Jim Hubbard (aka “Mother” Hubbard) is well known around sports circles in Victoria from playing, coaching, umpiring, administrating and being the famous “Mad Viking” for the perennial National Champion University of Victoria (UVic) Vikes basketball teams.

Jim’s involvement in rugby goes back to the 1970s, first as a player with the James Bay Athletic Association (JBAA) and later as JBAA manager for 19 years. Along with Coach Tillman Briggs (GVSHOF inductee 1996), Jim was a huge contributor to the culture of the JBAA. He joined the National Rugby Centre as Manager of the Pacific Pride Rugby National Under 23 Team from 1996-2005 and, during that time, he coordinated and managed five Canadian U23 national team overseas tours and two eastern Canadian tours. He was also involved with the Senior Men’s National Rugby Team during the lead up to the 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cups.

Jim was also a softball umpire and administrator. He umpired at all levels in Greater Victoria and was known for his colourful personality and style. After the Victoria Bates moved to the Northwest League In 1971, Jim was elected as President of Major Men’s Softball at Central Park in Victoria. The league survived due in no small part to his efforts. Jim’s contributions to the softball community include:
• District Commissioner, Softball B.C (1975 – 84)
• Founder of the Lower Island Softball Umpires Association (1985)
• President of the Lower Island Softball Umpires Association (1985 – 89)
• Deputy Umpire in Chief, Softball B.C (1985 – 90)

Jim was honoured with the Softball Canada Distinguished Service Award in 1993 and Washington State Umpires Association Award for Leadership and Teaching in 2004.

Despite his immense contributions to rugby and softball, Jim may best be known as the “Mad Viking” for the UVic Vikes basketball teams. He was famous across the country and graced many Canadian Championships. Legendary Vikes Coach Ken Shields (GVSHOF inductee 2003), said “I cannot remember him (Jim) missing a game in 13 years. He became a valuable member of the team and his insight into the character of each player was uncanny. His commitment to the team and the effort and energy that he brought to the job was a model for our players. Our goal was to be the best and he was undoubtedly the best in the country for what he did. ‘Mother’ Hubbard was a key contributor to the winning tradition established by the Basketball Vikes”.

Jim gave of himself to the cause of amateur sport in a selfless manner and left a positive impression with everyone he met - when you met Jim, he would always greet you with “huddy huddy!”

Jim was honoured for his extraordinary contribution, commitment and dedication as a volunteer to sport in Victoria by being awarded the Greater Victoria Sports Council Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award in 1990 and Canadian Indicator Club Distinguished Service Award in 1996.