University of Toronto Athletics

Richard Kollins
University College 6T4, OISE 7T3, 8T0
Football
 
 
Rick Kollins is well-versed in several aspects of University of Toronto athletics. As a student, he served as The Varsity sports editor from 1962-64, before becoming the athletic association’s and the OQAA’s (now OUA) first publicity director (1964-66). In this capacity, he developed the system for compiling statistics and records in intercollegiate football, hockey and basketball.

Kollins served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator with the Blues football team from 1973-81, and helped the Blues win the Yates Cup and Atlantic Bowl and make the team’s second Vanier Cup appearance in 1974.

In 1977, Kollins researched and wrote the first history of Varsity Blues football, and in 2011 served as the co-author and editor of the book “150 Years of Football at the University of Toronto”. He was a founding member of the Friends of Varsity Blues Football organization and joined the U of T Sports Hall of Fame committee as a consultant in 1999. That same year, Kollins received a U of T Arbor Award, which recognizes volunteers for outstanding personal service to the University.

In 2000-01, he was chair of the All-Century Football Team selection committee and taught risk management as an adjunct instructor in the Faculty of Physical Education and Health. In 2002-2003, Kollins served as director of football operations while the team underwent a major transition.

Kollins was inducted into the U of T Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 as a member of the 1965 Vanier Cup champions.