Carl Totzke

Carl Totzke was born in Kitchener and educated in local schools. He received his BA from Waterloo College and did post-graduate work at McGill University while playing intercollegiate football. Carl was an outstanding athlete, administrator and supporter of the community.

Totzke played football as a wide receiver with the Kitchener Dutchmen – on four occasions they won the Ontario Rugby Football Union Championship. Totzke played basketball for the Kitchener Waterloo YMCA Blues when they won the Canadian Basketball Championship in 1953.

In 1954, Totzke was named Athletic Director at Waterloo College. He became the first football coach and Athletic Director at the University of Waterloo when it was founded in 1957, serving in those positions until 1989.

The Athletic Department at the University of Waterloo honoured Totzke by establishing the Totzke Trophy, awarded annually to the most deserving student based on athletic skill, sportsmanship and outstanding contributions to the athletic program at the University. Totzke served two terms as President of the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union.

In addition to his university activities, Totzke helped establish a children’s summer camp north of Peterborough.

Interest in art and football are not often shared; however, Totzke was avidly interested in visual art. He served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Homer Watson House and Gallery, including two terms as Chairman. Totzke also served on the Board of Governors of the Waterloo County Hall of Fame, and is a past Chairman of the Board.