Humber announces banner tribute for longtime sports information director Jim Bialek

ETOBICOKE – Humber Athletics is set to immortalize a beloved figure in its athletic history, announcing that longtime sports information director Jim Bialek will be honoured with a banner raising on Thursday, November 27 - directly following the conclusion of the women's volleyball match against Fanshawe.

The tribute comes several years after Bialek retired in 2019, closing the book on a remarkable 40-year career at Humber Polytechnic. As the school's first full-time sports information director and the longest-serving member of the athletics department, Bialek was the steady, defining presence of Humber Athletics during its rise from a small local program to a national powerhouse.

Though he has been enjoying retirement—spending more time at the cottage, travelling the world and enjoying his grandchildren—Bialek remains one of the most respected and beloved figures in Humber's history. His Hall of Fame induction in 2019 drew emotional ovations, and the upcoming banner raising will serve as a lasting tribute to the impact he made on countless colleagues, student-athletes and friends.

A native of Windsor, Ontario, Bialek arrived at Humber as a student in 1979 and quickly became part of the athletics fabric. Over the decades, he held multiple roles before becoming Manager of Athletics/Sports Information Director, leading Humber's transition into the digital era by launching humberhawks.ca, expanding social media coverage and building the Hawks Sports Network into the most extensive streaming platform in the CCAA.

His influence reached far beyond Humber. For more than three decades, he served the OCAA in various roles, including on the OCAA Executive and later as the first non-athletic director to serve as OCAA President in 2013.

"Jim's impact on the OCAA and Humber Athletics is second-to-none," said Humber athletic director Ray Chateau. "He worked tirelessly to elevate post-secondary athletics across Ontario, and the entire league benefited from his leadership."

During his tenure, Humber collected a national-best 52 CCAA titles and 551 provincial medals—accomplishments no one else in Canada has witnessed from so close a vantage point. At OCAA events, Bialek earned the affectionate nickname "the Mayor" for his ability to connect with everyone in the building. And when the Hawks played in championship games, he could always be found pacing nervously, far from the crowd.

But beyond championships and accolades, it is Bialek's relationships that define his legacy. Broadcasters, alumni, coaches and colleagues routinely filled his office, drawn by his warmth, generosity and unwavering support. He remains widely regarded as one of the most selfless individuals ever to serve the Humber community.

Now, Humber Athletics will raise a banner in his honour—an enduring symbol of gratitude for four decades of dedication, leadership and heart.