1995-96 Hockey
The 1995-1996 Acadia hockey Axemen captured Acadia’s
second CIS hockey title in four years, with the ability to both
steamroll the opposition and, when necessary, win the close games
as well.
Despite a formidable lineup recruited by head coach Tom Coolen,
the Axemen program was thrown into disarray when Coolen left
shortly before training camp to join the coaching staff of the
Saint John Flames.
In stepped head coach Mark Hanneman and associate coach Mike
Alcoe, former assistants under Coolen who, along with assistant
Darren Burns, led the talented Axemen squad all the way to the CIS
title.
“We didn’t try to change a whole lot of things,”
Hanneman said after the season. “We just tried to put our
stamp on the team. The players believed in us and in our system,
and believed in themselves.”
The 1995-1996 Axemen had just about everything – offense
from AUS scoring champion Jason Weaver, Greg Clancy, Wade Whitten
and Christian Skoryna, solid defense from all-Canadians Sean
O’Reilly and Paul Doherty and great goaltending from rookie
Trevor Amundrud.
Their skill and ability was greatly appreciated by enthusiastic
crowds who flocked to Acadia Arena, even for exhibition games, to
watch them play.
The Axemen compiled a 19-6-1 regular season record, then capped a
5-2 playoff run by edging the UPEI Panthers 7-6 in the deciding
game of the conference final - a close series in which all three
games went to overtime - with Paul Doherty scoring the
series-winning goal.
Acadia was in fine shape entering the CIS nationals in Toronto,
and showed the rest of the country what they were made of, edging
Trois Rivieres 4-3 in semifinal action and Waterloo 3-2 in the
national final.
Despite many similarities to the 1993 national champions (Sean
O’Reilly was the only player to play on both teams), coach
Hanneman felt the 1996 team shouldn’t be compared to the 1993
team, or to any other Axemen team.
“This is a special group of individuals who believed in each
other and made a mutual commitment to success,” he said at
the time. “They played real ‘Axemen hockey’
– work hard at both ends of the ice, maintain discipline and
the proper focus, and make the best of your chances.”
.1992-93
The Tom Coolen – coached hockey Axemen of 1992-93 recorded
an impressive 22-2-2 record during the regular season, thus tying
the forty-six point Atlantic Conference record set by Moncton in
1988-89.
Individually team captain, George Dupont won the league’s
scoring title with fifty-seven points and Derek Kletzel was named
the Conference’s top rookie. Dupont was joined on the
league’s All-Star team by teammates Denis Sproxton, Kevin
Knopp and Norm Batherson.
In conference playoff action the Axemen followed up an opening
game loss to the University of Cape Breton, by posting consecutive
wins over the Capers, Dalhousie and U.N.B. to win the Halifax
Herald Trophy.
On March 19, 1993 at Toronto’s Varsity Arena, the Axemen led
by All-Canadian Coach, Tom Coolen and CIAU first-team All-Star
George Dupont, handily defeated Alberta Golden Bears, the defending
champs, 9-4, to gain a spot in the national finals.
At Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens, the Axemen in an awesome
display in all aspects of the game, blasted the University of
Toronto, 12-1, to gain for Acadia its first ever CIAU Men’s
Hockey title.
In front of a record crowd of 7,800 fans, the Axemen received an
outstanding performance from player-of-the-game and the
tournament’s most valuable player, George Dupont, who was
joined on the All-Star team by teammates Denis Sproxton, Jeff
MacLeod, Kevin Knopp and Sean Rowe.
It is indeed a pleasure to welcome for induction to the Acadia
Sports Hall of Fame, coaches staff and players of the 1992-93
Hockey Axemen – the CIAU 1992-93 champions.
1990 Women's Soccer
One of the greatest sports stories in Atlantic Inter-collegiate
athletics was recorded by the Laura Sanders -coached women's soccer
squads that from '84 to '94 were either winners of serious
challengers for the AUAA crown, actually winning six consecutive
Conference titles from 1986 to 1991.
It was, however, during the '90-'91 academic year that the Axettes
gained national distinction, winning for their university its first
CIAU women's soccer title.
Entering the AUAA playoffs ranked no.1 in the country, the Axettes
defeated Mt.Allison 1-0 in semi-final action. Playing against St.
Mary's for the Conference title, the Valley-based stars edged their
rivals, 1-0, as Marjean Leighton scored the goal and Alison Tuton
recorded her fourteenth shutout of the season.
Subsequently at Raymond Field against Sir Wilfrid Laurier in
semi-final action for the coveted national title, the Axettes won
on the penalty kicks. Tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time
-courtesy of a late Cindy Montgomerie goal, the AUAA champs won 5-4
on sudden-death penalty kicks as Dara Moore notched the winner.
For National championship play, the Acadia squad travelled west to
meet the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. On Sunday,
November 17th, at the Todd Field in Vancouver the Axettes and
Thunderbirds battled through regulation time and two 15 minute
overtime sessions before the Axettes won 4-2 on penalty kicks.
Dara Moore registered the winner while Marjean Leighton,
Conference all-star, Kryan Pinfold and Cindy Montgomerie, the
latter the Conference's rookie-of-the-year, scored the others.
Defensively, all Canadian net minder and later to be named
Acadia's female athlete of the year, Alison Tuton, was sensational
between the posts. On that memorable occasion, Bridget Anakin was
named winner of the Baldursson Memorial Award as the game's MVP.
Wendi Wells was voted second team all-Canadian, while Coach Laura
Sanders, several times honoured as the AUAA's top coach, and was
named CIAU's coach-of -the-year.
Others to make monumental contributions to the club that season
were assistant coach Janice Cossar , Amber MacNeil, June Saunders,
Denise Aucoin, Kim Hill, Marlee MacDonald, Kim MacQuarrie, Cathy
McAuley, Andrea Milne, Jodie Silds, Heidi Stayish, Kristin Pinfold,
Claire Sarginson, Susan Power, therapists Sheri Cunningham and
Nancy Witty and manager Angela Fraser.
1981 Football Team:
The 1981 football season represented the twenty-fifth anniversary
of the game on the Acadia campus. Consequently, on the afternoon of
October 17th, at Raymond Field, the University celebrated this
event as the John Huard-coached Axemen defeated St. Mary’s
Huskies, 13-3. Appropriately enough, Don MacVicar who had scored
the first-ever Axemen touchdown back in ’56, performed the
ceremonial kick-off. On the field of action, Jim DiRenzo and
Quentin Tynes starred offensively for the victorious squad.
Following a very successful season in Conference play, and a 34-11
playoff win over Mt. Allison, the Axemen qualified for their sixth
Atlantic Bowl appearance.
In combat against the Queen’s Golden Bears, Larry
Priestnall, who was destined to be named the game’s best
player and winner of the prestigious Don Loney trophy, was
outstanding as he gained 220 yards on twenty-seven carries, while
scoring three touchdowns. Quentin Tynes ran for 69 yards in the
game and scored a touchdown. Quarterback Steve Repic and Jim
DiRenzo, who converted all Acadia majors while adding a 36-yard
field goal and two singles, were other Axemen offensive stars.
In subsequent action against the Alberta Golden Bears for the CIAU
title, the Huard-directed charges staged a tremendous comeback to
win their second National football title in three years. Entering
the contest as definite underdogs, the Axemen delighted their
followers by posting a last-minute 18-12 triumph.
In this exciting contest, the Alberta team struck first,
registering a 27 yard field goal with only a minute plus remaining
in the first quarter. The Axemen countered late in the second
quarter with a Jim DiRenzo field goal that was quickly followed by
a 64 yard Steve Repic to Hubert Walsh touchdown pass with only 1:18
remaining in the half.
In the second half, the Golden Bears overcame an 11-3 first half
deficit as they scored a 66 yard touchdown with ten minutes to
play.
Then with 2:35 remaining, Reg Gilmour kicked a 22 yard field
attempt wide but through the end zone, giving Alberta an apparent
winning point. The Axemen, however, in one of their most courageous
comebacks ever, put together a touchdown march as Repic completed
four consecutive passes, three of which went to Don Clow for a
total of 52 yards, allowing the Atlantic Conference champs to
advance to the Alberta twenty-one.
Halifax native Quentin Tynes then added the final action to a
dramatic script, running the ball for 19 yards and then capping off
his heroics with a two yard touchdown run –giving the Axemen
an 18-12 margin and ultimate victory.
Fittingly, Steve Repic captured the College Bowl M.V.P. and top
player-of-the-game award. Named Ali-Canadians at the CIAU Banquet
were Stuart MacLean, Tom Johnson and Chris Rhora, while John Huard
received the Frank Tindal trophy as the top coach in Canadian
Intercollegiate football.
What an honour it is to welcome back for induction to
Acadia’s Sports Hall of Fame the coaches and players of the
’81 football team – victors in one of the most
dramatic-ever CIAU championship contests.
1979 Football Team
The 1979 football season at Acadia was highlighted by the
appearance of John Huard as the Axemen's Head Coach. A native of
Maine, who had enjoyed tremendous success in North American pro
football leagues, he was destined to become one of Canadian
Intercollegiate football's most highly-rated mentors.
Huard and his Axemen opened their home season with a 41-14 victory
over St. Mary's as Jed Palmacci's running game drew the plaudits of
the fans. Henry Sareault, Larry Priestnall, Mark Haley and Hubert
Walsh were also strong offensively, while Bob Stracina, returning
to the Acadia line-up following a season of ailments in 1978,
collected seventeen points.
In a subsequent 77-6 win over Mt. Allison, Walsh with five touch
downs, shared the limelight with PaImacci and quarterbacks Steve
Repic and Mike Cosgrove.
In a 31-25 overtime loss to St. F .X. in Antigonish, Palmacci,
Stracina, Sareault and Donnie Ross were the prominent Axemen.
Huard's charges finished the Conference's regular schedule with a
6-1 record.
In league playoff action against the always competitive St. F .X.
squad, the Axemen silenced all would-be critics by posting a
convincing 18-0 triumph.
In Atlantic Bowl action, the Axemen defeated the University of
Alberta Golden Bears by a lopsided score of 27-3, thus allowing the
Wolfville-based squad its third College Bowl appearance in four
years.
The Huard-coached Atlantic Conference champs then travelled to
Toronto to participate against the University of Western Ontario
Mustangs in the prestigious College Bowl. There, in front of some
19,000 fans, the Acadia club put on one of their finest
performances of the season to defeat the Mustangs 34-12. This
indeed was poetic justice for the Axemen who, in '77 at the
University of Toronto Varsity Stadium, had dropped a 48-15 verdict
to the Western Ontario champs.
In winning their first-ever CIAU football title, three Axemen were
signalled out for special praise. Wide receiver Don Ross captured
the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy as the game's most valuable player,
while quarterback Mike Cosgrove was voted the most valuable
offensive player and Dave Bemis received recognition as the top
defensive performer in the contest.
In a post-game interview, however, Coach Huard summed up his
team's performance best by saying: "I knew what I wanted to do when
I came up here, and the players knew what they could do. We did it
together."
What an honor it is to welcome back to Acadia for induction to its
Sports Hall of Fame, the coaches and players who brought to the
University its first-ever CIAU football championship.
1977-78 Women's Swim Team
The '77-'78 women's swim team represents the apex of a marvellous
era for this sport at Acadia. From the years 1975 to 1980, Acadia's
women swimmers won six consecutive AUAA championships. In the
process, they established 31 Conference records and were undefeated
in league meets from '75 to '79. The academic years, '76-'77 and
'77-'78, saw national championships come to Acadia with Jack Scholz
at the helm of both of these teams. His talent as a coach was
recognized as he was awarded the prestigious CIAU Coach of the Year
Award in 1978.
Following a national title in '77, the '77 -'78 season was another
glorious one for Scholz and his Axettes. On record-breaking dives
and swims by Judy Bailey, Roberta Thomson, Wendy Stevens, Mary
Ellen McDonald, and Maureen Scott, the team easily won the AUAA
Conference. As a result of their fine performances, twelve
qualified for the Nationals.
Mary Ellen McDonald established AUAA records in both the 100 and
200 metre backstroke events. Bailey accumulated 393 points on the
three-metre springboard and Stevens shattered the previous barrier
in a butterfly event. Roberta Thomson cut the then existing mark in
the 400 metre individual medley and was named the AUAA Swimmer of
the Year.
At the Nationals in Vancouver and attended by Thomson, Bailey,
Stevens, Marjorie MacDonald, Mary Ellen McDonald, Mareen and Jill
Taylor, Pam Johnson, Cathy Kennedy, Holly Reardon, Penney Gaul, and
Maureen Scott, the girls again finished first.
In collecting 291 points to easily outdistance Alberta, Roberta
Thomson led the way with three second-place finishes: in the 100
metre breast stroke and 200 and 400 metre individual medley. Mary
Ellen MacDonald came up with a second-place finish in the 100 metre
backstroke and a fourth in the 200 metre backstroke. Acadia's 400
metre medley relay team of MacDonald, Stevens, Thomson, and Gaul
won that event and set anew national record in the process.
In accepting the National Coach of the Year Award, Jack Scholz
commented that "the team scored in every event and every team
member scored. Our depth and versatility was the key to
success."
1976-77 Women's Swim Team
The '76-'77 women's swim team ranked No.1 in the nation, certainly
lived up to all expectations, winning the A.U.A.A. championship
held in Moncton, New Brunswick and later the C.I.A.U. meet staged
in Etobicoke, Ontario.
The women easily captured their third consecutive Conference
title. The season accomplishments were a total team effort in
sweeping almost every event in the A.U.A.A., a feat that has not
been equalled to date in league competition.
Team members Patricia Maybank, Janice Smith, Cathy Maxwell, Kathy
Hall, and Captain Anne Harding contributed to this major
accomplishment in the A.U.A.A. Conference. Jill Taylor, Holly
LeReverend, Reenie Taylor, Penney Gaul, Roberta Thomson, Wendy
Stevens and Margi MacLeod were particularly outstanding in
Moncton.
In winning the title, several Conference records were set.
Individually, for example, Holly LeReverend established six new
times and was part of a record-breaking relay team. Jill Taylor
established three individual and two relays best-ever marks, while
Roberta Thomson and Wendy Stevens each had record-breaking times in
a number of individual events and a single relay competition.
As a result of their stellar feats at the A.U.A.A. meet, Jill
Taylor, Penney Gaul, Reenie Taylor, Colla MacDonald, Marjorie
MacDonald, Wendy Stevens,. Cathy Kennedy, Judy Bailey ,0 Roberta
Thomson, Holly LeReverend, Margi MacLeod and Helen Baird qualified
for the Nationals held on March 5 and 6 in Etobicoke.
At this Canadian championship meet, the Jack Scholz-coached
Axettes accumulated a total of 326 points to win the highly coveted
C.I.A.U. championship. The University of Alberta and the University
of Toronto with 239 and 228 points, finished second and third
respectively.
On that historic occasion, Holly LeReverend, who subsequently was
named Acadia's Female Athlete of the Year, established a Canadian
intercollegiate record in the 200 individual medley with a time of
2:13.97. In the 400 medley relay, Holly, Jill Taylor, Wendy Stevens
and Peonney Gaul set another best-ever time, finishing the,
distance with a mark of 4:06.76.
In summary, during that memorable '76-'77 season when Jack Scholz,
destined to be named C.I.A.U. Coach of the Year in 19.78, and his
sixteen talented swimmers captured national honours, a total often
Acadia records were established.
This team laid the foundation for the women's swim team of 1977-78
to repeat as A.U.A.A. and C.I.A.U. champions.
1976-77 Men's Basketball
Following three frustrating years of almost winning the National
title, the Dick Hunt-coached Axemen played brilliant basketball as
they defeated University of Prince Edward Island, Waterloo
University, and Lakehead University by respective scores of 88- 70,
65-63, and 72-63 to win the Canadian Intercollegiate championship
during the spring of '77.
The Axemen finished with an outstanding record of 25 wins and 5
losses, including twenty-three wins in their last twenty-four
games.
Team and individual honours gained by the Axemen were many. The
club won the Acadia Invitational, the A.U.A.A. league and playoff
championships, and, of course, the C.I.A.U. title. Individually, Ed
Shannon was the A.U.A.A.'s most valuable player; Alvin Jessamy was
named to the Conference's first-team all-star squad; Doug Roberts
was placed on the league's second all-star team; Gordie West won
the Don Seaman Sportsmanship Award; Alvin Jessamy was chosen
All-Canadian and was named to the First Team AII-Star Squad at the
National Basketball Tournament and Dick Hunt won Coach-of-the-Year
honours.
Senior Ed Shannon from Worcester, Mass. amassed outstanding point
totals during the season, including 48 points and 23 rebounds in
one A.U.A.A. play off game. Junior Alvin Jessamy from New York
finished the season with a 20 points per game average and was the
outstanding offensive rebounder in the country. Doug Roberts, a
freshman from Maine, became the team's third leading scorer with a
14-point per game average. Sackville, Nova Scotia star Robbie
Upshaw was an outstanding starting guard and increased his
floor-shooting percentage to 41 percent. South Shore star Gordie
West was the other starting guard. Being an outstanding clutch
performer, he made the big play in nearly every crucial spot that
contributed to many Axemen victories.
On the bench rookie Ted Upshaw, from nearby Windsor, became a
vital force as the season progressed as his soft shooting touch and
tremendous rebounding ability gave the Axemen one of the most
powerful bench strengths in Canadian basketball. Kentville star
Tony Acker provided outstanding defensive muscle, while AI Oliver,
Eric Skinner, Bruce Toigo, John Archibald, Steve Johnson, Peter
Leighton, Norm Whynot and Bruce Hunt each had many fine moments
throughout the campaigns.
In the championship game at the Halifax Forum before an excited
crowd of 5,000 fans, the Axemen dominated Lakehead Nor'Westers to
win the title. For Coach Dick Hunt and his assistants Don Crosby
and John Townsend, therapist Peter Justason and team manager
Elizabeth Raaymakers, a fitting climax to a job that was very well
done.
1970-71 Men's Basketball
The '70-71 men's basketball team was the second Acadia squad to
win the National Championship. Guided by coaches Gib Chapman and
Dr. Jim Logue, the Axemen lost but two of their thirty-two
encounters. They went through the league schedule undefeated
-losing only to Simon Fraser and Hofstra University in early-season
tournament play. The season was a total team effort.
At the Nationals held at Acadia's War Memorial Gymnasium, the
Axemen qualified for play in the championship game by defeating the
Loyola Warriors and the Windsor Lancers by respective scores of
59-42 and 84-55.
In the championship game against the University of Manitoba
Bisons, the Axemen established from the opening whistle a very
strong defense. By the ten-minute mark of the first half, the team
was ahead, 18-8. Forced to shoot from outside, the Bisons' Bob Town
and Ross Wedlake were held at bay.
Taking a 30-15 lead into the second half, the Axemen continued to
frustrate the Bisons who consequently ran into serious foul
difficulties.
In the ultimate 72-48 triumph, Kentville-born Gary Folker did a
fantastic job on the boards, while being successful in all eight
attempts from the foul line. He and Co-captain Steve Pound, the
latter destined to graduate as the Axemen's all-time leading
scorer, each collected ten points in the championship game.
Peter Phipps, who was the star in the team's victory over Windsor,
was tremendous as team quarterback. Jerome "Bruiser" McGee, who
provided much of the muscle under the boards, scored thirteen
points. Yet, the star among the stars was the team's co-captain
Rick Eaton who, in his final home-game went out with a flourish,
scoring twenty-seven points.
For his efforts, Rick was named the tournament's MVP and became a
unanimous choice for selection to the All-Canadian Intercollegiate
Basketball Team. As they had done all season, Paul Talbot, Jon
Beausang, Tom Staines, Tom Farrington, Terry Condon, Freeman
Schofield, Fred Moczulski, as well as team manager Willis Porter
and trainer, the late Harvey Mills all made outstanding
contributions to the Axemen's championship victories.
1964-65 Men's Basketball
The 1964-65 Axemen's basketball team brought great distinction to
their university, conference and province by winning the national
title.
Initially, Coach Stu Aberdeen saw the return of seasoned veterans
for what looked like a great year. But injuries riddled the
starting five. Fourteen or fifteen men had tried out for the squad,
but when the dust had finally settled, only Dave Rode, Andy
Kranack, Steve Konchalski, Peter Pike, Jim Clark, Scott Lumsden,
Brian Heaney, and Ward White remained under the tutelage of Coach
Aberdeen and his assistant, Dr. Jim Logue.
Each Conference game was a struggle in itself as several times
Coach Aberdeen had only six men dressed to play. Highlighting these
early encounters was a January contest against St.Mary's in Halifax
when Brian Heaney, in only his second game as a regular, scored 28
points in a 4-point Acadia victory. On another occasion, Heaney's
15 points in the last 12 minutes gave the Axemen a single point
triumph over St.F.X. and a first- place position in the Conference.
In another big game that season, Dave Rode accumulated 52 points in
a 122-41 win over Mt.Allison.
Disposing of St.F.X. in playoff action that season, the Axemen
gained the right to compete in the Nationals, hosted in Halifax at
the St.Pat's gymnasium. The scoreboard at the final buzzer
indicated an 83-79 victory for the Axemen over the Carleton Ravens.
The stage was then set for the grand finale -the Aberdeen men to do
battle against the Windsor Lancers. The contest, a cliff hanger all
the way, saw the lead change hands some 17 times. An overtime surge
nailed the National Championship for Acadia at 92-83 and allowed
the Valley-based university to become the first-ever Nova Scotia
school to win the coveted national title. This accomplishment
earned them a spot in Nova Scotia's Sports Hall of Fame.
Steve Konchalski established several Tournament records. His 41
points and 17 field goals eclipsed Warren Sutton's single game
highs. His totals of 69 points and 30 field goals "bested" other
Sutton achievements. Dave Rode grabbed 23 rebounds to surpass
U.B.C's Joe Cook's mark by 6. Brian Heaney joined the Tournament's
MVP, Steve Konchalski, on the all-star team.