John P. Metras Sports Museum

Larry Haylor and Darwin Semotiuk are two influential and highly respected individuals in Mustangs sport history.

As a young man, Greg Marshall, was coached by both Haylor and Semotiuk and his memories of these two leaders are impactful ones. Marshall even credits some of his own personality traits to the duo.

“Darwin controlled the locker room in a very calm way,” says Marshall. “He was an outstanding leader without having to say a lot. For many of us, we were far away from home and he became, essentially, a second father. He built a culture of caring and compassion which spread through our team. We all looked out for each other, like family.”

“Larry was offensive coordinator when I was a player,” continues Marshall. “He was extremely knowledgeable, outgoing, a great communicator and speaker. He absolutely cared about his players and pushed us to do better. Everything I know about football I learned from Larry, everything I know about how to treat people and coach young student athletes I learnt from both of them. I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today without Larry and Darwin.”

Marshall notes the two men had similar qualities. “What came through for both of them is they pushed you to work hard and get out of your comfort zone but at the same time you absolutely knew they cared about you. I take that same approach in my coaching style.”

“Their legacy is the student-athletes and what they have gone on to do today,” reminisces Marshall. “They not only contributed to the game but mentored future husbands and fathers and community members. Darwin and Larry put so much time and energy into Western athletics, the football program and their personal families. They couldn’t have done it without outstanding and supportive wives.”

“They were more than football coaches or athletic directors, they were friends, mentors, and family men who cared for the people around them every single day. That’s their legacy – the positive impact they had on so many people.”

By Heather Raymond

Rocco “Rock” Basacco, had an incredible impact on not only Western Soccer, but on the London Community. His outstanding presence on the soccer field will never be forgotten, nor his legacy as a father, a husband, a high school teacher and a friend to so many.

Basacco spent 21 remarkable years as head coach of Mustangs Soccer. The team won seven provincial titles under his leadership, and would go on to win two national championships, one in 1998, and one is 1999. Rock earned the honour of being named Canada’s Coach of the Year in 1999, and retired from Mustangs soccer in 2016.

Basacco’s former Western University teammate, Mustangs assistant soccer coach and one of a close-knit group of Western soccer alumni — Gary Gorham said Basacco made one of the most significant impacts on Mustangs soccer and was one of the best recruiters he’s ever seen. “Rock’s ability to design a team was unmatched. He made sure to instill life values in the locker room and on the pitch,” said Gorham.

Basacco’s coaching career was preceded by an outstanding playing career, as he played striker for the Mustangs in the 1970s. He was named captain of the team for three years, as well as MVP in 1977. Rock also received All Star honours in 1976 and 1977.

His impact on the London community was significant as he spent 37 years as a high school teacher, helping students reach their potential in the classroom and on the field. He ran soccer clinics in the Ontario Soccer Association for more than 30 years and coached at local and provincial levels from youth to adult and amateur to professional.

“Rock was an incredible man and had an amazing impact on soccer in London. He was ahead of his time and brought a level of professionalism and organization to teams,” says Martin Painter, current head coach of both the men’s and women’s soccer programs at Western University. “He inspired so many young players and coaches.”

Inducted into the W Club Hall of Fame in 2000, Rock Basacco sadly passed away on Christmas Eve, 2021.

“A lot of the players thought of Rock as their second father and in cases, Rock became their father-figure,” comments Gorham. “The players lucky enough to have been coached by Basacco knew they were in a safe environment where they could reach their full potential.”

The passing of Rocco Basacco heavily impacted many. His legacy in both soccer, school and his kind, caring actions will leave a lasting impression that will stay with others for many years to come.

By Sandy Lubert, BA’89

“Somewhere in your busy life journey, I hope you consider expanding your experiences through a commitment to others in a way that suits your special needs and talents. You will feel most fully alive and will come to be your best self when you are working with others for the sake of a shared ideal.” – Jack Fairs, A Fairs to Remember

Jack Fairs left happy purple footprints all over the Western campus. All over the world, in fact. His formidable impact spans the globe, and the effects of his mentorship are reflected in the successes of former players and colleagues from every walk of life.

Jack was a legend in every sense of the word. A few highlights from the endless list of his achievements and accolades include:

• WOSSA (HS) champion: football, track, tennis, basketball, rugby
• MVP: catcher, Welland Atlas Steels in the Niagara Senior Baseball League (in 1944, when he was 21)
• Fullback: undefeated Mustang Yates Cup championship team (1946)
• Professor: Western’s newly created Department of Physical Education (1947)
• Coach: Western football, tennis, basketball, squash, fishing (yes, fishing!)

Incredibly, in 1949, Jack was also offered professional contracts with both the Chicago Cubs and the Brooklyn Dodgers and worked as a scout for the New York Yankees.

And the list goes on. Jack has been honoured with countless Lifetime Achievement awards, Sportsman/Coach of the Year and is featured in many halls of fame around North America, including the NCAA’s Collegiate Squash Hall of Fame.

It is as a squash coach that Jack made his most legendary contribution to Western athletics. It is here – starting in 1962 when Jack officially began coaching squash – that he perfected his mentorship role. A passionate and lifelong learner, Jack emphasized game strategy and tactics. With warmth and humour, his singular determination and infectious enthusiasm, Jack recruited strong players and built a dynasty. In 1977 Western’s men’s squash team earned unheard-of status when they won the NCAA US intercollegiate title.

The 1983-84 season marked the beginning of a winning streak during which the Squash Stangs claimed 21 individual OUA titles and won the OUA team championship an astounding 31 years in a row. Remarkably, Jack was 60 years old at the onset of this juggernaut phenomenon. Regarding retirement, Jack was quoted as saying that his beloved wife Peigi told him he “wasn’t allowed to coach after I turned 90.”

An outstanding athlete and mentor in her own right, Peigi created a sense of family within the world of Jack’s teams and players. She provided the backbone for Jack’s personal and professional success.

In 2018, the Western Mustangs Sports Hall of Fame honoured Jack with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2019, Jack’s memoir “A Fairs to Remember: The Life & Times of Happy Jack” was published. It highlights Jack’s profound and long-lasting influence in the world of sport and his legendary status as an athlete, builder, coach and – most significantly – mentor beyond compare. Jack’s book can be previewed online HERE.

Phil Mohtadi remembers Jack as playing a significant role in his life. “Jack was an excellent coach, both technically and tactically, and played a significant part in my success as a player. But he was much more than that. He became a mentor to all his players, willing to spend countless hours with us discussing our problems and aspirations, encouraging us in our studies, and helping us with our career choices. And when we needed a good word, he was incredibly generous and supportive.”

We lost Jack in August. He was 98, still learning and still smiling. A tribute to Jack Fairs is being planned for the spring of 2022. Once a date has been confirmed, details will be announced.

To view the book, visit this link.