Ian Hyde-Lay
A Privilege
January 27, 1991. Super Bowl XXV. A jam packed Tampa stadium and a worldwide television audience of millions watch with bated breath....
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A Life In Sport
A blog by Ian Hyde-Lay
About
ABOUT
Ian Hyde-Lay is a teacher who lives and works in Victoria, BC. He has been heavily involved in sport his entire life, as a player, coach, referee and administrator.
All Posts
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Sep 18, 2022
- 3 min
Simply The Best
Mid December 1974. Along with my high school teammates, we arrive in Monmouth, a Welsh town situated at the junction of the Monnow and...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Sep 13, 2022
- 4 min
Lack of Vision
A splendid west coast summer stretches on. Victoria seems immune to the global traumas of war, famine, economic woe, and climate chaos....
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Jul 26, 2022
- 4 min
Death Ground
The word, even on its own, packs a hefty punch. Dynasty. A team that, on the way to winning multiple championships, produces excellence...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- May 23, 2022
- 4 min
Case Closed
A sticky, stifling May afternoon some twenty years ago. Bent double in a crawl space, I attempt some spring cleaning. The dampness under...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Feb 2, 2022
- 4 min
Going Cheap
There is a definite buzz about, as a keenly anticipated weekend looms on the horizon. For diehard fans such as myself, the Guinness Six...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Dec 30, 2021
- 4 min
Sense of Humour
A few weeks ago, somewhat out of the blue, I receive a note from a friend. I learn that an Australian, Andrew Cole, is to win the...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Nov 17, 2021
- 4 min
Rock and a Hard Place
04.45. The bright red digits on the bedside clock stare back at me. Normally a sound sleeper, I toss and turn. Memories, emotions,...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Oct 28, 2021
- 4 min
Lost in Translation
Rugby, a rainy evening in southwest France, some twenty-five years ago. I am the referee. The game, a Top 14 local derby, is only a few...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Oct 11, 2021
- 4 min
An Orphan
A coaching career stretches into its 40th year. A mixture of rugby and basketball, mostly at the high school level. Add in various...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Oct 4, 2021
- 4 min
The Messiah
1989. The CANZ series, a round robin, rugby union competition featuring Canada, two Argentinian club teams and three New Zealand...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Sep 14, 2021
- 4 min
Know The Rules
In a glittering 17-year major league career, Larry Walker does it all. Seven Gold Gloves for defensive excellence, five All-Star...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Aug 25, 2021
- 4 min
Hubcap
Late spring 1988. A friend rings. He asks if I have seen the teams. I have not, but I know the teams to which he refers. Indeed, a full...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Apr 19, 2021
- 4 min
Expect the Unexpected
It may not rival Odysseus’ twenty-year trek to and from the Trojan Wars, though at times it feels like it. June 1985. The Canadian Men’s...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Apr 12, 2021
- 4 min
Words of Wisdom
1883 in the Scottish Borders. Two butchers, Ned Haig and David Sanderson, tire of spending their days weighing and wrapping choice cuts...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Feb 15, 2021
- 4 min
Curiosity and Controversy
No question about it. I am curious. November 14, 1987. Shortly, I will take up residence underneath the grandstand at Royal Athletic Park...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Jan 7, 2021
- 4 min
Albert Park
Middle of February 2000. I arrive in Fiji, set to officiate at a long awaited Rugby Sevens tournament, the sixth of ten events that year...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Jan 1, 2021
- 4 min
The Foreboding
Tuesday June 10, 1986. I am in my living room when the phone rings. The digital clock on a side table indicates the time is 10.14pm. For...
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Dec 6, 2020
- 4 min
A Horse's Ass
Late May 1993. The final practice of the term comes to an end, a slick 45 minute session without a single dropped pass or mental error....
Ian Hyde-Lay
- Nov 22, 2020
- 4 min
The Retake
Fall 1974. Only 46 years ago. Yet, various memories from my senior year in high school remain vivid. The old pavilion has seen better...
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