland Softball Association.
His organizational skills were utilized during a number of major events hosted in the city including: OHL Bell All-star game, Sport Coordinator for the 1989 Ontario Winter Games, Committee member for the bid to host the 2001 Canada Summer Games, Logistics Chair for the World Ringette Championships and Sport Tech co-chair for the Ontario Special Olympics Winter Games.
Bill Jacko Sr. was an extremely well-respected person for his dedication, leadership, fairness and commitment to the betterment of sport. Bill Jacko Jr. is living proof that the apple does not fall far from the tree having portrayed all of those same qualities in bettering sport.