University of Toronto Athletics

"Hec" Phillips is best remembered at the University of Toronto as the popular coach of the men's track and field Blues from 1933 to 1948. His teams won three Ontario league titles and numerous individual and relay gold medals. Four of his athletes are members of the Sports Hall of Fame: Hal Brown (1989), Wally Brown (1989), Larry O'Connor (1990) and Bill Farlinger (1951). In 1950, a group of his former athletes donated the "Hec" Phillips Trophy to be awarded to the outstanding performer in the annual OUAA outdoor championship meet; Bill Farlinger was the inaugural recipient. 

Prior to his coaching career, Phillips had an outstanding record as a track and field athlete in national and international competition. He was a member of the Canadian Olympic Teams in 1920 and 1924, and his British record in the 660-yard run stood for eight years.