University of Guelph Athletics

Tom Kendall was essentially interested in one thing when he took over as the Gryphon Athletics Director in the mid 2000s – achieving excellence. That goal was evident not just on the fields of play but in every aspect of the department. And over the course of Tom's 11-year tenure, both the varsity program and the athletic infrastructure looked very different by the time he retired from his post in 2016. The Gryphon AD was notoriously intense, and not a fan of losing games.

That passion for winning was forged during his incredible run as head coach of the University of Winnipeg women's basketball team, when the Wesmen secured three consecutive national titles from 1993 to 1995, in addition to winning 88 straight games, tying a North American collegiate sports record set by the legendary John Wooden's UCLA Bruins. Guelph's varsity teams obliged by winning 45 OUA banners in addition to 29 national titles with Tom at the helm. But he also put his stamp on campus by building the Gryphon brand, placing a focus on academics, developing student-athlete scholarships, creating the Jr Gryphon programs, and augmenting the athletic facilities on campus.

The problematic grass at both Varsity Field and the Gryphon Soccer Complex was replaced with turf, while a new track at Alumni Stadium and the creation of the Field House were other projects Tom spearheaded. The sparkling new GGAC is another jewel made possible by Tom's work reaching out to students and alumni asking for funding. The athletic program and facilities, used by the entire community, that Tom left behind is the envy of many academic institutions across Canada.

"Tom's greatest impact has more to do with the students themselves than it does anything else," said the University of Guelph's outgoing Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Brenda Whiteside. "He was an extraordinary director. In his 11 years at Guelph, the department grew significantly in terms of reputation.  While many might speak to his impact on our facilities, I believe that his lasting legacy will be a culture that focuses on student growth and development."