University of Regina Sports Hall of Fame
Category: Builders
Dr. Ralph Nilson served as the dean of Kinesiology & Health Studies from 1992 to 2002, a time period in which there was phenomenal growth in the athletics program at the U of R. The university was represented by just six varsity teams at the start of his tenure, but Nilson’s direction helped the program expand to 14 teams. Football, women’s hockey, women’s soccer, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s track & field, and women’s wrestling were all added, as Nilson ensured that the principle of gender equity was maintained throughout the expansion. He was also instrumental in the creation of community partnerships with the Regina Rams Football Club, Regina Athletics Track Club, and the Regina Optimist Dolphins Swim Club.
