The Sault’s parks and recreation advisory committee has chosen a golfer and a grappler as 2026 inductees to the Sports Hall of Fame.
Don Martone and Brent Fryia were chosen from 19 nominations.
City councillors are expected to approve the appointments next week.
The Sault Sports Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches, builders and teams for their accomplishments and the recognition they’ve brought to Sault Ste. Marie.
Their achievements are engraved on plaques that can be viewed upstairs at the Northern Community Centre.
Here’s how the committee described its reasons for choosing Martone and Fryia:
Don Martone
Golfer Don Martone is an accomplished golfer with a competitive career spanning over 30 years.
His numerous accomplishments range from the local to the national level.
In 1998, 1999, and 2000, Mr. Martone played on the Canadian Tour, competing professionally and gaining a wealth of experience.
In 2025, he achieved a defining moment in his golf career by winning the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship.
In addition to his competitive success, Don has been an ambassador of the sport through his involvement in local clubs.
As a co-partner of the Up & Down Lounge, Don has contributed to the growth of indoor golf, providing year-round access through the use of golf simulators.
Don’s accomplishments and passion for the sport have made him a predominant figure in the local golf community.
Brent Fryia
Brent Fryia’s dedication to wrestling and mixed martial arts can be seen not only as an athlete but as a coach and builder of the sport.
As an athlete, he has achieved many accomplishments, including an 8-4 professional MMA Record (2008-2014), a silver medal at the 2023 World Grappling Championship (40+), and the 2023 and 2024 National Grappling Championships.
Aside from competing himself, he has many years of experience sharing his knowledge as a coach.
From coaching high school wrestling to being head coach for Team Canada at the 2024 GAMMA World Championship, Brent has mentored many athletes to achieve their best.
His contribution to the growth of combat sports is seen locally through the establishment of Steel City MMA.
It is here that he continues to coach and be an impactful leader within the combat sport community.