As usual, there were both cheers and tears as Varsity Blues alumni were inducted into the University of Toronto Sports Hall of Fame this week. But, this time there was an added element of suspense. The induction ceremony was scheduled to run on the same evening as the Raptors’ decisive game against the Milwaukee Bucks. It was no surprise then that many of the inductees ended their acceptance speeches with “Go, Raps!”, in addition to the more standard Varsity Blues rallying cry of “Go, Blues!”
45 years later, the 1974 Varsity Blues football team was back on the St. George campus, celebrating their induction into the 2019 U of T Sports Hall of Fame (photo by Seyran Mammadov)
Over the course of the evening, the Raptors fought back a few times from a double-digit deficit to beat the Bucks in Milwaukee for a chance to play in the NBA finals. Meanwhile, at U of T’s Goldring Centre for High Performance, U of T Sport Hall of Famers were recalling similar stories of grit and team play that led to big victories and lifelong memories.
“U of T’s Sport Hall of Fame was established in 1987 as part of an ongoing effort to celebrate a legacy of athletic excellence at the university,” said Ira Jacobs, professor and dean at U of T’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. “Tonight I join with the inductees’ families and friends in feeling a combination of wonder and pride in your amazing feats and accomplishments.”
The Snyder family was out in full force to recognize the induction of Varsity Blues athletes James and Paul Snyder. Their sister, Peggy Snyder (in the centre), who played basketball and hockey for the university, nominated her brothers for the inductions. James' son (on the left), Paul Snyder, accepted the inductions on behalf of his deceased father and uncle (photo by Seyran Mammadov)
Brent Elsey had the double pleasure of being inducted as an individual athlete and as part of a team. The Trinity College graduate was the first four-time team captain in Varsity Blues football history and led the squad from 1972 to 1976. The team won the Yates Cup and Atlantic Bowl Championship in 1974.
“A great team means everyone doing their job to the very best of their ability,” said Elsey, who went on to get a medicine degree from U of T in 1978. “It’s everyone working together, every practice, every game, to achieve a common goal. It’s when your greatest fear is to let down your teammates.”
William James (on the right) accepted the 2019 U of T Sport Hall of Fame induction certificate on behalf of his grandfather, Varsity Blues football player William Bewley. Standing next to him is Robin Campbell, executive director of advancement and alumni affairs at KPE (photo by Seyran Mammadov)
William (Bill) Bewley, a 1953 graduate of physical health and education, was inducted posthumously for helping the Varsity Blues football team to the 1951 Yates Cup title. During that time, he also helped the Blues to the 1950-51 intermediate hockey championship title.
“I know my grandfather, or Poppop as we used to call him, was very excited and honoured when he heard he was being inducted into the U of T Sports Hall of Fame,” said Bewley’s grandson and namesake William James.
James shared his grandfather died earlier this year, leaving behind his wife Joanne, whom he met at U of T, three daughters, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Forever a Varsity Blue, his wish was to have his body donated to U of T for medical education.
“To me, Poppop has always been a Varsity Blue,” said James. “I’m glad that he forever gets to leave his mark on U of T, as U of T had such a special place in his heart.”
The 1988-89 women's volleyball team was inducted into the 2019 U of T Sports Hall of Fame. Kristine Drakich (third from the left) has been coaching U of T's women's volleyball teams since 1989 (photo by Seyran Mammadov)
Closing off the event, Beth Ali, executive director of athletics and physical activity, said her favourite part of the annual event is to watch the years melt away as the inductees reminisce about their Varsity Blues days.
“That is so inspiring, especially to the bright young student-athletes following in your footsteps,” she said.
Nine people and two teams were inducted into the 2019 U of T Sports Hall of Fame.
Athletes:
Donna Roach Mathieu, BSc 1989 New College, MA 1994 OISE, PhD 1998 OISE, volleyball
Jolan Storch, BA 1992 University College, volleyball
Karen Spence, BPHE 1989, hockey
Brent Elsey, Trinity 1976, medicine 1978, football
Mark Bragagnolo, BA 1977 SMC, football
William (Bill) Bewley, BPHE 1953, football, hockey
James Snyder, badminton, football
Paul Snyder, BA 1939 Trinity, badminton, tennis
Builders:
Dr. James Barton, administrator
Teams:
1974 football
1988-89 women’s volleyball