2012 Dalhousie Sport Hall of Fame Class

In 2012, Dalhousie inducted three athletes, one builder and one team as part of it's Hall of Fame class.

Larry Archibald, Reginald Cluney, and Andrew Cole were all inducted as athletes. Dr. Alexander (Sandy) Young was inducted as a builder and the 1994 Women's Soccer team was inducted as a team.

Larry Archibald, Athlete: Basketball, Track and Field & Wrestling

There are many things that drive athletic ambition, but one may argue that Larry Archibald was driven by the most important attribute – a simple love of sport.  Despite his small frame he was determined to compete and he did with all his heart, making him an incredibly successful Dalhousie athlete.

Larry grew up in Truro, Nova Scotia and his number one sport was basketball, even though he was often the smallest one on the court. He says he never really worried about his height - he just played and enjoyed playing. A talented basketball player at a young age, Larry was recruited by many universities including Acadia, UNB, Mt. Allison, and Ohio, but in the end it was Tigers head coach Al Yarr who convinced him that Dalhousie was the place to be.

In the fall of 1964 Larry enrolled in Dalhousie’s science program and began playing for the black and gold. The Tigers basketball team had been struggling and Al Yarr had recruited Larry, and others, to bring the team out of it’s slump. One of Larry’s best memories was this first year as he and his friend and teammate George Hughs both lived with head coach Al Yarr. The 1965 Gazette called Larry and George “the best backcourt duo in the league.” In the 1965-66 season Larry set Dalhousie records for most points in one game (33) and the most points in one season (276) and he was recognized as an AUAA All-Star.

Larry was also a member of the track and field team his first two seasons at Dal. He was a talented sprinter and competed in the 100 and 200 metre sprint events, and the 400 and 800 metre relay events. At the 1965-66 AUAA track and field championship he earned silver medals in the 200 metre sprint and the 110 metre hurdles. His hurdles time of 13.2 seconds was one of the fastest times nationally that season.

After his first two years at Dalhousie Larry was unsure of continuing his science and chemistry degree so he decided to take a year off of school. During his time away from Dalhousie he played basketball for the Halifax Senior A Team which qualified for the Canadian Senior Championship.

In the fall of 1967 he returned to Dalhousie in the Physical Education Program. The next season Larry joined the wrestling club and earned the provincial championship for his weight class. While at Dalhousie he also participated in faculty intramurals including floor hockey, badminton, tennis, and flag football.

The following season, 1969-70, Larry returned to the Tigers basketball lineup and led the team to an outstanding record of 10 wins, 2 losses. He was once again named an AUAA All-Star and his skill on the court was recognized nationally as he was invited to tryout for the Canadian National Team. Dalhousie also recognized Larry as a co-winner of the Climo Trophy as the Male Athlete of the Year.

Upon graduation from Dalhousie, Larry attended the University of Western Ontario where he played for the Mustangs basketball team in 1970-71 and was named the team MVP and an OUAA West All-Star. He later completed his Masters of Education at the University of Toronto.

Larry spent a number of years as a teacher for physical education, science and history before becoming a principal and finally a superintendent. He retired in 2008 after over 30 years as an educator.

While many students leave Dalhousie with an exceptional experience, Larry also graduated married. He met his wife, Evelyn, in an English class and they have been happily married since 1968. Larry and Evelyn had three children and have maintained a very active lifestyle that includes canoeing, cross-country skiing, golf, hiking and more. Earlier this month they completed a 12-day 500km bike ride in Quebec.

Reginald Cluney, Athlete: Football

Football fans in the early 1950’s watched with anticipation to see what Reg Cluney would do next on the field. A talented athlete, Reg attributes his success to a little bit of luck and lots of hard work.

Born and raised in Halifax, Reg was interested in football from a very young age. He attended St. Patricks High School and came to Dalhousie on his father’s advice with the hopes of getting into law school. Enrolling in Dalhousie’s arts program in 1949, Reg joined the Tigers football team and despite not playing in a single game that first season his determination to succeed on the field kept him going.

Reg’s patience and hard work paid off with a starting role the following season. A versatile athlete, Reg played many positions for the football team over the years. His career began as a flying wing, now called a flanker, before he became a running back and then the team quarter back. A two-way player, Reg also played defensive halfback and was the team’s go-to kicker. Although this was not uncommon at the time, it was rare that an athlete played a full 60-minute game as Reg did.

A two-year captain, Reg’s talent and leadership steered the Tigers to the Halifax City Canadian Football League Purdy Cup Championship in both 1951 and 1954. In 1951 he was awarded the Duffus trophy as the league’s Most Valuable Player and in 1954 he was named the Purdy Cup Championship MVP. He was also named the team’s Most Valuable Player twice.

One of Reg’s best memories of the football team was beating StFX in the 1954 Purdy Cup championship game. The Tigers were the underdogs and had previously lost 35-7, but Dalhousie put everything on the line to best the X-Men on home turf in Antigonish. The 1954-55 season Dalhousie honoured Reg as the Male Athlete of the Year.

While at Dalhousie Reg served one year as the Dalhousie Ameature Athletic Club president in 1953. He also played junior varsity and varsity basketball for two seasons each. Despite his general interest in sports, Reg’s love was for football and it was apartent to everyone who watched him play. The Dalhousie Gazette student newspaper reported that ‘Reg played inspired football.’ The leading kicker for his team, Reg still remains third overall in the Dalhousie football record books, despite playing during a time when touchdowns were only worth five points.

After graduating from Dalhousie’s law program in 1955 and working for McInnis Cooper for over 50 years, Reg retired in 2007.  He remained involved with the Tigers football program as a coach until 1960 and recently assisted in bringing football back to Dalhousie as a club sport.

Andrew Cole, Athlete: Swimming

Andrew Cole is one of the most decorated and well-liked swimmers in Dalhousie and Nova Soctian history. An incredible athlete with a unique personality, Andrew’s ability to overcome and inspire has led him to a successful coaching career.

Born in Middleton, Nova Scotia Andrew began swimming at the age of six because his mom did not want him playing hockey in cold rinks. By age 11 he had developed a love for the sport and was swimming for the Dartmouth Crusaders under head coach David Fry.  Andrew says that one of his favourite things about swimming is that it is “a measurable sport where you can see your improvement.”

When he joined the Tigers in 1981 Andrew instantly felt like a welcomed member of the team. The head coach Nigel Kemp was on sabbatical so former Crusaders coach David Fry was leading the team. Andrew instantly found success in the Dalhousie pool and in his first season was an AUAA All-Star and named the team MVP. He was an AUAA All-Star, a CIAU All-Canadian and team MVP each of the five seasons he swam at Dalhousie.

In his second year Andrew was selected as team captain and he remained in the leadership position for four seasons. Primarily competing in the 100 metre and 200 metre breaststroke events, he set numerous AUAA, Dalhousie and Nova Scotia records, and only lost a single 100 metre breaststroke race in his entire AUAA career.

After four seasons with the Tigers, Andrew went to swim for the University of Toronto, but over holidays he suffered a broken leg from a sledding accident and was unable to finish the season. Doctors were unsure if Andrew would ever walk properly again. The healing process was long and tedious and Andrew was surprised to receive assistance from Dalhousie swimming head Coach Nigel Kemp.

By the fall Andrew has miraculously recovered and had decided to rejoin the Tigers for the 1986-87 season. Although the accident had severely damaged his leg, his competitive drive and teammates support pushed him forward for yet another winning year.

A highly decorated athlete, Andrew’s accomplishments include 17 AUAA championship medals, 11 gold and 8 silver, and eight CIAU championship medals; two gold, four silver and two bronze. He was named the AUAA Male Swimmer of the Year in 1983 and 1984 and Dalhousie’s Male Athlete of the Year in 1983-84. While at Dalhousie Andrew also excelled academically, earning degrees in both biology and kinesiology.

Andrew’s swimming career also included international events with Team Canada. He attended the Pan Pacific International Meet in 1988 and he competed in New Zealand in 1984 and Japan in 1988. Despite an incredible comeback effort following his leg injury he was unable to make the Olympic team, but has no regrets, as he knows he tried his best.

Once his athletic career had concluded Andrew remained involved with sport as a coach. He led club swimming in Truro, Nova Scotia for two seasons before completing a ten-year role as head coach for UNB from 1990 to 2001 with the exception of a single year sabbatical to work with the Canadian Olympic team in 1995. From 2001 to 2005 Andrew coached with David Fry at the National Swim Centre in Halifax where he had the opportunity to work with Tigers swimmers. Presently, Andrew is the swim team head coach at McMaster University, a role he has held since 2005.

Andrew’s contribution to sport in Nova Scotia has not gone unnoticed. In 1993 he was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame and in 2000 he was awarded the A.J. Sandy Young Award.

Dr. Alexander (Sandy) Young, Builder: Sport Historian

A celebrated raconteur, educator, colleague and leader, Sandy Young was known for his exceptional personality and support of Nova Scotian sport.

Born in New York City and educated in Pennsylvania and Maryland, Sandy moved to Nova Scotia in 1970 and never looked back. A professor for Dalhousie’s School of Physical Education, now the School of Health and Human Performance, Sandy’s excitement for athletics was contagious for anyone he spoke with.

Sandy’s passion for sports began in his childhood. He played basketball and football through high school and university and continued to play basketball as a regular at Dalhousie’s noon hoops for over 25 years. His other great passion was for salmon fishing, but in general he was interested in any high level sport.

His desire to share sports stories with the world came from his children. One of Sandy’s daughters, Nicole, was playing for the Nova Scotia provincial team and remembers telling Sandy that Nova Scotia could never compete with other provincial teams. He became determined to dig up Nova Scotian sport history to prove that Nova Scotians could compete and to inspire his children and others. 

His research led to the publication of Beyond Heroes, a two-volume history of Nova Scotia sport.  This work has been monumental in the history of Nova Scotian sport as these books display Nova Scotia’s rich sports history that will inspire others for years to come.

Sandy led the way for many sports advocacy initiatives including the foundation of the Dalhousie Award, which was later renamed the A.J. Sandy Young Award, and is presented annually to an individual who has greatly contributed to sport in Nova Scotia. He was also known for his encouragement of young athletes and played a large role in establishing the Nova Scotia Sports Heritage Centre.

A superior researcher and inspired speaker, Sandy was the presenter for Nova Scotia Hall of Fame inductions for over 15 years.  His sense of humor exemplified his motto, “who wants the truth if it is boring?” In 2002 the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame inducted Sandy as a builder.

In 2000 Sandy succumbed to a two-year battle with cancer, however his message has lived on. He is survived by his four daughters; Gabrielle, Julie, Michelle and Nicole. They are unable to be here to celebrate Sandy’s legacy with us today, and have asked family friend Leslie Barnes to accept Sandy’s award on their behalf.

1994 Women's Soccer Team

That song, ladies and gentlemen, “Dreams Come True” was the ’94 women’s soccer team song that they listed to at every party, on every bus ride and every chance they got! I think it worked!

The 1994 women’s soccer season was a season that most teams might dream about. It was the ideal recipe for a golden ending that included outstanding leadership, exceptional work ethic, and a group of young women that never gave up.

After a week-long training camp the 1994 women’s soccer roster was set with a strong group of returning athletes bolstered by several top quality recruits. Despite the talented lineup the team faced a slow start with only one win and three ties in September, including one on a memorable trip to Newfoundland when they arrived only 15 minutes prior to kick-off due to a delayed flight.

October saw the Tigers pick up the pace with two wins early on, but they were set back by more ties as they struggled to win on the road. The team began to call themselves the ‘TIE-gers’, greatly frustrating head coach Turnbull. At Mount Allison on October 15 Dal once again struggled to show up on the field and when the game ended in a tie coach Turnbull ordered the girls on the bus and back to Halifax with no stops. The next day at practice the team arrived nervous, knowing that the coaches were unhappy, but not knowing what would come next. It was the turning point of the season as the team ran and ran that day in their fitness drill affectionately called ‘One quarter, one half, three quarters, let’s go!’  The men’s team and Dalplex staff stopped by the field and cheered the team on through the exercise and in the end the character of the team was formed.

With renewed drive the Tigers hit the pitch again and collected two wins before their single loss of the season to Acadia. Dalhousie finished the regular season tied for first place with Acadia and with a record of five wins, one loss and five ties.

At the AUAA championship semifinal the Tigers defeated StFX 2-0 and were set to face the host, Acadia for the title. In front of a loud crowd, the Tigers fought an exciting, entertaining and emotionally charged game that was scoreless after 90 minutes of regulation time. The teams continued to battle through two 15-minute overtime halves, however neither could catch an advantage so the game was pushed to penalty kicks. With both teams on edge, it was even until the tenth kicker, Dalhousie forward Dana Holmes, scored and Tigers netminder Leahanne Turner blocked the Acadia shooter for Dal’s second consecutive AUAA championship.

At the CIAU championship in Edmonton Dalhouse first faced Western Ontario and all-star Kate Gillespie scored two goals for a 2-0 victory over the Mustangs. In the semifinal game versus the host, Alberta, Dana Holmes put the Tigers ahead, but Alberta was able to sneak past the Dal defence to tie the game. A better record placed Dalhousie in the championship game against UBC.

Emotions were running high, but coach Turnbull told the team that it was really quite simple – everyone had a task and just needed to complete their task. Both Jane Walton and Holmes scored for the Tigers, but UBC answered both times, and regulation time ended in a tie. After two fifteen-minute overtime halves the score remained tied and the Tigers found themselves in a sudden death shootout. The Tigers sixth shooter found the back of the net and UBC hit the post, earning Dalhousie women’s soccer their first national championship in history.

An outstanding group of individuals and exceptional leadership helped the ’94 women’s soccer team accomplish their dreams. Head coach Turnbull and his assistant Dara Moore played critical roles that gave the athletes direction through the season. Midfielder Carla Perry was a standout on the field and recognized as the CIAU Championship MVP and a first team all-Canadian while Gillespie and Turner were named CIAU second team all-Canadians. Perry, Gillespie, Holmes, and Turner were also named CIAU tournament all-stars.

In the words of members of the team, that season was about much more than just soccer. It was about real life skills, keeping things in perspective, creating a balance, living up to potential and being classy in victory and in defeat. In a few short months of the soccer season these individuals obtained skills that will last a lifetime and a national victory that will be in Dalhousie history forever.