Ray McAfee was one of the first faculty members of Sheridan College which was founded in 1967. There were very few athletic departments, if any, in the new system of community colleges and sports were never initially designed as a fundamental element of campus life.
It was only through the initiative of concerned and energetic persons such as Ray that some direction was put forward. Ray had a sense for the total person, that much more could be done for the complete education of students than just the classroom experience.
When Ray was more active in sports he always accepted that giving your best included keeping in the best condition. The personal values that the individual brought to his sport were integral to the athlete’s ultimate success. Commitment to fitness and playing as a team rather than just as a collection of individuals were all fundamental beliefs to him.
Ray, along with other faculty members of the time, volunteered to coach the various new teams. Teachers such as Ray Bettridge, Norm Sibbick, Ralph Cardillo, Bryan Lyons, and Art Harris were encouraged to get involved by Ray who served an interim role as Sheridan’s Athletic Coordinator.
Ray felt that some recognition should be paid to the athlete who, through extra dedication and commitment, demonstrated a special level of excellence. In honour of the first Sheridan teams, he created the Ray McAfee award to recognize annually Sheridan’s outstanding athlete. In 1976 it was designated for exclusive recognition of Sheridan’s Male Athlete of the Year.