StFX Athletics was proud to welcome the newest members of the StFX Sports Hall of Fame in the 2024 induction ceremony on September 14th at the Barrick Auditorium in Mulroney Hall.
Inductees included five athletes: David Barry (X-Men Basketball), Tony Cuomo (X-Men Hockey), Chris Sellitri, (X-Men Basketball), Bethany Johnston (X-Women Rugby) and Brayden Ferguson (X-Women Hockey); along with Father Stanley MacDonald into the builder category, and the 1993 X-Men Soccer and 1998 X-Women Rugby squads into the team category.
The inductees were welcomed into the StFX Sports Hall of Fame by StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin and Director of Athletics & Recreation Leo MacPherson.
An X-Men Basketball standout from the mid-sixties, David Barry commented that he was “honoured and pleased to accept the recognition.” He thanked John ‘Packy” McFarland who coached him during his first three seasons at StFX, saying he “believed in the full success of his players and not just on the court.”
Mr. Barry acknowledged that construction on the StFX Oland Centre began the year he graduated, and now the same building is reopening under the Saputo Centre name.
While reflecting on his time at the university, he noted, “I appreciate everything StFX has done for me.”
Brayden Ferguson was a stellar forward who skated to multiple accolades with the X-Women Hockey team in the late 2000s. She relayed it was a “humbling moment to accept the honour” into the Hall of Fame.
She thanked coaches Dave Synishin and Ben Berthiaume “for not only providing the essential skills of the game, but for also instilling the value of discipline both on and off the ice.”
As she reflected on her time spent in Antigonish, Ms. Ferguson commented, “From the moment I arrived I felt a part of a large family. The university and community embraced me as one of their own.”
She will always cherish her memories from StFX as part of the X-Women program and concluded with a quote: “Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you. Spend a lot of time with them and it will change your life forever.”
Another dynamic hockey forward from the late seventies era, Tony Cuomo earned his place in the Hall of Fame, with his official citation reading being delivered by his son Marcus Cuomo, also an X-Men Hockey alumnus.
The senior Mr. Cuomo noted, “I am incredibly proud to have my name forever associated with StFX University.”
After arriving on the StFX campus at the age of 27 after his major junior career, he noted that it was here at StFX that he rediscovered, “my love of playing hockey for the love of the game and for something bigger than myself. I wanted to do my best for my school.”
Mr. Cuomo concluded with a quote referencing the old adage “as one doors closes, another one opens,” as he commented, “I want to thank Wayne Gretzky for closing the door on my junior career, thanks to my mother Delma for pointing me towards the door, thanks to my uncle Chi-Chi [Farenzena – fellow StFX Hall of Famer] for knocking on the door, and thanks to Father Kehoe [former StFX Athletic Director] for opening the door.”
A women’s rugby pioneer from the late 1980’s Bethany Johnston was humbled by her induction, noting, “It is very humbling to know that when I look across the landscape of all the great athletes in this room and those who have come before me, that the selection committee thought I should be a part of them, I am deeply honoured.”
Ms. Johnston reflected about the nature of the sport of rugby in her remarks, noting that “you can’t be successful on a rugby pitch without your teammates,” and “I loved and still love the fact that any body type can excel at rugby, which is a great message for women. If you watch a rugby game you get a lesson in the power of diversity and teamwork.”
She noted the pride of almost 40 years of X-Women Rugby and the shift in equality and appreciation of women’s sports. “I can’t encourage you enough to watch women’s sports. Encourage your daughters to play and show your children – boys and girls – that sports heroes are women too. Fight for equality in sport and society will follow.”
X-Men Basketball standout Chris Sellitri was fortunate to don the White and Blue jersey for two stints over his StFX career. He commented that “It was a pleasant surprise to find out I had been inducted into the StFX Sports Hall of Fame,” when he received the phone call from Athletic Director Leo MacPherson.
He was pleased to be back on the StFX campus after a 37-year hiatus and noted that “the changes that have gone on have been incredible.”
Mr. Sellitri thanked several of his former teammates who all “inspired me to be my best on and off the court.”
He also extended gratitude to both Tom Konchalski and Steve Konchalski who gave him “not one but two opportunities to play basketball at StFX,” and he thanked Coach K for “guiding me when I needed it the most.”
A beloved individual known to StFX fans young and old, Rev. Stanley MacDonald was honoured as a builder into the Hall of Fame. Proud and honoured to be inducted, he commented, “I have loved StFX from the time that I was a kid, and I continue to love StFX.”
Father Stan noted that there have been many changes at the university over the years since he was a student in the early 1950s, and that the change that stands out the most to him is the attitude towards women’s sports. He acknowledged the female student-athletes who have “gained equality and won over the hearts of little girls and boys all over the country.
“They admire you, they love to cheer for you, and you women – are women of excellence.”
He urged everyone to continue to show solid support for all X-Women and X-Men student-athletes. “Let us contribute our energy, our cheers. Let our support be strong. Let it be heard. GO X GO!” as he concluded with his well-known refrain.
The crowd in turn responded with a resounding “Go Stan Go!” chant of their own as he accepted his official Hall of Frame induction photo from Dr. Hakin and Mr. MacPherson.
The inaugural women’s varsity rugby squad, the 1998 X-Women Rugby team was inducted into the team category on Saturday night.
Eryn Hessian, representing her teammates, thanked their coaches who were fellow student-athletes from the X-Men rugby team who had “an enormous amount of belief in us that we could be something special.”
She also thanked the X-Women Rugby pioneers of the early 1980s who paved the way for the 1998 team as they bridged the gap between the club and varsity sport era.
Fellow teammate Krista Millar-Smith also commented on the transition to a varsity sport and how all the athletes on the team were ‘walk-on’ players. “We didn’t have matching socks, we didn’t have a dressing room, we bought our shorts at the campus bookstore, but we worked really hard.
“With the support of our coaches, we supported each other, and we started winning that year.”
She also acknowledged the support they received across campus and from athletes on their fellow varsity teams who came out to encourage and cheer them on their games. Ms. Millar-Smith concluded by describing the lifelong friendships that emerged from her StFX rugby teammates and the pride of what they accomplished in that inaugural varsity season.
Ms. Hessian signed off, “Thank you very much StFX, for this opportunity that you’ve given to us.”
The 1993 X-Men Soccer team was the second team of the evening to be enshrined into the StFX Sports Hall of Fame.
Co-captain Cashel Meagher noted that there was excitement leading into the 1993 season and two words were foremost in their minds - “confidence and desire.” They knew it was their time and he praised the vision and courage of their head coach Lou Bilek in rebuilding their team into a championship contender.
Mr. Meagher noted that what emerged over the course of the season was the importance of “fellowship and camaraderie.”
His teammate and co-captain Trevor Reddick also reflected on the “guidance, vision and leadership of Coach Bilek that turned our potential into reality.”
Mr. Reddick alluded to Coach Bilek’s advice of “staying on the bus,” a metaphor for being able to accomplish anything “if we had everyone on board – and we did.”
“Our success was built on a foundation of teamwork and relentless work ethic. Every practice, every game, our team pushed each other to be better, knowing that our strength lay in our unity and our shared commitment to excellence.”
He continued, “The friendships we forged during our time together were the real victories. These relationships went well beyond the field, creating a network of support and camaraderie that has lasted long after the final whistle.”
Mr. Reddick summed up the evening perfectly on behalf of all inductees when he stated, “Here’s to celebrating the power of teamwork, the spirit of excellence, and the gift of friendship – hail and health!”
The official 2024 StFX Sports Hall of Fame citations follow.
David Barry (X-Men Basketball, Class of 1966)
A stellar men’s basketball athlete, David Barry set records on the court during his four seasons with the White and Blue. Named team rookie of the year in his freshman campaign, David led the X-Men in scoring and was runner-up for the Nova Scotia Intercollegiate Basketball League (NSIBL) scoring title. He guided his squad to both the Maritime Intercollegiate Basketball Conference (MIBC) and NSIBL finals in his sophomore season, and in 1964-65, became the first Canadian to win the MIBC scoring crown, averaging 24.6 points per game. His rebounding average of 17 RPG that season remains tops in the X-Men Basketball record book to this day. A co-captain in his senior year, David led the team in rebounding, was second in scoring and capped off his illustrious StFX career with more than 1,000 points. He was the 1966 recipient of the Larkin Trophy, awarded to the student who best represents StFX for athletic ability, academic achievement, character and leadership.
Tony Cuomo (X-Men Hockey, Class of 1981)
This dynamic forward skated into the hearts of White and Blue hockey fans with a sensational four-year AUAA career. Tony Cuomo was the StFX scoring leader in each of his four seasons, and captured the team’s most valuable player award an impressive four times. Named the X-Men’s top freshman in his inaugural campaign, he helped lead his team to the 1977-78 conference championship, while topping the AUAA in scoring. Tony’s individual accolades earned him AUAA all-conference status on three occasions, while also receiving a nod as a 1978-79 CIAU All-Canadian. He was honoured as the conference MVP in his 1980-81 senior season, tallying a season-best, league-leading 56 points, including 39 assists that set a then team record for single-season helpers. Tony continues to top the X-Men program in career assists.
Chris Sellitri (X-Men Basketball, Class of 1985)
From the start of his StFX varsity basketball career, Chris Sellitri established a well-deserved reputation as one of the premier rebounders in the AUAA. In his 1976-77 freshman campaign, the dynamic forward averaged 18.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, garnering AUAA first team all-star recognition. After a three-year hiatus, Chris returned to the court and later guided the X-Men to the 1985 Eastern Regional crown, along with a berth in the CIAU championship tournament. A tournament all-star at the Mid-East Regionals (1983-84) and CIAU tournament (1984-85), Chris garnered conference all-star status for the second time in his career in 1984-85. He remains fifth on the X-Men’s career scoring list, and is the White and Blue’s all-time leader in rebounding to this day with 1,487.
Bethany Johnston (X-Women Rugby, Class of 1990)
A women’s rugby pioneer, Bethany Johnston was a key leader in the early success of the X-Women program that won three consecutive Maritime championships in 1987, 1988 and 1989. She was honoured as the team’s most valuable player on three occasions, and garnered recognition as the conference MVP twice. Bethany starred on the same team that also won four Nova Scotia University championship club titles during her four-year stint with the White and Blue. A captain in her final three years with the X-Women, she owns the distinction of being the first StFX women’s rugby student-athlete to earn a spot on the Canadian national team. With Team Canada, Bethany played in eight international games including the 1998 World Cup where the Canadian team finished an impressive fourth place.
Brayden Ferguson (X-Women Hockey, Class of 2009)
A highly skilled forward, Brayden Ferguson fashioned a historic five-year career highlighted by unprecedented individual success. She garnered AUS all-star recognition in each of her five seasons, including two first team and three second team nods. In her 2007-08 senior season, Brayden led the nation in scoring with 50 points, was named the X-Women and AUS MVP, while also collecting CIS first-team All-Canadian status. She capped off her final varsity campaign by winning the prestigious CIS player-of-the-year award, the first ever X-Women Hockey player to garner the national distinction. Brayden was the co-winner of the StFX female student-athlete of the year in 2007-08 and left her mark in several AUS record books. She is currently third overall in AUS career scoring with 196 points (105 goals and 91 assists) in 100 games. Her 105 goals, which rank second all-time in the conference, include an AUS single-season best 30 in 2005-06.
Rev. Stanley MacDonald (Class of 1954)
A proud alumnus and beloved StFX super fan, Rev. Stanley MacDonald - 'Father Stan,' as he is more affectionately known – has been a fixture in the crowd of X-Men and X-Women games in all sports for the past decade and a half. His gregarious smile and booming voice with his distinctive “Go X Go!” chant can instantly energize a crowd. As a student in the early 50’s, Stan was a dual-sport athlete competing on both the varsity rugby and hockey teams. He returned to StFX in 2008 following his retirement, and while residing on campus, Father Stan developed into the ultimate StFX Athletics supporter - a kindhearted soul beloved by StFX athletes, alumni and fans young and old. Father Stan has also been known to greet teams leaving and returning from road trips, travel to games and championships, make inspirational guest appearances in locker rooms and practices, and lovingly engage with students all across campus. The Athletic department honoured Father Stan in 2013 with the 'X-ceptional Award,' for going above and beyond to contribute in a positive manner to StFX Athletics, praising him for his spirit, enthusiasm, unwavering support and loyal dedication to the White and Blue.
1993 X-Men Soccer Team
Featuring a tight-knit and talented line-up that boasted a distinct Maritime flavour, the 1993 X-Men Soccer team captured the program’s first ever AUAA championship banner, kicking off a run of supremacy that included representing the conference at the CIAU national tournament in three out of five years, along with two more AUAA berths (1994 and 1997). Coming off a one-win season, the 1993 X-Men skyrocketed to the top of the competitive conference with an AUAA-best record of 7-2-3. By defeating Memorial in a shootout in the conference semifinal, the X-Men went on to capture the AUAA banner with a thrilling 2-0 victory over Dalhousie in front of a hometown raucous crowd of over 1,500 in Antigonish. At the CIAU championship tournament, they dropped a close 2-0 decision to eventual champion Sherbrooke, and fell 1-0 to Queen’s in penalty kicks.
Team members include: Mark Bekkers, Ian Bilek, Jacques Boudreau, Jacob Chuwa, Kyle Frizzle, Brad Gillis, Paul Keating, Derek Knoechel, Joey MacCormack, Carl MacGillivray, Karl MacNeil, Cashel Meagher, Chris Nolan, Mike O’Brien, Chad Power, Randy Reardon, Trevor Reddick, Jorge Rodriguez, Brad Thompson, Richard Tobin, Rob Whalen, Lou Bilek (head coach), Rob Canning (assistant coach), Ron Nugent (trainer), Jeff Earl (manager) and Aaron Steeghs (assistant manager).
1998 X-Women Rugby
Nineteen ninety-eight was a history-making season for the White and Blue. Women’s rugby debuted as a varsity sport not only at StFX, but in Canadian universities across the country. This StFX squad laid the foundation for an unmatched and dominant run in not only the AUS, but also in U SPORTS for X-Women Rugby. The program boasts 23 conference crowns, including 17 consecutive triumphs; in addition to six gold medals on the national championship stage. This X-Women Rugby dynasty started on the shoulders of the 1998 team. Coming off a one-win campaign the season prior, and under the guidance of a trio of X-Men Rugby student coaches, the X-Women posted a 7-1 mark, followed by a Nova Scotia title victory and an appearance in the first AUAA championship match. On a muddy field at Oland Stadium, StFX defeated St. Thomas to take home the inaugural conference title, earning the right to represent the league at the CIAU national championship tournament. Despite going 0-3, the X-Women performed at a high level and never gave an inch to their much more experienced opponents from larger and more established programs at the 1998 nationals in Hamilton.
Team members include: Jennifer Beaton, Deanna Bennett, Pamela Burgess, Cynthia Cameron, Dorothy Caul, Monique Colton, Katie Corrigan, Meagan Cuddles, Melanie Doucette, Christine Ford, Louise Hamelin, Eryn Hessian, Jennifer Hickey, Karen Madden, Tracy-Lynn Malone, Maria Mullally, Marcie Murray, Krista Millar, Crystal Paynter, Danielle Pierce, Nathalie Poirier, Sheena Ruff, Heather Stephens, Gabrielle Tompkins, Margaret Ann Walsh, Heather Wright, Ed Carty (administrator), Derek Wood (administrator), Ramses Langston (head coach), Patrick Cusson (assistant coach), Scott McDonell (assistant coach), Rory McIntosh (assistant coach), and Angie Reid (trainer).
