CCAA Hall of Fame Inductee: Ray Chateau
Ray Chateau, who provided the blueprint for building one of the nation’s top collegiate golf programs at Humber College, will be inducted into the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Hall of Fame in the Coach Category.
In 12 seasons as head coach at Humber, Chateau led the Hawks Men’s Golf team to 10 national championships and 50 overall tournament victories. Against the top collegiate golfers in Canada, his teams also captured three Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada) University/College titles and placed on the podium an additional four times.
Several individuals flourished under Chateau’s watchful eye, as six of his players also captured individual titles at CCAA Championships. He produced 22 CCAA All-Canadians, including a record four selections in 2010.
“I had the privilege of coaching young men of exceptional talent, dedication and character,” said Chateau, who in June will be inducted along with one of his former student-athletes, Brad Kerfoot.
“I consider it an honour to be inducted into the CCAA Hall of Fame alongside Brad, one of the best golfers to ever compete in the CCAA,” said Chateau. “We established the program’s culture in those early years and built the expectations and traditions that would drive the program's success.”
In addition to the numerous gold medals won at CCAA Championships, Chateau’s teams earned silver and bronze medals in team events and six silver and five bronze medals in individual play.
His ability to develop talent and his team’s ability to perform did not go unnoticed. On six occasions, Chateau represented Canada as the head coach at the FISU World University Games. His Team Canada squads finished fourth in 2006 and fifth in 2010.
Chateau now serves as the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Humber College.
“As someone who works closely with Ray, it’s not uncommon to see him connect with his former student-athletes over the phone, for a meal, or joining them for a round on a local course,” said Michael Kopinak, Associate Athletic Director at Humber. “I remember one former golfer telling me that he owed his athletic, academic, and personal success to Ray, who drove them to be better golfers and wanted them all to be positive role models and quality citizens within their communities.”
In 2012, Chateau received the CCAA Coaching Excellence Award, becoming the first non-basketball or volleyball coach to receive the honour.
He was inducted into the Humber Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Hall of Fame in 2017.
