Two NTCI’s  best athletes have retired from their respective professions this spring and capped off amazing athletic careers.

Ryan Hinds

Ryan (’05) is a gifted athlete (NT Athlete of the Year) who could have played both basketball and football at the university level. In fact, Ryan was voted the top basketball player in Metro Toronto in his graduating year, a class that was dominated by a group of talented players from the big basketball power in the city, Eastern Commerce. Despite this recognition, and much to the chagrin of his basketball coach, Ryan opted for a football scholarship to New Hampshire, where he distinguished himself as a first-rate defender in the NCAA and got the attention of CFL scouts. Ryan played six years in the CFL, mostly as a starter, with Hamilton and Edmonton, and he finished his terrific career with a Grey Cup victory in last year’s championship game. What a great way to finish one’s professional career! Ryan will now pursue a second career in the medical profession, a passion he has had since his high school days.

Kevin Churchill

Kevin (’08) is perhaps one of the best players ever to wear the red and grey uniform at North Toronto. Despite many offers to play college basketball, Kevin opted to play at Carleton, where he would learn the game, become a magnificent defensive player and a team leader, all in due course! It took nearly four years to become a starter on the Carleton team, but Kevin’s play was exceptional and he played a key role in the success of the program. Overall, Kevin won five national championships as a player and two more as an assistant coach with the team. All this athletic accomplishment took place while Kevin was working on his Master of Arts in philosophy. Very few athletes garner this much success—a tribute to Kevin’s talent and determination. Kevin has returned to Toronto where he now works for the YMCA’s newest facility in the Canary district next to the Distillery area.

Both athletes have represented NT very well with their work habits, their commitment to becoming excellent student athletes and their dedication. Although they never played on the same team, they would have been a delight to watch and coach! Congratulations to Ryan and Kevin on their terrific achievements. You have made us very proud!