As a teacher at Collingwood Collegiate Institute (CCI) from 1968 – 1999, Wayne Hunwicks spent his time divided between the classroom and the football field throughout his 31 year career.
Coach Hunwicks has been involved in football for almost 50 years. He began his career in 1961 as a player at Royal York Collegiate. Upon his arrival to Collingwood in 1968, he quickly became involved in the school’s football program.
Through the years, fifteen local students have carried on their careers at the
collegiate level in the OUAA and other Canadian University Conferences.
Across the country, the “Fighting Owls” continue to fill the rosters of many Canadian
universities such as Queen’s, University of Western Ontario, Wilfred Laurier, Guelph, York and Acadia. Hunwicks coached three players who achieved All-Canadian status at the university level in Todd MacKay, Reinhardt Kellar and most recently Nick Comly. Both MacKay and Kellar have won the Vanier Cup.
Awaiting his arrival, two existing Hall of Fame members Ryan Potter and Scott Lecky cut their football teeth playing for Coach Hunwicks at CCI and enjoyed successful professional football careers in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Both players experienced the ultimate goal as participants in Canada’s ultimate football prize, the Grey Cup.
Over the years, it is estimated 1,000+ former students played under his leadership.
Many of these players have grown to become influential citizens as police officers, firefighters, business owners, skilled trades people, lawyers, accountants, school superintendants and teachers, several of whom coach high school football!
Unquestionably, it is the reverence of former players for Coach Hunwicks that has contributed to the success of the Fighting Owls Football Alumni program through their continued support. As per usual, he would deflect all praise for the success of
the Fighting Owls Football Alumni however it is his hand that is the driving force behind its of social fundraising initiatives.
Following his retirement in 1999, Wayne became a volunteer Coach for special teams and the offensive line. The 2008 season will mark Wayne’s 40th year involved in the CCI football program.