Last year, retired Barrie Central Collegiate rugby coach Ron Andrews was coaching abroad in Portugal and Spain for a travel company.
He offered to assist another coach – ready to watch practice, provide feedback, or run some drills.
The coach looked at him skeptically. “Who are you?” he asked.
Andrews introduced himself.
“What’s your background?”
“I coached at Barrie Central,” Andrews replied, noting his success at Barrie North Collegiate as well.
The coach shrugged. “I’ve never heard of it. What did you do at Central?”
Andrews gave a humble, straightforward summary of his achievements: “Well, we won nine gold, five silver, and five bronze medals.”
The coach’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Yeah, you can run a few drills for me then.”
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Andrews still laughs when recounting the story. It was a humorous moment but also highlighted something deeper: time really does fly.
While some people might not immediately recognize his name, mentioning his impressive record of 19 provincial medals over two decades along with coaching roles at both provincial and national levels certainly grabs attention in the rugby community.
On November 14, at the Maple Banquet Hall in Mississauga, Andrews won’t have to prove himself to anyone. He will officially join five other inductees and one team in the Class of 2026 as he enters the Rugby Ontario Hall of Fame.
“It was quite a surprise,” Andrews said regarding his induction news. “I’m extremely honored and humbled. Being inducted into the Barrie Sports Hall of Fame was fantastic and a great honor. I’m proud of what we achieved at Central as well as my teams outside that with provincial and national honors.”
His journey toward this recognition didn’t kick off in an upscale boardroom or an elite training facility; it began back in 1998 on a strike picket line.
Andrews, originally from Brampton and head of physical education at Barrie Central, found himself pacing the sidewalk when he struck up a conversation with a new colleague walking alongside him. Steve Porter had just transitioned from elementary teaching to secondary school special education at Central. Porter noticed that Andrews was managing the rugby program by himself.
“I knew I really liked the game and saw he was all alone with it,” Porter recalled. “So I said to him, ‘I want to get involved as much as possible here at school. I see you’re coaching by yourself-can I help out with the rugby team?’ And he was like, ‘Oh yeah, absolutely.’”
Andrews talking to team – photo submitted
That chance meeting sparked a 21-year partnership in coaching and created lifelong friendships between them. Despite being highly competitive leaders themselves, they remarkably never had an argument throughout their two decades together filled with hundreds of matches and countless hours preparing for them.
“Ron was like the turbocharger on our engine,” Porter shared. “We spent all those years together through competitions.. we just understood what it took. Him being more of the leader – since he was head coach – wasn’t an issue for me because we shared such similar mindsets.”
Together with Porter and later assistant coach Jay Malandrino, Andrews turned Central’s rugby program into a powerhouse. At its height, Barrie Central became more than just where boys played rugby; it became a culture where everyone wanted to be part of it-hockey players, soccer players, swimmers-all drawn into joining this program regardless if they’d ever picked up an oval ball before.
Their success didn’t stem solely from technical skills; it came from building relationships too.
“I found that if you genuinely care about each player and develop relationships beyond just rugby itself; it drives them positively both on-field and off,” Andrews explained. “The culture of excellence surrounding what made Central rugby unique started early in the ’90s-and just kept growing.”
Porter agrees with this perspective stating that their victories were built away from simply focusing on scores alone.
“We developed our program within hallways-and classrooms-before school started or during lunch breaks after classes where we engaged with students while earning their trust,” Porter pointed out. “It’s no coincidence that 68 kids who played for Central ended up representing either Ontario or Canada.”
Porter and Andrews hug – photo submitted
For Andrews personally though? The nature inherent within rugby provided him everything necessary needed for molding young men successfully throughout their journeys ahead post-graduation years down road! Introduced initially during Grade nine by mentor Ken Jones (another Hall-of-Famer), Andrew’s fell completely head over heels embracing what sport encompassed alongside its values!
“There exists camaraderie both inside & outside playing fields,” reflected Andrew. “When competing , everyone strives pushing each other hard – yet afterwards buying opponents soft drinks (or alcoholic drinks if they’re older) sitting down trading ties sharing memories! Winning/losses don’t define us rather experiences happen off-pitch which makes this sport stand apart from others based here!”
While high school programs represent cornerstones , Andrew’s capabilities extend way beyond boundaries set by geographical locations! Eagerly testing limits further upward along ladder eventually landed Provincial roles across Ontario lasting seven fruitful seasons until obtaining national spotlight! Reigning over Canada’s Under-17 squad eventually transitioned onto overseeing Under-19 men participating globally six Junior World Rugby Championships concluding sidelines witnessing thirty-five international encounters unfold firsthand would surely mark ultimate highlight ! p >
“To wear jersey representing country during world championship stands highest honor achievable,” states Andrew affirmatively ! Viewing youths pulling jerseys overhead singing anthem showcasing exceptional performances worldwide left lasting impressions indeed!” p >
But amidst every match played internationally or celebrating triumphs via provincial titles-one specific year resonated louder than others : Twenty fifteen ! p >
Barrie central held OFSAA Provincial Championships amidst widely recognized twilight moments leading historic institution towards closure soon afterward while adding storyline magic having sons both coaches’ starred Robbie Andrews Keaton Porter participating within lineup making unforgettable memories come true before spectators alike seeing dreams manifest right before eyes ! p >
Final match witnessed exhilarating atmosphere crescendo climactic heights scoring dramatic last-minute try securing coveted Gold medal glory upon home turf igniting pure joy among followers witnessing live action unfold right there before them!! pp >
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”These were literally dreams coming alive!” exclaimed Andrew. ”Afterwards sat quietly reflecting field knowing everything experienced would never take place again once leaving grounds behind us..”
Shortly thereafter game concluded reminiscing moment particularly dear memory alongside best friend sitting center-field amid throngs cheering crowd assembled gathered countless former players arriving far & wide supporting efforts unfolding before many eyes watching attentively hearing cheers ring loud resounding atmosphere feel excitement pulse through air energizing spirits lifting moods higher within glorious finale!!
”This entire scenario felt like coup de grâce,” remarked Parker enthused reverently”. ”An amazing memory etched forever captured deep heart soul shared amongst us!”
Next year brought sadness when quarter-finals faced unfortunate technicality ending saga surrounding final chapter’s existence-but resilient spirit thrived onward transitioning smoothly rejoining forces side-by-side pursuing endeavors continuing legacy built prior leading path through establishing foundation flourishing thus securing victory attaining OFSAA Consolation Championship winning Sports Leadership Award achieved collectively uniting efforts investing dedication culminating retirement calling time conclusion respective careers yet remaining intertwined eternally..
Reflecting fondly upon journey traversed filled remarkable experiences gained priceless lessons acquired always brings warmth smiles faces remembering cherished moments spent together along those paths forged friendships lasting lifetimes growing stronger every step taken forward bringing fulfillment satisfaction attained merely witnessing transformations occurring daily nurtured shaping lives long term benefitting communities enriched overall contributing greater good shared aspirations fueled passions fueling ambitions igniting fires illuminating brighter futures awaiting discovery waiting tirelessly seek exploring pathways open endless possibilities dare venture forth daring reach heights unimaginable previously thought unreachable …*END*~**💫 ***
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