At one time Foster, affectionately nicknamed "Tulip" or "the Professor" was a prizefighter of some repute and he trained Canada's world heavyweight boxing champion, Tommy Burns. However, his greatest sporting impact was through the guidance of young men in Victoria during the final years of his life. He had virtually given up boxing when he arrived from Tenby, Wales in B.C.'s capital in 1888. Foster - or Robert Hill, as he was born - found his calling coaching local sports. Foster was hired as resident caretaker of Caledonia Park on Niagara St. and he soon assumed a leadership role in sporting circles and was an important mentor to many young athletes. Foster was acknowledged as the "dean of Canadian trainers" through his involvement with championship teams amongst which were the 1894 Victoria Field Lacrosse team, Island and B.C. champion Victoria Wanderers soccer team of 1896 and the Provincial champion Victoria Crimson Tide rugby side of 1899. Bob's headstone at Ross Bay Cemetery says it all: "AN ATHLETE WHO DEVOTED A RESIDENCE OF 20 YEARS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUNG MEN OF VICTORIA IN THE FORM OF MANLY EXERCISE"

When it comes to the sport of field hockey, it's tough to find any roles that Jenny John hasn't played since coming to Victoria from England in 1970. She excelled as a player and also became one of the leading national authorities on the game as a clinician, coach and umpire. Jenny's playing days saw her quickly become a leader and captain of the 1972 Canadian women's national team. Her three-year stint, in which she also served as coach, ended with a berth in the 1975 World Cup. As a player-coach she guided Team B.C. to national titles in 1974, 79 and 1980. From the day Jenny started teaching and coaching field hockey at Norfolk House School, she has devoted many hours to the development of field hockey around the province and elsewhere in Canada. She has worked with the players, created recreational and competitive programs, put on workshops and written manuals about the game. Considered by many to be the "face of field hockey in B.C.", the Canadian Women's Field Hockey Association honored Ms. John with two achievement awards and their Distinguished Service Award. Her position as provincial coordinator for women's field hockey, between 1978 and 2000, allowed her to travel the province in support of the game. Her enthusiasm for the sport and the players under her wing - was frequently emphasized with the expression "supah!"