It is with great sadness that the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Basketball Manitoba share the news of the passing of Darwin Semotiuk on January 4, 2022. Darwin coached the University of Manitoba Bisons 1967-68 and led the Bisons from mediocrity to great success in only one year. In that year, the Bisons became contenders for the Western Canadian conference championship after recording a 1-19 record the year before.
After a very successful career as a player with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, he came to Manitoba. After leaving the Bisons, he went to earn his Ph.D. and then became the head football coach and, eventually, the Athletic Director at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario.
If there was one word to describe Darwin, it would be CLASS. He inspired the players to give their best and act as great representatives for the team, the university, and the community.
Our sincere condolences are extended to his wife, Mary, his entire family, and many friends in Manitoba and Ontario.