Smith, rugby great Hans De Goede and the Peden brothers are being inducted into the Vic High Alumni Hall of Fame tonight at the second-annual Black and Gold gala being held at the CFB Wardroom. Also being inducted are artist Emily Carr, educator Norma Mickelson and legendary Vic High teacher and drama instructor Tommy Mayne.
De Goede came out of coach Tillman Briggs鈥� overpowering Vic High rugby program of the late 1960s to become sa国际传媒鈥檚 first World Cup captain and used his imposing frame to such advantage that he was twice named to the All-World XV.
The late Peden brothers were synonymous with Victoria sport in the 1920s and 1930s. Doug Peden was considered one of the best all-round athletes in Canadian history, turning pro in baseball and cycling, and also winning the silver medal in basketball with sa国际传媒 at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Torchy Peden was one of the greatest Canadian cyclists.
Smith said he is humbled to be in such company.
鈥淚 was so blessed to grow up in Victoria and attend Vic High. The teachers were so devoted to us. They put their lives into their students,鈥� said Smith, 77, who came from Princeton University in New Jersey for tonight鈥檚 induction.
Smith recalled his Vic High Class of 1955, which included sportswriter Jim Taylor, artist Fenwick Lansdowne and former MP and federal cabinet minister David Anderson, an Olympic silver medallist in rowing at Rome in 1960.
鈥淥ur class was so close and tight-knit 鈥� we still get together for reunions every five years,鈥� said Smith.
Outside of school, Smith became hooked on lacrosse, and went to two Minto Cups with the Junior Shamrocks. He recalls with fondness coaches Archie Browning, PeeWee Bradshaw and Doug Fletcher.
鈥淚 was not a good athlete, but I practised like a maniac,鈥� said Smith, who played five seasons with the Junior Shamrocks and one with the senior Shamrocks.
鈥淚t was a wonderful group. We were all lacrosse fanatics,鈥� said Smith, who also played senior rugby for the Oak Bay Wanderers.
Smith attended UBC after Victoria College and went on to win the 1961 Mann Cup national Senior A lacrosse championship with the Vancouver Carlings (later Burrards).
