London, ON – It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Mustangs legendary coach, professor and athletic director Darwin Semotiuk.
Semotiuk passed away on Jan 4th surrounded by family after organ failure from a sepsis infection.
Darwin took over as head coach of the Mustangs football team in 1975, winning two Vanier Cup championships (1976 & 1977), and was also named Coach of the Year in 1976. In 1982 Semotiuk was named Western's Athletic Director while continuing to coach the football team until the end of the 1983 season. He continued in the directors role until 2001.
Semotiuk is remembered fondly by many in the Mustangs family.
"I came to Western on my recruiting visit with my mom and dad in the spring of 1978. On the ride home my mom said to me that I should go to Western. She said 'Darwin Semotiuk is a very special man and I absolutely trust that he will look after you," said Greg Marshall, current Mustangs Football Head Coach. "For over 40 years he looked after me, coached, and mentored me. I'm so fortunate and grateful to have had such a special man in my life."
"Darwin had a tremendous impact at all levels in Canadian University Sport. He was a transformation leader with the Western Mustangs and highly respected peer in Ontario University athletics." said Christine Stapleton, Director, Sports & Recreation "He always had time for a conversation and went out of his way to make everyone feel connected. He was so "Purple and Proud" to be a Western Mustang and he will be greatly missed."
"Dr. Semotiuk's scholarly contributions aligned with his passion for sport focusing on international and comparative sport systems. He was always passionate about teaching, student research and international experiential learning and so many benefitted from the opportunity work with such a kind and engaging scholar. He will be missed on so many levels here at Western." said Laura Misener, Director of the School of Kinesiology
"Darwin Semotiuk was truly a legend in Western Mustangs history. He was always a gentleman both on the field as a coach and in his role as Athletic Director. His integrity and humility served as a role model for all in and out of sport to emulate." said former Western Athletic Director, Therese Quigley "Darwin was a proud competitor who valued the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. He was one of the primary architects of the foundation of excellence that Western Athletics is renowned for. He was a mentor and a loyal friend to so many students, athletes, coaches, colleagues and friends over the years. There is no doubt that we lost a great man. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all those he touched."
"Deeply saddened to hear of Darwin Semotiuk's passing. He was a Mustang legend for sure. He was also a very kind human being. It was a joy to be in his company! My sincere condolences to his family and friends." said former Western President Amit Chakma.
"I have known Darwin for over 30 years and had the pleasure of working with him the past 18 years. Western University and the countless students, student-athletes, and colleagues who knew him were better for the experience and for following his example. He looked for the best in everyone ... and found it. His passing leaves a gaping hole in the proud history and tradition of Mustang Athletics and Western University. Let's honour and extend his legacy by being kind, encouraging, and supportive to those who come under our influence." said Jim Weese, Former Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
"He was a man of character, honesty, integrity, and deep conviction who evinced a kindness and decency that complimented his zest for living. Darwin was an uncompromising contributor to making London a better place in which to live. A one-of-a-kind who will never be replicated." said John Winston, former President of Tourism London.
"Saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Darwin Semotiuk Professor Emeritus and Head Coach for two Vanier Cup Championships. A true mentor and very supportive throughout my career. RIP Darwin" said Scott Russell of CBC.
Semotiuk's family said prior to his sudden hospitalization, Darwin was enjoying dinners & visits with friends, walks with his walking buddies, coffee visits with his Tim Hortons coffee club, and was in attendance for the Yates Cup game in Kingston and cheered on the Mustangs as they picked up the win.
No details are immediately available for a celebration of life, we will share those once they are available here at westernmustangs.ca.
Semotiuk attended the University of Alberta where he played and captained on the basketball and football teams in the 1960s. He was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders and played on the Canadian national men's basketball team. Darwin completed his PhD at Ohio State in 1970 and became a professor in Western's Faculty of Physical Education (now the School of Kinesiology) in 1974. He was promoted to the rank of Full Professor in 1987 and remained an active member of the teaching and research community until his retirement in 2014, at which time he was granted Professor Emeritus status.
His research focused on comparative and international sport and physical education, sport and politics, Canadian public sport policy and sport coaching. He served as co-editor of the Journal of Comparative Physical Education and Sport for six years and served a term as the president of the International Society for Comparative Physical Education and Sport. He received numerous awards recognizing his academic and community contributions including being elected an International Fellow for the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education and a 2014 recipient of the Western Humanitarian Award, recognizing his efforts leading humanitarian work in education, sport and physical activity in Cuba.
We have compiled a collection of the memories and condolences that have been shared on the passing of Coach Semotiuk.
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