University of Toronto Athletics

Few rowers can boast a resume as impressive as the University of Toronto's Richard Symsyk.

Richard jump started his illustrious career on the water as part of the Varsity Blues rowing team from 1963-66. The Victoria College graduate was a key member of the 1963 intercollegiate championship squad, and the 1964 junior Varsity champions.

Rowing was one of several athletic activities Richard participated in while at U of T with his greatest non-rowing success coming on the football field. He played several seasons of interfaculty football for Vic, ultimately helping to capture the Mulock Cup as interfaculty champions in 1964.

Off campus, as a Canadian national team rower, Richard was outstanding. He captured 19 Canadian National Championships, five U.S. National Championships and was a member of Olympic crews for the both the 1968 Mexico City Games and the 1972 Games in Munich. In 1972, Richard also claimed a Royal Henley (UK) Championship in the men's fours.

On the Master's circuit, the St. Catharine's, Ontario native is also well decorated. Just some of his Master's honours include two Master's Games Championships in 1985, five International Master's Championship in 1984 and 1985, and a Henley Championship in 1990.

Along with all of his rowing accolades, Richard also found an avenue to feed his desire to give back to the community, spending 31 years as a high school teacher in his hometown of St. Catherine's Ontario.