By SMU Alumni |
David Sykes BA’94, BComm’94, a starting quarterback in the early 90s, led the Huskies to 25 wins and only 6 losses, and helped Saint Mary’s compete in both the Atlantic Bowl and the Vanier Cup. Sykes received back-to-back Russ Jackson awards for “best exemplifying the attributes of academic achievement, football skill, and citizenship.” He was also the first SMU student and football player to receive a Rhodes scholarship. Sykes went on to receive an MA from Oxford, where he captained the famed school’s hockey team and won an “Oxford Blue.” He later earned an MSc degree from the London School of Economics.
Before 1996/1997, no Saint Mary’s University Women’s Volleyball Team had ever won a title. That year, led by Coach Lori Welsh Hawley, AUAA MVP, Dana Olsen, and 2nd team AUAA All-star, Nadine Sinclair, they not only claimed the title, but finished Conference play with a perfect 20 wins and no losses. It was a dream season for a remarkable group of women athletes.
Stephen Hart BA’85, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, joined Huskies soccer in 1981 and after a successful stint as AUS all-star midfielder, transitioned to coaching. Saint Mary’s Women’s Soccer and Soccer Nova Scotia both benefitted from his expertise, until the Canadian National Team came calling. Hart served as the interim head coach of Canada’s National team and eventually earned the head coaching position. In 2009, he led Canada to one of its best international finishes, the quarter finals of the Gold Cup. Hart is currently head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Team.
