Delta Sports Hall of Fame – List Continues

Photo Credit Delta Sports Hall of Fame

Living in the City of Delta we are privileged to know that we have a wealth of exceptional individuals who not only donate their time but have the understanding it’s important to give back.

We continue our look into the Delta Sports Hall of Fame Induction and welcome them to such an elite level of the game.

Matt Wilkinson   ATHLETE

Matt Wilkinson, nicknamed Tugboat, started pitching at the age of seven in the Ladner Minor Baseball system. 

He played in Ladner until the start of the 2014 all-star season and then joined the White Rock Titans. 

The 2015 Titans were BC and Canadian Champions as well as advancing to the Little World Series in Williamsport Pennsylvania. 

Matt later went to the Okotoks Baseball Academy helping their 2019 and 2022 summer teams win the WCBL championships. 

Matt joined the Central Arizona College Baseball team in 2022. During his freshman season, he had a leading-role in the Vaqueros capturing the national championship” while recording 85 strikeouts in 53 innings with a 1.87 ERA.                                                                     

He mentions when asked “People don’t expect me to do what I do. I love going out and showing people what I am all about.” Matt did just that during his 2023 season. 

He had an exceptional 2023 season as Matt was named the 2023 National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Pitcher of the Year. 

He had a 1.07 ERA with 136 strikeouts while recording 10 wins in 84 innings pitched. 

His strikeout total ranked second in the nation while his ERA was third. Anthony Gilich, Central Arizona head coach says of Matt, “Tug had an unbelievable year for us, but he has been doing this his whole life. 

He is a special pitcher who has high-level command, rise on his fastball, and an elite competitiveness that is unmatched.” while Shelby Davis, Athletic Director said, “He is an elite athlete … and has committed himself to being a top-tier pitcher”. 

To top off his 2023 season, Matt was named First Team All-American, American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Pitcher of the Year and Arizona Community College Athletic Association Pitcher of the Year.       

Matt’s good year didn’t stop there. He was one of two BC baseball players chosen in the Major League Baseball Draft, going in the 10th round to the Cleveland Guardians. 

Instead of going on scholarship to Arizona State University to finish his playing career, Matt could be turning pro in the Cleveland Guardians organization.                                                                        

We congratulate Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson on his selection as a Sport Champion Athlete and wish him all the best as he continues to pursue his baseball dreams.

DON BERGER    INDUCTEE   BUILDER

Don Berger was a native of Homestead, Pa., but moved with his wife Evelyn to North Delta in 1973 where they raised five children. 

Not only did Don mentor and coach all his children in a variety of sports, but was also widely remembered for giving back to his community and province. 

He was instrumental in the development of community football and basketball in North Delta. Don started a mini basketball program in North Delta that over a ten-year span taught a generation of young people the skills to play and coach basketball. According to his son, Mitch, “Without mini ball, none of us would have played basketball until grade 7.” 

Twelve of the fifteen players on the 1990 NDSS provincial championship team played in the North Delta mini basketball league. 

As well, Don coached and supported his other children during their basketball careers.

What Don was probably best known for was his role in the development of community and high school football in British Columbia, especially in North Delta. 

He was President of BC Minor, Metro Football and ND Football for more than 20 years. 

As well, Don coached North Delta Minor and High School Football for 15 years. 

Don’s primary focus was at the grassroots where he instituted the Punt, Pass and Kick program, Atom division football, 9-man football and all-star games. 

He worked to have these programs throughout the Lower Mainland. In 2010 Don received the Orange Helmet award in the Builder’s category from the B.C. Lions and in 2018 was inducted into the BC Football Hall of Fame.

The Berger family home was notable for the goal posts Don built in the back yard. This is where Don taught and coached his son Mitch on how to kick and punt a football. 

Mitch credits his father with being the reason he had success in football eventually leading Mitch to play 16 years in the National Football League. 

As a diehard Pittsburgh Steeler fan, one of Don’s most cherished moments was attending the 2009 Super Bowl with his whole family to watch Mitch and his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers win the Super Bowl.

The Delta Sports Hall of Fame would like to recognize and honour Don Berger for his commitment and dedication to football and basketball in our community and province. Congratulations on your induction into the Builder category. 

Stay tuned – WE AREN’T FINISHED WITH THIS YEARS CLASS!!!