Athlete - Football
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019
Halifax native Stuart MacLean came to Acadia in the fall of 1979 after a stellar high school football career at Queen Elizabeth High School. While at QEH, he was mentored by two coaching legends, Bob Douglas '56 and Mike Tanner.
Originally a MVP quarterback in high school, MacLean stepped into the Acadia lineup at the linebacker position and helped to lead the Axemen to the Vanier Cup championship in his freshman season. Before leaving Acadia in 1983, he would play on a second Vanier Cup champion in 1981.
MacLean was one of several QEH graduates to suit up for the Axemen in the late 70s and early 80s. The list also included his brother Scott, also a member of the 1981 championship team, as well as Tony Munden, Steve Smith, Ross Langley, David Joudry and Quentin 'Snoopy' Tynes.
MacLean was one of the leaders of the Axemen defense during his time at Acadia, bringing an intensity to the defensive unit with his speed and relentless pursuit.
A fierce competitor, MacLean drove his teammates to be better and always led by example. When a big play was needed at a crucial time, the Axemen captain always came through.
Former teammate Keith Skiffington recalled that MacLean's intensity was inspiring. “As a player, Stu not only wanted to make the play, but punish the ball carrier every time, and he did.
“In the huddle, he would be constantly firing everyone up. On numerous occasions I would calmly tell him to get the play called as the other team was lining up on the ball.”
MacLean was named the AUAA Defensive Player of the Year for the championship season in 1981, and repeated as the conference award winner the following season. He was an AUAA all-star three consecutive years beginning in 1981.
Nationally, he was recognized by the coaches across the country as a first-team all Canadian in both 1981 and 1982 and as the CIAU Presidents Trophy nominee from the AUAA.
MacLean was one of five members of the 1981 Vanier Cup champion Axemen to be drafted into the Canadian Football League. He was chosen in the sixth round of the 1982 CFL draft, the 48th overall selection, by the Calgary Stampeders.
Since his graduation, MacLean has remained active in the sport of football as a coach, including a stint as head coach of the Dalhousie varsity squad.
When Acadia selected and honoured its all-time football greats in 2005, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Canadian Football at Acadia, MacLean was one of the choices at linebacker on the all-decade team for the 1980s.
Skiffington noted that MacLean “was, and is, Mr. Intensity, and leads by example, whether working as the CEO of the Workers Compensation Board, as a member of Acadia’ Board of Governors, on a volunteer board, coaching football, riding motor bikes, playing blues guitar or bagpipes, sailing, or when he played middle linebacker for Acadia. Stu's all in, all the time.”
The Acadia Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to induct, in the Athlete category, Stuart MacLean, a team leader and one of the top defensive football players of his generation.