X-Men Soccer History

Up until the 1960's the X-Men soccer teams consisted mostly of Newfoundlander's and players from abroad. Improvements to the local game have seen an increasing trend of players from the Nova Scotia, and specifically Antigonish. Many local players have contributed greatly to the game here at X. They have even been recognized as high achieving athletes and scholars both by the AUS Conference and the CIS.

Some players having have even returned to their old stomping grounds to contribute to the campus community as a whole. One such local player is Dr. Sean Riley who spent four years at StFX in the seventies and finished his career as team captain. Dr. Riley is now the President of the school and can still be seen from time to time on the field with the players trying to instill his pride for both the school and the game.

Other Local players have left there mark on the field of play and moved on to greater things. Glen MacDougall, Rob and Ronald Whelan, Trevor Riddick, Ian Bilek, Brad and Jason Thompson all of whom were local Antigonishers that played and were recognized for there athletic greatness through out their respective careers.

Trevor Riddick and Ian Bilek moved on to pursue dreams of professional careers in England and the Czech Republic. Trevor and Ian have both returned to Canada and Trevor can still be seen from time to time at StFX helping with the newest crop of soccer players.

More recently has seen a very diverse international flavour to the men's soccer program. The current team now has players from 6 countries and 5 continents. The team has also seen a western migration luring away athletes from large urban centres like Calgary and Ottawa. The team still carries a strong Nova Scotian flavour.