Hyde-Lay Pavilion
Majestically set on a slope surrounded by playing fields, the Hyde-Lay Pavilion was opened in June 1998. The facility includes changing rooms, a spacious Great Room for socializing, and a wraparound deck for viewing the action. It was the gift of John M.S. Lecky ’57 (Groves’), named for Derek Hyde-Lay, who had been Lecky’s rugby coach while a student here. The plaque reads:
“Through his love of good fellowship, and the game of rugby, Derek Hyde-Lay provided a bond, for all returning old boys, during the [forty-five] years of his tenure at the School. His Christian values, and positive attitude toward life, were examples for all who knew him, and a legacy which this Pavilion seeks to promote. The Pavillion [sic] combines the interest of Rugby Canada, whose teams will train and play here, with the mission of SLS, which is to help raise the potential of all who enter its gates.”
Inside the Great Room, rugby jerseys of international players connected with the School are displayed. A display about Derek himself includes copies of pages from his meticulous record book with notes on each player, kept over many years of coaching.
The Pavilion’s position on the bank creates a natural amphitheatre overlooking the Canada Field. This international playing surface is the home turf of the senior boys’ and girls’ rugby programs, regularly counted among the top high school teams in Canada.
The goal posts were created specifically for this Shawnigan field, and, at the time, were the tallest in the world by 6 inches, but have since been surpassed.
To mark the opening of the Pavilion, a series of rugby matches were played by the School’s Girls’ 1st XV, the Boys’ 1st XV, Victoria’s Crimson Tide (Derek’s former team) against the Prairie Fire (Saskatchewan), and finally, an international match between the Canada XV vs Hong Kong. It was watched by over 3,500 spectators under sunny skies – “Rugby Heaven,” as one reporter described it, with all “home” teams victorious.
Spanning nearly 50 years, Derek Hyde-Lay’s impact on students and staff was legendary. He was a teacher, House Director, Director of Admissions and Deputy Head to four Headmasters, Headmaster, and, of course, a firm, fun and wise coach. As current Shawnigan Director of Athletics, Tim Murdy, himself a beneficiary of Derek’s coaching at the BC Rep level, says about the Pavilion, “A special place for a great man.” Tim was at the ceremony when Derek was inducted into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame, into which Tim was also recently inducted. In Tim – and countless others – Derek’s legacy lives on.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
Inside the Great Room, rugby jerseys of international players connected with the School are displayed. A display about Derek himself includes copies of pages from his meticulous record book with notes on each player, kept over many years of coaching.
The Pavilion’s position on the bank creates a natural amphitheatre overlooking the Canada Field. This international playing surface is the home turf of the senior boys’ and girls’ rugby programs, regularly counted among the top high school teams in Canada.
The goal posts were created specifically for this Shawnigan field, and, at the time, were the tallest in the world by 6 inches, but have since been surpassed.
To mark the opening of the Pavilion, a series of rugby matches were played by the School’s Girls’ 1st XV, the Boys’ 1st XV, Victoria’s Crimson Tide (Derek’s former team) against the Prairie Fire (Saskatchewan), and finally, an international match between the Canada XV vs Hong Kong. It was watched by over 3,500 spectators under sunny skies – “Rugby Heaven,” as one reporter described it, with all “home” teams victorious.
Spanning nearly 50 years, Derek Hyde-Lay’s impact on students and staff was legendary. He was a teacher, House Director, Director of Admissions and Deputy Head to four Headmasters, Headmaster, and, of course, a firm, fun and wise coach. As current Shawnigan Director of Athletics, Tim Murdy, himself a beneficiary of Derek’s coaching at the BC Rep level, says about the Pavilion, “A special place for a great man.” Tim was at the ceremony when Derek was inducted into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame, into which Tim was also recently inducted. In Tim – and countless others – Derek’s legacy lives on.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
