Boyle honoured by Athletic Dept

Members of the Selwyn House Athletic Department paid tribute to retiring teacher and coach Colin Boyle at the 2015 Athletic Celebration, held at the school on May 21.

Beginning in 1982, Colin taught chemistry to Grades 10 and 11, where his pyrotechnical demonstrations could sometimes be heard throughout the school. He also taught Grade 8 biology and Grade 9 science.

But it was Colin’s coaching that was being celebrated on the 21st. Over his 33 years at Selwyn House, he coached Midget Basketball and Bantam and Grade 7 Football.

Some of Colin’s most successful seasons on the basketball were accomplished with the help of his co-coach, his son, Kevin, who graduated from Selwyn House in 1997.

Colin coached Kevin in Gr. 7 Football and Midget Basketball. Kevin now works at Selwyn House teaching science in Senior School and coaching Midget Basketball.

The two Boyles co-coached Bantam Football for two years and Midget Basketball for eight years.

“I was really fortunate to have had the opportunity to both teach Kevin and then coach him,” Colin says. “We know each other intuitively, and we get along famously.”

In a slideshow tribute, Colin’s colleague Marty Boyle (no relation) reminded the audience of

Above: Colin and Kevin Boyle at the Athletic Celebration. Below: the father-son coaching powerhouse with their championship 2010 team.

Colin’s own athletic accomplishments as a “standout wide receiver” at McGill and in adult football and basketball associations.

This was followed by a touching tribute by Kevin. Himself a veteran of the McGill Basketball Redmen, Kevin spoke about the life lessons learned from his dad while on the field or the court, and how their mutual love of sport has served as an inspiration to him.

“I was very touched by the words spoken about me by Marty and Kevin,” Colin said afterward. “Although I really enjoyed my science teaching, I had a real passion for the coaching part of the job.”

The department presented Colin, who is an avid cyclist, with a new mountain bike for his retirement. n