UVic Sports Hall of Fame
CATEGORY: Builder
Dr. Bruce Howe is inducted into the UVic Sports Hall of Fame along side long-time friend and coach Dr. David Docherty. Dr. Howe and Docherty led the Vikes men's rugby program together from 1978-91. Under their leadership the Vikes won three Barnard Cup victories in 1984, 1985 and 1987. The pair first met at the University of Oregon, when Howe was coaching the men's rugby program that Docherty played on while both were in further education to complete their Ph.D's.
Both Docherty and Howe eventually found their way to the island, where both went on to become leaders and long-time UVic professors in the now-called School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education. While juggling full-time teaching responsibilities and coaching, both were also actively involved with Canada's national team programs. Howe was concurrently coaching the senior men's national team from 1983-87, while both were heavily involved in programming for Rugby Canada in their areas of expertise – strength and conditioning for Docherty and sports psychology for Howe.
Both leaders continue to contribute to the rugby community including Howe returning to help lead the Vikes women's rugby team in 2011-12, while Docherty helped the Vikes men until 2013. Well known as active fundraisers and leaders still today, the celebration of the contributions of both Dr. Docherty and Dr. Howe were both long overdue.
UVic Achievements
- 1970-71 UVic Jutes men
- 1978-91 UVic Vikes men
- 1993-97 UVic Jutes men
- 2006-11 UVic Vikes women
Other Achievements
- 1974-78 Vancouver Island Crimson Tide
- 1978-80 Team British Columbia
- Led the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide to three BC Championship titles
- Led Team BC to two national championship titles
International Achievements
- 1983-87 Team Canada Senior Men
- Went on tour with the UVic Vikes men to Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, France, Germany
- Toured UK, France, Argentina and Japan with Team Canada
- Coached Rugby standouts Gareth Rees and Mike Holmes
