The University of Toronto hosted the 2025 U of T Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Wednesday, May 28, inside the Kimel Family Field House at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.
The 35th annual event celebrated six outstanding athletes and builders who have contributed to athletic excellence at U of T.
“The University of Toronto is known for its excellence,” said Professor Gretchen Kerr, dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education. “We are consistently ranked first in the country and among the top 10 universities in the world; that excellence extends to athletics.”
Andrew Munroe, a Varsity Blues football alumnus and member of the U of T Sports Hall of Fame selection committee, took to the stage next.
“Each year, our committee takes great care and pride in reviewing the nominations we receive,” said Munroe. “We consider not only athletic accomplishments, but also leadership, character and the lasting impact these individuals have had—on their teams, on the University of Toronto and on the broader community.”
One after another, the athlete and builder inductees received their certificates and reflected on their journey, sharing gratitude for teammates, mentors and the community that shaped their path. Among them were:
- Patrick Okens on behalf of rowing Olympian Michelle Darvill, a former Varsity Blues rower, who achieved international success with both Canada and Germany and now coaches at the elite level, including gold medal-winning crews at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Edith Chow, a dual-sport star and captain of the Blues badminton team, earning multiple MVP honours and excelling in squash while completing her PhD. “This is a huge honour for me,” said Chow. “It’s really about the people you met along the way. I don’t think I could have survived the academics without the friendships and connections I made along the way.”
- High jump champion Jeffrey Caton, who earned OUAA medals every year from 1994 to 1999 and went undefeated against Canadian competition during his final season. “I’m humbled to be a part of such an extraordinary group of contributors to the athletics community here at the University of Toronto,” said Caton. “What makes a moment like this special are all of the lived experiences shaped by so many people and the events that made the athletic accomplishments I had a varsity athlete possible.”
- Elisabeth Bacque, on behalf of her great aunt Dr. Clara Benson, a pioneer for women in sport and one of U of T’s first female professors.
- Suzanne Laycoe, on behalf of her late husband, Bob Laycoe, the legendary football coach who led the Varsity Blues to a Vanier Cup title in 1993. “He once told me he couldn’t believe he was getting paid for doing what he loved; he would have done it for nothing!” said Suzanna. “He came to U of T to win, and win they did. But it wasn’t Bob who made the team, it was the dedicated young men. The 1993 Vanier Cup victory was the highlight of Bob’s career.”
- And Ron Kimel, a basketball alumnus and philanthropist, whose family’s generosity helped create the Goldring Centre and the Kimel Family Field House where the ceremony was held. “Whether in business, on the court or as a father, he is a true leader, coach and captain,” said Shawn Kimel, Ron’s eldest son. “I’ve always looked up to those qualities he embodies.”
T-Holders’ Association President Jen Button, a 2000 swimming Olympian, closed the event congratulating the inductees.
“It takes a remarkable amount of dedication and perseverance to reach this level of excellence in sport,” she said. “Our inductees have not only realized their goals—they exceeded them. And that is so inspiring, especially to the student-athletes following in their footsteps.”