University of Victoria Athletics

CATEGORY: Builder

Prior to an impressive coaching career with the Vikes men's rugby program, Howard Gerwing arrived at UVic to work in the university's library.

Through a contact on the rugby squad, Gerwing was appointed team manager where he spent years supporting the program dealing with water, laundry, uniforms and rosters.

When Vikes head coach Campbell Forbes stepped down due to family commitments, Howard was asked to add coaching to his list of duties.

By 1969 the men’s rugby team were Island Champions and after returning from their first tour to England, Scotland, Ireland & Wales, they were crowned B.C. Club Champions in 1971.

Gerwing led the team on several more successful international tours including Fuji and Australia in 1972, Argentina and Uruguay in 1975 as well as France, Italy and Yugoslavia in 1978. With each tour he helped raise the profile of not only the UVic team but the sport of rugby in Canada.

Achievements 
- 1969 Island Champions 
- 1971 B.C. Club Champions 

International Tours
- 1971 England, Schotlan, Ireland and Wales Tour 
- 1972 Fuji and Australia Tour 
- 1975 Argentina and Uruguay Tour 
- 1978 France, Italy and Yugoslavia Tour 
- Helped raise the profile of rugby at UVic, on Vancouver Island and in Canaa