Hall of Fame profile: 1983 X-Men Football Team
The 1983 X-Men Football team captured the second consecutive AUAA conference banner for the program with a thrilling 33-23 victory over the Acadia Axemen.
1983 X-Men Football Team
The 1983 X-Men Football team captured the second consecutive AUAA conference banner for the program with a thrilling 33-23 victory over the Acadia Axemen. Finishing with a 6-2 record that season, the white and blue led the conference in total yards (2,014) and interceptions (19).
A pair of X-Men garnered All-Canadian status - running back and AUAA most valuable player Don Dempsey, and linebacker Pat Jancsy, who led the AUAA conference with six interceptions. Both were named AUAA all-stars, along with teammates Paul Dundon, Bill McIntyre, Kevin Reaume, John McIver and Shawn Northfield.
Although they did not get the opportunity to play in the Atlantic Bowl – the AUAA boycotted the championship that season in protest of the CIAU's effort to move the annual game away from its traditional home in Halifax – the 1983 X-Men left white and blue supporters with countless memories of a fantastic season.
Team members of the celebrated gridiron team included: David Austin, Ron Blair, John Caplice, Dave Corney, Don Dempsey, Paul Dundon, Joe Gaff, Paul Gagnon, Steve Gorgichuk, Howie Haskings, Pat Jancsy, Mike Joyce, Paul Kane, Greg Knap, Bruce Loney, Paul Loparco, Steve Lovisek, Bob Lupinski, Bernard Lyons, Mark MacDougall, John MacLean, Paul Martin, Robert McClure, Andy McConnell, Tom McEachern, Bill McIntyre, John McIver, Jim Melvin, Jadran Mlinarevic, Steve Mosher, Mike Munroe, Dave Muller, Frank Muller, Shawn Northfield, Kevin Reaume, Martin Rochon, Billie-Rae Sommerville, Jeff Stanley, Bob Stevenson, Bill Stillman, Marcel St. Pierre, Ken Swick, Alan Tracey, Joe Widdifield, Equipment Managers Robert Cullen & Richard Peters, Head Trainer Johnny Pike, Student Staff John Frezell, Kent MacDonald & Brian Haley, Assistant Coaches Lance Bullock, Phil Hughes & Scott Spurgeon, and Head Coach John Musselman.
The STFX Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place Friday, October 6th at 7:30 pm at the Barrick Auditorium at the STFX Mulroney Institute for Government. The general public is welcome to attend the ceremony. It will also be streamed live online by CLICKING HERE