Each autumn as the university returns to full operational status, thousands of first-year students arrive on campus. In an annual process, they adjust to their new schedules and their new environment. A few years later, many will leave the university with more experience and a degree. But, some will leave with more than that.
In September of 1974, Vince Diniz, Doug Fox and Greg Sora were among the first-year students in the University of Toronto’s School of Physical and Health Education (PHE), a precursor to the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. All were Toronto natives. Diniz had graduated from De La Salle College. Fox and Sora had both gone to high school at Don Mills Collegiate, but in different years. In the following year, Gary Crocker, a graduate of the C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute, arrived as well. The four young men had all chosen to enrol in PHE because of a strong affinity for sports and competition. As with many others at that time, their goal upon graduation was to become physical education teachers at a high school level.
The four soon became friends. PHE was a small unit, with about 100 students in each of the four years, so they shared academic classes, as well as the many physical activity classes. An early one was the track and field class at Varsity Stadium. While they were recovering from the mandated twelve minute run, coach Andy Higgins came by to state that he wanted to imprint on them the importance of fitness for life. There were also lots of social opportunities. One could always relax between classes in the Hart House tuck shop or Arbor Room. On weekends, there were plenty of pubs and parties on campus and nearby. A favorite memory of Diniz is crashing the frat parties at Sigma Nu and Sigma Chi. There were also Varsity Blues football and hockey games to attend. Fox was a captain of the Blues basketball team. Before they knew it, four years had passed and they were proud graduates.
At this point, Diniz decided to go into the field of healthcare, where he enjoyed a successful career. Crocker, Fox and Sora went on to the Faculty of Education, where they earned their teaching qualifications. Crocker and Sora got teaching positions. Crocker advanced to become a principal before retiring. Sora was one of the most successful coaches in his region, leading 29 different teams to championships before he, too, retired. Fox found a place at Humber College, where he became one of the most respected and innovative athletic directors in the country.
Although their paths had diverged, one thing had not changed. Their friendship was as strong as ever. Somehow in those pre-Facebook days they managed to stay in touch. They all attended each others weddings and saw each other regularly. Then in 1983, they began a tradition that has been maintained to this day. Every two months, a different member of the group hosts a dinner at his home. It has continued ever since. Their families have grown together and they have been there for each other through all of life’s ups and downs, including funerals and, more recently, their children’s weddings. They share a cottage long weekend and several golf outings, each year. Even now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the friends keep together through a group texting chat.
The bond that Crocker, Diniz, Fox, and Sora began during their PHE days remains strong over 40 years later. Building on Andy Higgins’ comment in the early days of first year, they have fitness and friendship for life. They left U of T with much more than a degree.