From the Director

Director of Athletics, Scott McRobeerts

Welcome to the Department of Athletics. Despite an unprecedented time where the world has changed so much due to COVID-19 I am so proud of our hardworking staff who have adapted and continued to be leaders on campus. I am excited to report to the campus and our community our achievements that highlight the outstanding work from this past year. This report represents our efforts as a department towards serving our students and the community.

During the 2019-20 Intercollegiate season our Gryphons continued to impress on the playing field tallying 2 National Championships and 5 OUA Championships. A number of Gryphons were recognized as award winners including 48 All-Canadians, 102 OUA All-Stars and 288 Academic Award Winners. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our varsity coaches all completed their return to training protocols. All of our athletes went through extensive training of the new policies and processes. As with this virus, we cannot predict what the coming months will bring, but our athletes will be ready if and when we can resume varsity sport competition.

With our students now learning remotely it was more important than ever for us to find ways to help them maintain their health and fitness, and our Fitness and Recreation unit answered the challenge. At the height of the pandemic we delivered virtual fitness classes over social media which were viewed over 60,000 times. Our award winning Active Kids and Camps programming put together a virtual Clubhouse camp that saw over 130 participants.

With the recent increasing visibility of violence against Black lives in the US and Canada, we have taken several steps to ensure that every member of our community feels safe, respected, and included. We have held antioppression and anti-racism training sessions for all staff and coaches with the Office of Diversity & Human Rights (DHR). We have implemented mandatory training programs for all staff and student-athletes. We are also in the process of forming our advisory committee in Athletics in consultation with DHR.

I have never been more impressed and honored to work with such a great team than over the last year to get to where we are today. I know as you read about some of our highlights in this report you will share my deep sense of pride and I hope gain a better understanding of our Department. And lastly, thank you to all of our Gryphon supporters who have shown pride and passion in Gryphon Athletics this past year.

Scott McRoberts Director of Athletics University of Guelph