Varsity Blues – imajing

I was inspired to write a bit about rugby, one of my great loves after hearing U of T’s new dean of phys ed Ira Jacobs speak last night at the football alumni golf tournament. Jacobs stressed the importance of competitive sports in the university life and that many varsity athletes and alumni would consider their experience in sport to be as important as their academic experiences in the lecture halls and labs. I couldn’t agree more.

For many years rugby was a big part of what defined me. I started playing in my hometown of Burlington for the Centaurs, thanks to my best friend Karen dragging me off the couch and to a beginner’s clinic during the last year of high school. I fell in love with the challenge of a new game, and the pure physical joy in exerting myself. There was something about scrumming down, making tackles and running in the open field that the more traditional high school sports could not fulfill.

I went on to play varsity rugby for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and a whole other aspect of rugby opened up for me. Being a part of a team creates an instant network of mentors, study partners and lifelong friends. It was a home-base among the overwhelmingly large student population. I got involved in managing the team, leadership at the athletic department and later leadership at my summer club team, the Toronto Saracens. I continued to play after university and stopped about six years ago once weddings started taking over my Saturdays.

The rugby social network casts a wide net and it was because of it that I first met Fred. Although back in those days he wanted no part of me. I was that (very young and very stupid) girl who jumped on the field to play intramural rugby with the men! (Really, what was I thinking). Fast forward almost 15 years and the two of us are now three, with Amira as the littlest Toronto Dragon. My non-wedding summer Saturdays are usually spent taking in the game from the sidelines surrounded by my greatest loves; Fred, Amira, and my dogs Kafrey and Six. Thank you rugby.

After 19 years at the helm of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Physical Education and Health, Bruce Kidd is retiring and riding off into the sunset on his trusty bicycle. I had the pleasure of photographing the first of his many send-off events on Tuesday, May 25th at the beautiful Great Hall at Hart House. Bruce was surrounded by people from all aspects of his life. We were all touched and amazed as his colleagues and friends fondly recalled their personal Bruce stories.

Bruce is not only an academic and activist, but also an Olympian, a member of the U of T and the Canadian Sports Halls of Fame and the Order of Canada. During my time as a student-athlete and then later as an employee at U of T, Bruce was one of my favourite senior administrators. He also happens to be my neighbour and I’m always happy to bump into him at local haunts like the Wychwood Barns or Fiesta Farms where we each go for our Gryfes bagel fix.

You can read more about the event on the U of T website.

Bruce Kidd with his mentor and Olympic gold medallist Sir Murray Halberg