WOLFVILLE, N.S. - Acadia University and the Department of Athletics announced today the naming of the Acadia Athletics Complex gymnasium court. As part of the War Memorial Gymnasium complex, the playing surface will be called the Stu Aberdeen Court in honour of one of Acadia's most successful and influential coaches.

Stu Aberdeen, a native of Lewiston, New York, and graduate of Springfield College, coached at Acadia from the fall of 1958 to the spring of 1966, guiding the basketball Axemen to a position of prominence in competition against the best teams in Canadian intercollegiate circles.

During his eight-year stint at Acadia, Aberdeen directed his teams to six conference championships, five Maritime titles, a national crown and an overall 122-50 coaching record. He was a perennial coach-of-the-year and established a streak of 42 consecutive wins that became a Canadian collegiate record.

Stu Aberdeen Court will be officially named during a ceremony planned for Friday, September 30, 2016.  This will be in conjunction with the Stu Aberdeen Challenge that weekend featuring the Laval Rouge et Or, StFX X-Men, Carleton Ravens and host Acadia Axemen. Mrs. Lynn Aberdeen, wife of the late Stu Aberdeen, and several family members along with several of Aberdeen's players will be a part of this special event.

"Thanks to generous alumni support, Acadia was able to replace the gymnasium bleachers, providing a wonderful opportunity to honour Coach Aberdeen for his immense contributions to Acadia University," said Acadia's Director of Athletics Kevin Dickie.

Stu Aberdeen Challenge Schedule

Friday, September 30

6:00 pm               Carleton Ravens vs. Laval Rouge et Or
8:00 pm               Acadia Axemen vs. StFX X-Men

Saturday, October 1

6:00 pm               Laval Rouge et Or vs. StFX X-Men
8:00 pm               Acadia Axemen vs. Carleton Ravens

Sunday, October 2

12:00 pm               Carleton Ravens vs. StFX X-Men
2:00 pm               Acadia Axemen vs. Laval Rouge et Or