Graduates of the School are some of the leading pioneers in many fields. UBC Athletics historian, Fred Hume has amassed a list of notable Kin Alumni athletes who have achieved great things in their athletics career and after. Read and learn about some of our proud athletic alumni here.
Our thanks go to Fred Hume for his pioneer work as UBC’s first Athletics historian who also serves as an information resource for coaches, students and faculty(pictured on the right)
Fred Hume entered the UBC Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 nearly 22 years after he began working to uncover the great UBC teams, athletes and builders of sport dating back to 1915. The UBC graduate’s efforts soon resulted in the establishment and development of the UBC Sports Hall of Fame which has been instrumental in re-connecting the university with hundreds of its most accomplished athletic alumni encouraging them to become more directly involved with the campus and their former teams.
Smith, Arnie
Degree: BPE
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arnold Smith. Arnie graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor in Physical Education and a Master of Education in 1982. While at UBC Arnie played Thunderbird football under coach Frank Gnup.
Smith, Casey (1958-1988)
Degree: BHK
The late Casey Smith, a 1988 Kinesiology graduate, happens to be one of only three UBC head coaches to guide the ‘Birds to Canada’s university football championship, the Vanier Cup.
Sobral, Manny
Degree: BPE
By age 20, as an amateur boxer, he had won five gold medals representing Canada at international competitions. He was three times Canadian Amateur Champion and had represented Canada at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, another of UBC’s unheralded Olympians. His 126 amateur bouts included 40 knockouts and only nine losses.
Stadnyk, David
Degree: BPE
Stadnyk played tennis for UBC when tennis was a high-profile sport on campus. Following graduation Stadnyk embarked upon a career in the market and soon established Stadnyk and Partners Venture Capital investing in both pharmaceutical and energy companies from which has flourished his impressive entrepreneurial career.
Stewardson, Stan (1938-2017)
Degree: BPE
Engaging and knowledgeable, this ex-Thunderbird (his wife played Thunderbird basketball in the 1950s) is also well-known locally as a historian and memorabilia collector specializing in sports and the city of New Westminster itself – which could easily consider Stan one of its own “treasures.”
Swain, Derek
Degree: MPE
While a student on campus Derek developed his loyalty to UBC and to Athletics by serving as a co-manager of Thunderbird basketball teams which included the 1969/70 and the 1971/72 teams both inducted into the UBC Sports Hall of Fame. Active on campus, Derek was elected AMS Vice-President and student Senator.
Tolhurst, Art
Degree: BHK
Tolhurst played pro football in Hamburg Germany and with the BC Lions in 2003. Following his pro career Art embarked upon a football coaching career in Vienna Austria then later served as an intern at the University of South Florida.
Torreggiani, Kim Cassar
Degree: BHK
While a student with UBC’s varsity swimming team, Kim was a top 10 diving finalist five years in a row at the CIS national championships. She was the team captain for three years and was awarded four UBC Big Blocks for her athletic achievements
Twist, Peter
Degree: MHK
The many projects undertaken by Peter Twist have resulted in rewards – rewards as much for others as they have been for him. A 1992 graduate of the Human Kinetics Masters program, Twist as a student played on the Thunderbird hockey team while at the same time pursuing his passion .
Upson, Brian
Degree: BPE
Brian is best remembered as a high school basketball coach, in fact a storied career which stands out among such careers of those from UBC.
