History
- A Brief History
- Promoting Our National Identity
- The Heart of the Club
- Progress for the Future
- Growth in the 1980s and '90s
- Commitment to Youth Soccer
- The Croatian National Soccer
Federation of Canada & U.S. - The Logo
- 200 Kenilworth Avenue
- The New Millenium
- The World Wide Web
- Croatian Indoor Soccer League
- Other Sports
- Striving to be the Best
A BRIEF HISTORY
To write the history of an organization that has been in existence since 1957 is not an easy task. Due to a shortage of actual written material, looking back on so many decades will definitely result in omitting many names, memories, and achievements.
All of the work that was put into the Club was done on a voluntary and amateur basis. Since the beginning there have been many different administrations. As these would change much of the written material would go with them, thus resulting in a lack of documentation.
Yet it cannot be neglected that a lot of individual and collective effort supported the preservation of Croatia Hamilton as an organization. The very thought of the Club was born in Hamilton, where extreme efforts united Croatian inhabitants into one organization for the soul purpose of promoting the glory of its homeland. The original founders included Karlo Ceric, Tomislav Ivezic, Tomo Leingartner, and Pavle Usenica.
It is speculated that the idea of our Club occurred around 1954, but our citations state that it became reality in 1957.
“THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the Croatian National Sports Club has been an organization in active existence since 1957.”
SIGNED Karlo Ceric, President, Croatian National Sports Club
DATED at Hamilton this 20th day of September, A.D., 1973.And certified:
“GIVEN under my hand and seal of office at the City of Toronto in the said Province of Ontario this twenty-fifth day of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventy-three.”
— John T. Clement, Toronto, Canada
Croatia Hamilton was established to promote soccer; an interest in athletic games; recreation; sports; to provide a clubhouse and other conveniences for the use, enjoyment, and relaxation of its members; and to arrange competitions of every nature while granting awards and distinctions.
The Club was also developed to promote Croatian dance, music, literature and all other forms of Croatian culture for the benefit of its members, their families, and people of the Croatian community in Hamilton.
PROMOTING OUR NATIONAL IDENTITY
“The Sports Club Croatia Hamilton, Ontario was established in 1957. Due to some technical and organizational difficulties it stopped operating in 1960 but was reinstated in 1962. After the reorganization, Croatia Hamilton, the men’s soccer team under the guidance of head coach Stjepan Stankovic, became a member of the Inter-City League.
On the field, its technical and skilled performances earned the Club success. In the early years the team flourished and garnered respect from every opponent. With each passing year Croatia Hamilton was regarded as one of the best organizations in the city.
Not only was Croatia Hamilton established to work towards the athletic development of Croatians in Hamilton, but the organization also committed resources to promoting a Croatian national identity in a fight for a sovereign Republic of Croatia.”
Although that excerpt was taken from a book printed in 1966, Croatia Hamilton continues to survive by those words today. In the City of Hamilton, the Club has always tried to set an example of patriotism and national pride. In the 1990s, the Club supported Croatia morally and financially in the defence of our homeland during the country’s war for freedom. We generously and proudly gave more than $100,000.00 CDN to Croatia for various causes. One of those causes was sponsoring four Croatian orphans, whose parent’s lives were lost defending our native soil.
“With every respect for your good will and support, the democratic authorities in the homeland to which you contributed at this period, in the name of the Republic of Croatia, thanks you, the Croatian National Sports Club of Hamilton for your donation of $105,000.00, which will be used to finance the economic development and prosperity of the homeland.”
Minister of Immigration / Minister of Defence
- Gojko Šušak, Zagreb, Croatia
While it is nearly impossible to include the names of every person that has played an integral role in the establishment of the Club, there are some honorable mentions to be made:
John Bermarija, Nikola Budak, Ante Capin, Karlo Ceric, John Cvetkovic, Marinko Dragušica, Josip Dundovic, Tomica Ivezic, Josip Ivinac, Živko Juric, Ante Katalinic, Tomo Leingartner, Pero Listeša, Ivo Loncaric, Jure Miletic, Jimmy Negotovic, Slavko Pavicic, Šimun Pavlak, Šime Peranic, Tony Pericak, Nikola Peroševic, Pero Rukavina, Vjekoslav Šašic, Mirko Škarjak, Alojz Štokan, Pavle Usenica, and Zvonko Zubrinic.
These are just some names taken from various sources such as previous anniversary booklets, old photographs, and conversations with surviving members from the early years. There are many others whose names are unlisted, but whose actions live on in the sacred crest of Croatia Hamilton.
THE HEART OF THE CLUB
When it comes to soccer, our Men’s A-Team is the showpiece of our Club. In its opening match in 1957 Croatia defeated Hamilton Sparta 2-1, with Pavle Usenica scoring the first-ever goal in Club history.
Throughout the years the Croatian National Sports Club of Hamilton hosted international friendly matches with Croatian club teams such as NK Dinamo Zagreb. Dinamo were only four-years removed from winning the 1967 UEFA Cup when they visited Hamilton. Other notable friendlies included matches against NK Medjugorje Veterani, NK Croatia Brihovo, NK Vukovar, NK Karlovac and NK Zrinjski Mostar, amongst others. We have also had the pleasure of hosting non-Croatian teams as well. This includes an international tournament in 1988 with Vasas Budapest SC, one of Hungary's major sports clubs.
Many well known Croatian and international players have worn a Croatia Hamilton jersey. Some notables include Croatian professionals such as Željko Adzic, Slavko Cetina, Vlado Crnjak, Berislav Krilic, Stjepan Loparic, Vlado Palijan, Ivica Tankovic, and Nediljko Šimic. Šimic actually played against Hamilton as a member of NK Vukovar in 1991, years before ever moving to North America.
Croats were not the only prominent players to wear the Hamilton Croatia crest. 1976 Canadian Olympian Kevin Grant and Olympic team captain Jimmy Douglas played for the Club during the 1970s, as did English mainstay Frank Ellis and long-serving Ukrainian goaltender Tom Bondarenko. These and many other players are just a small piece of what has become a talented soccer mosaic.
Considered the heart of the Club, the Men's A-Team has represented the City of Hamilton and Croatian culture for numerous decades. The team has competed in tournaments and leagues over the years such as The Hamilton Spectator Cup, the Ontario Cup, various league cups, the CNSF Tournament, and countless others. Croatia Hamilton actually joined the professional ranks from 1970-1976 when they played in the now defunct National Soccer League (NSL). During the 1972 season a game between Croatia Hamilton and Toronto Italia was even televised by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Although the Men’s A-Team did a tremendous job promoting the City of Hamilton and Croatia from the start, some members thought it seemed unfair to leave all of the efforts to just one soccer team. In the late 1970s it was decided that the Club would include other sports such as bowling, chess, and veteran soccer (old-timers) to ensure that more people became involved in promoting the name “Croatia”.
Ultimately this created more membership, a stronger Club, and a constant sense of community.
PROGRESS FOR THE FUTURE
In 1977 a youth soccer program was established, and this became one of the most significant endeavors in Croatia Hamilton's history. The main proponents of this idea were gentlemen such as Vladimir Baotic, Vinko Granic and Mile Jovanovic. They realized that the Club had to grow from within in order to sustain itself and to have a distinguished future.
In the beginning, this required a lot of time, character, and courage. But with help of volunteers — mainly parents of the children involved — the program took off and peaked during the late 1980's and early 1990's. While experiencing many ups and downs, the youth movement has produced new generations of Croats who are proud to support their local community, their nationality and their culture.
The program started out with three teams in 1977, but it quickly grew to as many as eight teams in the 1980s. The youth teams of this decade won numerous titles and competed in many top level tournaments across Canada, the United States, and beyond. By 1989 Croatia Hamilton boasted a team in almost every available age group.
At this time a rival Croatian youth soccer program that was run out of Holy Cross Croatian Church was beginning to deteriorate. It was in ’89 that the two organizations decided it was best to merge as one and develop players under one unified Croatia Hamilton, resulting in many productive years of soccer.
Sadly the success of the late 1980s and early ‘90s did not last and the program took a step back as the 20th century came to a close.
The city youth league in Hamilton had disbanded which forced ethnic club teams to join regional leagues with greater travel requirements. As a result, interest in running youth teams faded and only one youth team remained active at the turn of the millennium.
GROWTH IN THE 1980S AND ‘90S
With the youth program taking shape throughout the early-to-mid 1980s, it was only a matter of time before new young players began coming out of our own system to play for our men’s team. The program even produced “second generation” players such as Peter Barbaric, whose father Ivan played during the professional years in the 1970s.
On and off the field you could sense the growing feeling of community. Team events such as the trip to Bermuda in 1989 helped Croatia Hamilton players create lifelong friendships.
Throughout the late 1980s the A-Team was coached by John Zefkic. Zefkic not only led the men, but he also contributed countless hours to developing the youth teams for numerous years. His spirit on the field was second-to-none.
That spirit was also matched by Club executives. They brought teams from Croatia and hosted friendly matches against NK Medjugorje in 1988, NK Croatia Brihovo in 1989, and NK Vukovar in 1991. The games attracted thousands of spectators and raised funds to help support our community in Hamilton and in Croatia.
With our children playing together from such a young age, our teams in the late 1980s and early ‘90s became known for their camaraderie. In contrast to the 1970s, most players that graduated to the men’s program were now Croatians from Hamilton.
The pride of representing their heritage and their city helped the Club attain first-rate performances at the CNSF Tournaments. Under the guidance of coach Zvonko Zubrinic Croatia Hamilton hosted the tournament in 1993 and reached the final, but came up short against very tough Vancouver Croatia squad.
During the 1990s, the team continued to build from their own developmental system. Only a couple of Croatian imports, notables such as Željko Islic and Bero Krilic, were brought in to help strengthen the team. This helped to obtain a third-place finish at the CNSF Tournament in 1997.
COMMITMENT TO YOUTH SOCCER
By 2002, the final youth team graduated to the men’s level leaving the Club facing the harsh reality of possibly having no youth teams for the first time in over 25 years. It was then that newly elected President Mark Vuksan and the rest of the committee decided that their first mandate should be to initiate the rebuilding of a lost youth program.
The thought was that Croatia Hamilton could strengthen the club through the grass roots level and give back what the “new-generation” committee were given when they were young - an opportunity to play soccer and create life-long friendships.
The Under-17 Boys of 2003 were the first team to be assembled. Their first coach was former ‘A’ Team player Mike Jurincic and the original team was comprised of many 15 and 16 year-olds with the hope that they could grow together as a team for more than just one year.
More teams would follow, including the 2004 creation of an Under-12 Boys team, and an Under-18 Girls squad which started a year later. This was the first Croatia Hamilton girls team since one coached by Joe Ribaric and Jerry Cugalj in the early 1990s.
As 2006 came to a close, another strong push was made to recruit future players that would lead this Club into the next generation.
With the formation of a new Multi-Jurisdictional league in Hamilton, ethnic clubs such as Croatia Hamilton were once again given the opportunity to grow and develop players from a young age. The start of the Under-8 and Under-10 boys took the total number of youth teams to five in 2007.
The unselfish desire of current, former, and returning members to help this Club grow and prosper has made the youth program a cornerstone for years to come. The optimism for the future is bright and the Club hopes to have many more boys and girls playing soccer under the name Croatia Hamilton.
THE CROATIAN NATIONAL SOCCER FEDERATION
Croatia Hamilton was one of the main players in spearheading the formation of the Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada and the U.S. More notably, Marinko Dragušica and Ivan Hegeduš worked tirelessly for many years on two fronts - promoting the spirit of Croatia Hamilton, and being leaders in establishing the CNSF. Dragušica also served as the one of the first CNSF Presidents for numerous years.
With the CNSF established, Croatia Hamilton’s representatives championed the initiative to schedule an order for hosting the Labour Day tournament in progression of when the teams joined the Federation. In this fashion, every team received a fair chance to host a tournament. This allowed each club to gain financially which ensured that they could maintain stability, and continue to promote the Croatian name in their own cities.
Croatia Hamilton member Ivan Busija also served as the Federation’s President for three years from 2005-07.
Hamilton has always encouraged the idea of generosity towards other Croatian communities. It is the best way to preserve our identity and strengthen nationalism among all Croatians outside of the homeland. Despite our diversity — differences of opinion, dialect, age or political views — our solidarity can help us express a passion for our roots.
THE LOGO
As the Club has progressed, so has the emblem. It went from a plainly checkered coat of arms with the word Croatia integrated, to different versions that also included the word Hamilton, to what you see today on all of our team’s jerseys.
The most visible part of the current crest is the Croatian checkered coat of arms. It consists of 25 alternating red and white squares, with the first square being white.
On top of that are the red, white, and blue of our Croatian national flag. On the top-left is a picture of a soccer ball with the word “Hamilton” cutting across it. On the top-right is the word “Croatia” beginning with the enlarged letter C.
Between the two words is a blazing flame with seven points, symbolizing seven regions of Croatia - Bosna, Dalmacija, Hercegovina, Istra, Lika, Slavonija, and Zagorje. Although the international political borders of Croatia have changed significantly over time, the flame still represents all of those segments.
The entire crest is situated on top of a red Canadian maple leaf.
200 KENILWORTH AVENUE
After several years of moving from place to place, and to accommodate the growing number of members, steps were taken toward the aspiration of Croatia Hamilton opening its own building. In 1973 a sewing company and a small shoe repair shop occupying two storefront lots at 198 and 200 Kenilworth Avenue North were purchased.
A minor legal delay caused the dream to be put on hold for a short period but that did not stop any work from immediately beginning on the new building. Croatia Hamilton members mounted an ambitious fundraising effort.
After tireless organization, planning, and labour, “The Club” was ready to begin operation. In June 1975, Monsignor Stijepan Šprajc blessed the Croatian National Sports Club during a ribbon cutting ceremony which initiated its first festivities.
Due to the ravages of time, the building had undergone many repairs and renovations. The majority of the work by was done by volunteer tradesmen, who showed their commitment to the Club with their professional work and precision craftsmanship.
The Club was always a great meeting place. Many patrons loved to play cards or chess, while others enjoyed watching sporting events and Croatian satellite programming. It is always remembered as a place to interact with other members, make new friends, talk about old times and definitely view the great collection of photographs.
Many important meetings, banquets and championship parties made the Club an integral part of our organization. For supporters of Croatia Hamilton, 200 Kenilworth North is not just a building, but a special place full of culture, friendships, memories and celebrations.
THE NEW MILLENNIUM
In the late 1990s and into the 2000s, more and more of Hamilton’s youth became involved in leading the Club to great heights.
In 2001 a youth committee was formed and immediately began hosting fundraisers to facilitate the Men's A-Team’s travel costs for the CNSF Tournament hosted in Milwaukee that September. A few months later the youth committee was encouraged by then-President Zvonko Zubrinic to join the Club’s Board of Directors at the 2002 Annual General Meeting.
It was not for a lack of effort by the previous committees, but the new generation of young men proved that they had the support and the willingness to get the Club to prosper once again. Skeptics were initially reluctant to allow the youth to take the reigns. However, after a full year on the job, their hard work had surpassed all members’ expectations. At the 2003 AGM former board members came to a realization that the Club was in it’s best financial and physical standing in many years.
Most of the early work was done to gain financially for the Club. On June 22, 2001, Croatia Hamilton hosted their first summer outdoor dance in Grimsby, Ontario. It became known as “BASH @ the BEACH” and entertained people from across the globe while serving as a major fundraiser.
Other social gatherings such as an annual banquet, pub nights, stag parties, concerts by performers from Croatia, and televising Croatian national soccer games including friendlies, World Cups, European Cups, and qualifiying matches demonstrate Croatia Hamilton's leadership in promoting tradition and community.
In 2005 Croatia Hamilton hosted the CNSF Youth Tournament. Hajduk Split’s Under-12 youth team attended that day and put on a great display of skill, and it was noted by the Federation as one of the finest junior tournaments to be held in a long time.
Also that summer, the Croatian National Under-21 team played in a friendly at Ivor Wynne Stadium, followed by a post-game meal at 200 Kenilworth Avenue. In attendance was team star Luka Modric, head coach Slaven Bilic and his fellow 1998 FIFA World Cup third-place winner, Aljoša Asanovic.
THE WORLD WIDE WEB
Another way of promoting Croatia Hamilton has been the development of the website. In 2001 a website building resource called "Eteamz" was used to get off the ground. The site, www.eteamz.com/hamiltoncroatia, serviced our web needs offering stories, photos, and a guestbook for fans.
In 2004, with Croatia Hamilton expanding, a registered domain name was purchased. In May of the same year a self-sustained www.hamiltoncroatia.com was officially online. Croats around the world now had an avenue to read stories, view pictures and videos, take online polls, and post their thoughts about our teams, events, and community in our forum.
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Hamiltoncroatia.com has steadily averaged over 100,000 hits a year and we have received compliments from around the world:
“Well done boys. I have been trying to have a look at all the Croatian based sites in North America, and this one by far tops the list. Good work, as I know this must have taken a serious time-consuming effort. Keep up the great work.”
— Ante, Mississauga
“G'day from the Adelaide Croatia Soccer Club...Great website, and looks like a great club! Looking forward to checking out future info.”
— Joe, Australia
“Great site!!! I wish Calgary had one like this!”
— Ivo, Alberta
CROATIAN INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE
In late 2004 conversations among Club members relating to the amount of current and former Croatian soccer players and teams in the Hamilton area arose. That discussion generated more thoughts which eventually led to the organiztion of a fall-to-spring indoor soccer league.
The association was named the Croatian Indoor Soccer League of Hamilton, known as the CISL. After months of preparation, on Friday, October 28, 2005 the inaugural season of the eight-team league kicked off with NK Majstori defeating eventual playoff champions Tvrdi Kamen 9-5.
CISL rules attempt to illustrate that the league is here to promote our Croatian heritage through gamesmanship, and to instill the concept into every player that CISL soccer serves a purpose far greater than deciding a winner and a loser.
The league started with eight teams in 2005, and grew to over 150 players registered on ten different teams in 2006. In 2007, the expansion to twelve teams required that the CISL had to change venues as the original location could no longer accommodate a league of our size.
The Playoff Championship trophy — the Živko Cup — was named after long-time Club bartender and retired Dofasco steelworker Živko Juric.
Post-game socializing has become as big a part of the night as the actual soccer has. Countless stories have been shared, meals devoured, beverages consumed, and arguments gone unsolved as guys from different teams all spend time together as part of one great society.
OTHER SPORTS
In the summer of 1980 Croatia Hamilton embarked on a new challenge. Following the lead of Ivan Hegeduš, Nikica Juric, Janko Baric and the Pašalic brothers, the first ever men’s bowling league was formed and began play in the fall of that same year.
Due to a lack of lane availability, the league was forced to play with only six teams in its inaugural season. Consequently, there was an excessive amount of bowlers to be placed on a waiting list. This meant that immediate preparations for a second season began. The following September, 12 teams and a total of 60 men took to the lanes at Lucky Strike Bowlerama in Stoney Creek. The league has been at capacity since the beginning.
As bowling became so popular among the men, in 1984 the ladies of Croatia Hamilton decided to host a fundraising dinner to help establish a Women’s 10-Pin league. A short time later an executive was elected that included President Josie Vuksan, Vice-President Mary Grbavac, Treasurer Marica Grbavac, and Secretary Mary Bilic. Membership grew rapidly and the women’s 10-pin bowling league had six teams and 30 bowlers, and survived a successful six-year tenure.
In 1999 Croatia Hamilton organized it's first Golf Tournament, and in 2009 formed a Women's Bocce League. Ice-hockey Team HRV and softball team HammerHeads have also represented Croatia Hamilton.
STRIVING TO BE THE BEST
Since 1957, Croatia Hamilton has been one of the best-run Croatian organizations in Canada. At times there have been over 500 members competing in various sports whether it be at city, provincial, or national levels. This includes soccer players that have gone on receive scholarships across Canada and the United States and other athletes such as Mate Dragun who was once a Canadian Bowling Champion.
Although winning is the culmination of hard work, in the end results are really just statistics and numbers. It is the amount of everyday work necessary for Croatia’s prosperity that must be remembered. We were created by founding members with intellect and passion — and it is the passionate and the intellectual members that will keep us from becoming extinct.
As Croatians we must be proud of our successes and also learn from past experiences. It is pride that demonstrates what Croatia Hamilton is about. Dedication, loyalty, and above all, heart, are the qualities that have been passed along for decades. They are lessons that have been taught to us by our grandfathers and fathers — valuable morals that we must one day instill into our future generations.
The passion for our community, and foremost our Croatian culture, is what drives us to not only keep Croatia Hamilton alive, but also to see it thrive and flourish among Croatian and Canadian organizations.
Knowing one’s past is of importance because people without history are people without a future. And only a rich and celebrated history will ensure the future prosperity and existence of this organization.
PAST EXECUTIVE BOARDS
| Year — President | Vice-Presidents | Secretaries | Treasurers | |||
| 2016 — Mark Vuksan | Michael Krasic | Frank Perin | Branko Kurpis | |||
| Brian Krlin Ivan Pasalic Allan Perin Steve Radencich | ||||||
| 2015 — Mark Vuksan | J.J. Grubisic | Frank Perin | Michael Krasic | |||
| Ivan Pasalic Joe Protulipac Steve Radencich | ||||||
| 2014 — Mark Vuksan | J.J. Grubisic | Frank Perin | Michael Krasic | |||
| Ivan Pasalic Joe Protulipac Nick Vrbanac | ||||||
| 2013 — Mark Vuksan | J.J. Grubisic | Frank Perin | Michael Krasic | |||
| Ivan Pasalic Joe Protulipac Nick Vrbanac | ||||||
| 2012 — Mark Vuksan | Ivan Pasalic | Frank Perin | Michael Krasic | |||
| Joe Protulipac Nick Vrbanac | ||||||
| 2011 — Mark Vuksan | Allan Perin | Frank Perin | Rob Bratetic | |||
| Ivan Pasalic Nick Vrbanac | ||||||
| 2010 — Mark Vuksan | Allan Perin | Frank Perin | Tony Busija | |||
| Ivan Rados Nick Vrbanac | Rob Bratetic | |||||
| 2009 — Mark Vuksan | Allan Perin | Frank Perin | Tony Busija | |||
| Ivan Rados | Rob Bratetic | |||||
| 2008 — Mark Vuksan | Allan Perin | Frank Perin | Tony Busija | |||
| Ivan Rados | Rob Bratetic | |||||
| 2007 — Mark Vuksan | Allan Perin | Frank Perin | Tony Busija | |||
| Ivan Rados | Rob Bratetic | |||||
| 2006 — Mark Vuksan | Ante Culina | Frank Perin | Edi Rejc | |||
| Allan Perin | Kruno Rimac | |||||
| 2005 — Mark Vuksan | Ante Culina | Frank Perin | Edi Rejc | |||
| Allan Perin | Tony Busija | |||||
| 2004 — Mark Vuksan | Ante Culina | Frank Perin | Edi Rejc | |||
| Allan Perin | Tony Busija | |||||
| 2003 — Mark Vuksan | Ante Culina | Frank Perin | Allan Perin | |||
| Ivan Rados | ||||||
| 2002 — Zvonko Zubrinic | Ante Culina | Frank Perin | Allan Perin | |||
| 2001 — Zvonko Zubrinic | Vacant | Ante Culina | Stipe Vukoje | |||
| 2000 — Zvonko Zubrinic | Vacant | Ante Culina | Stipe Vukoje | |||
| 1999 — Zvonko Zubrinic | Vacant | Steve Kotarscak | Stipe Vukoje | |||
| 1998 — Nick Vrbanac | Mato Krpan | Rudy Smukavic | Hasan Hrapovic | |||
| 1997 — Frank Sudac | Nick Vrbanac | Zlata Jagorinac | Simun Pavlak | |||
| Zvonko Zubrinic | Ivan Jurincic | |||||
| 1996 — Frank Sudac | Nick Vrbanac | Zlata Jagorinac | Simun Pavlak | |||
| Zvonko Zubrinic | Ivan Jurincic | |||||
| 1995 — Vinko Granic | Frank Sudac | Zvonko Zubrinic | Mile Ivezic | |||
| Simun Pavlak | ||||||
| 1994 — John Ivinac |
| Rudy Smukavic | Mile Ivezic | |||
| Robert Ban | ||||||
| Simun Pavlak | ||||||
| 1993 — Mato Krpan | Dane Oreskovic | Rudy Smukavic | Mile Ivezic | |||
| Steve Smukavic | ||||||
| 1992 — Mato Krpan | Dane Oreskovic | Rudy Smukavic | Mile Ivezic | |||
| Steve Smukavic | ||||||
| 1991 — Mato Krpan | Dane Oreskovic | Rudy Smukavic | Mile Ivezic | |||
| Steve Smukavic | ||||||
| 1990 — Janko Marsic | Mile Radman | Rudy Smukovic | Simun Pavlak | |||
| Dane Oreskovic | Drago Grbavac | Nikola Petrin | ||||
| 1989 — Ivan Barbaric | Ante Buretic | Mike Bersinic | Ivan Jurincic | |||
| Mladen Karabogdan | Simun Pavlak | |||||
| 1988 — Stjepan Stankovic | Ivan Barbaric | Janko Spivak | Jozo Lovric | |||
| Ante Buretic | Stipe Vukoje | |||||
| 1987 — Jure Gotovac | Drago Grbavac | Ilija Boros | Janko Marsic | |||
| Mladen Karabogdan | ||||||
| 1986 — Ilija Boros | Mate Furlic | Mladen Karabogdan | Mike Bersinic | |||
| Vlado Bilic | Simun Pavlak | |||||
| 1985 — Mike Bersinic | John Barkovic | Vlado Bilic | Janko Marsic | |||
| Simun Pavlak | ||||||
| 1984 — Janko Marsic | John Barkovic | Marinko Mitar | Simun Pavlak | |||
| Ivan Barbaric | Ivica Holjevac | |||||
| 1983 — Janko Marsic | John Barkovic | Šimun Pavlak | Ivica Holjevac | |||
| Mike Milos | Ante Capin | |||||
| 1982 — Mate Furlic | Ivan Barbaric | Tony Pocrnic | Ivica Holjevac | |||
| Tony Rimac | Ivica Grbesa | |||||
| 1981 — Ante Buretic | Karlo Ceric | Drago Grbavac | Zdravko Grubisic | |||
| Ron Pomahac | Nikola Sokic | |||||
| 1980 — Ivan Barbaric | Karlo Ceric | Zlatko Leko | Pero Rukavina | |||
| Milenko Cepo | ||||||
| 1979 — Dane Oreskovic | Ivan Barbaric | Damir Stajduhur | Nikola Sokic | |||
| B.Plese | ||||||
| 1978 — Pero Rukavina | Janko Kasunic | Damir Stajduhur | Mile Jovanovic | |||
| Mirko Batusic | ||||||
| 1977 — Vladimir Baotic | Janko Kasunic | Ivica Grbesa | Danny Bogdanic | |||
| 1976 — Nikica Juric | Pero Rukavina | Mirko Batusic | Slobodan Nuic | |||
| 1975 — Josip Dundovic | Pero Rukavina | Mladen Hrstic | Mirko Batusic | |||
| Janko Kasunic | Slobodan Nuic | |||||
| 1974 — Jura Jurcic | Josip Dundovic | Mirko Batusic | Juraj Jaksic | |||
| 1973 — Karlo Ceric | John Bermarija | Mirko Batusic | Ivan Jazvac | |||
| Steve Sokic | ||||||
PAST MEN'S A-TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS
| Year | — | Competition | Result |
| 2010 | — | Canadian Soccer League Playoffs | Runners-up |
| 2010 | — | Canadian Soccer League Regular Season | Third Place |
| 2009 | — | Ontario Soccer League Provincial West Division | Champions |
| 2009 | — | Ontario Soccer League Alf Beese Cup | Champions |
| 2009 | — | Hamilton Spectator Cup | Champions |
| 2009 | — | Ontario Cup | Semifinalist |
| 2008 | — | Ontario Soccer League South Region | Champions |
| 2008 | — | Ontario Soccer League Frank Docherty Cup | Runners-up |
| 2008 | — | Hamilton Spectator Cup | Runners-up |
| 2007 | — | Ontario Cup | Semifinalist |
| 2007 | — | Ontario Soccer League South Region | Runners-up |
| 2007 | — | Hamilton Spectator Cup | Champions |
| 2006 | — | Ontario Soccer League South Region | Runners-up |
| 2005 | — | Hamilton Spectator Cup | Champions |
| 2005 | — | 42nd CNSF Tournament, host Sudbury Adria | Third Place |
| 2005 | — | Ontario Soccer League South Region | Runners-up |
| 2004 | — | Hamilton & District Soccer League Playoffs | Champions |
| 2004 | — | Hamilton & District Soccer League Premier Division | Runners-up |
| 2004 | — | Hamilton Spectator Cup | Champions |
| 2003 | — | Hamilton & District Soccer League Premier Division | Runners-up |
| 2002 | — | Hamilton & District Soccer League First Division | Champions |
| 2002 | — | Hamilton & District Soccer League Playoffs | Champions |
| 1997 | — | 34th CNSF Tournament, host Oakville Velebit | Third Place |
| 1997 | — | Hamilton & District Soccer League First Division | Champions |
| 1997 | — | South Region Cup | Champions |
| 1997 | — | Hamilton & District-Peninsula Challenge Cup | Champions |
| 1993 | — | 30th CNSF Tournament, host Hamilton Croatia | Runners-up |
| 1992 | — | Hamilton & District Soccer League Cup | Champions |
| 1991 | — | Hamilton & District Soccer League Cup | Champions |
| 1990 | — | Hamilton Spectator Cup | Runners-up |
| 1989 | — | Hamilton & District Soccer League Cup | Champions |
| 1986 | — | 23rd CNSF Tournament, host Toronto Zagreb | Third Place |
| 1977 | — | 14th CNSF Tournament, host Chicago Hrvat | Third Place |
| 1975 | — | 12th CNSF Tournament, host Cleveland Croatia | Runners-up |
| 1972 | — | National Soccer League | Third Place |
| 1971 | — | National Soccer League | Third Place |
| 1971 | — | 8th CNSF Tournament, host Chicago CBP | Runners-up |
| 1970 | — | National Soccer League | Runners-up |
| 1970 | — | National Soccer League Playoffs | Champions |
| 1969 | — | 6th CNSF Tournament, host Toronto Croatia | Champions |
| 1967 | — | 4th CNSF Tournament, host Milwaukee Orlovi | Runners-up |
| 1965 | — | Inter-City League | Champions |
| 1965 | — | Hamilton Spectator Cup | Champions |
| 1965 | — | Ontario Cup | Semifinalist |
| 1965 | — | 2nd CNSF Tournament, host Chicago Hrvat | Champions |
| 1964 | — | Hamilton Spectator Cup | Champions |
| 1963 | — | Inter-City League | Champions |
| 1963 | — | Tournament of Canadian-Croatian Soccer Clubs | Champions |
| 1963 | — | Tournament of Southern Ontario Soccer Clubs | Champions |
| 1958 | — | Southern Ontario Soccer Association | Champions |
| 1958 | — | Tournament of Canadian-Croatian Soccer Clubs at London | Champions |
A BRIEF HISTORY: THE CENTRE
The Hamilton Croatian Centre, referred to by most as "the Centre", was created to promote, preserve and foster Croatian culture and heritage, and to unite its members through activities and events.
The land was purchased for $5000 from a farmer in 1953 but it was not legally transferred until 1972 when construction on the building began. Founding members included Joe Kovacic and Nick Spoljar.
Much like the Sports Club, most of the work that was put into the Centre was done on a voluntary basis. Renovations to the building, management of the park, and general supervision of business and affairs was done by willing and elected members.
Since the beginning, 166 Green Mountain Road was a place that promoted the study of Croatian music and dance, and more specifically, the art of tamburitza music. It was always regarded as a place where members could go to picnics and events and never get caught up in political or religious controversy.
With an abundance of land, options for hall expansion and the addition of different amenities always came to consideration — and some would come to fruition.
The bocce area was built by a group of member-volunteers that included Marinko Dragusica and Zdravko Grubisic. Two perfectly crafted courts in use practically every night helped sustain an athletic youthfulness in some of the older members. Also revered for the cookhouse, nothing could beat waking up on a Sunday morning and smelling the freshly cut lamb and pig that was roasted on one of the 36 spits.
In May of 2007, executive members of the Centre approached the Croatian National Sports Club with a request to negotiate a merger between the two organizations.
TOGETHER WE STAND
"We are pleased to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached between the Croatian National Sports Club of Hamilton and the Hamilton Croatian Centre to merge as one organization. The Executive Committee would like to invite all the members of the Sports Club to a very important and potentially historic meeting at the Club on 200 Kenilworth Ave. North, on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 2 p.m."
After each organization had asked their respective memberships for permission to engage in serious negotiation talks in early 2008, a letter was sent out to explain that a deal had been reached and Emergency General Meetings had been called on both fronts to disclose a complete set of merger plans, a budget, and many other crucial pieces of information.
At the meeting, members were asked to view the presentation, look over the new by-laws, and then cast their votes. The sense of perception was positive, but once the ballots were counted anticipation turned to jubilation.
Voting at the Centre's meeting had passed with 100% approval, and at the Club with 98.2%. One comment from a Club member following the merger meeting summed it all up — "This is the best solution for all Croatians in Hamilton."
NAŠA VIZIJA
