MEMBERSHIP HISTORY
The Nova Scotia College Conference (NSCC) came into existence during Centennial Year
(May 1967). The charter colleges were Nova Scotia Technical College, Halifax, University of
King’s College, Halifax; Nova Scotia Teachers College, Truro; Xavier College, Sydney;
Université Sainte-Anne, Church Point and Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC), Truro.
In its origin, the Conference was known as the Nova Scotia Small College Conference. The
major sports were soccer, hockey, and basketball. Tournament competition in golf, volleyball,
badminton, field hockey and cross-country had also found a part of the Conference scheduling
in the past.
The Canadian Coast Guard College (CCGC) joined the league in the spring of 1968. At the
completion of the 1968-69 schedule, Université Sainte-Anne (USA) and the Canadian Coast
Guard College withdrew from the Conference.
In the autumn of 1970, the conference further expanded. After a year’s leave of absence, the
CCGC returned with full playing privileges. Also, two new members were accepted into the
Conference: Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology, Sydney NS, and the Acadia
University
JV’s of Wolfville, NS. With the addition of these teams, the Conference divided into Eastern and
Western divisions, with the three Cape Breton colleges comprising the Eastern Division and the
five mainland schools making up the Western Division. At the completion of league play, the two
top teams from each division in each sport would meet for a championship tournament. Prior to
this type of play-off, the league winner was declared the champion.
Before the 1972-73 season, the Nova Scotia Technical College1 was granted a year’s leave of
absence. Added to the league were the JV teams of Dalhousie and St. Mary’s Universities of
Halifax. At the annual spring meeting in April 1973, the Nova Scotia Technical College returned,
and the University JV teams withdrew from the league. At the Conference’s annual meeting in
March 1974, the Canadian Coast Guard College withdrew from the league.
On July 1, 1974, the Eastern Institute of Technology and St. Francis Xavier (Sydney campus)
were combined to become the College of Cape Breton. In June 1976, Université Sainte-Anne
returned to the Conference but withdrew their playing privileges in July 1977.
The 1980 year saw Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) become a member of the NSCC.
The Canadian Coast Guard College re-joined the Conference for the 1984-85 season.
The Conference retained its stability for the next four years until the University College of Cape
Breton withdrew its soccer (W & M), basketball (W & M), and hockey (M) teams and became
members of the AUAA. They remained in the Association and competed in volleyball and
badminton. Mr. Bob Book, NS Sport and Recreation Commission, was appointed to Chair the
NSCAA in May 1991 (replacing Clary Laing).
1 The Nova Scotia Technical College was granted a change of name in June 1980 and
became the Technical University of Nova Scotia.
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There were major changes in 1990-91. The conference name was changed to the Nova Scotia
Colleges Athletic Association (NSCAA) and a new logo was developed and introduced. The
Université Sainte-Anne came back into the Association to play volleyball and badminton (W &
M). St. Thomas University (STU) of Fredericton, NB joined the conference to participate in the
same sports. Both schools also became members of the Canadian Colleges Athletic
Association (CCAA). Also, at the end of the 1991 season, the University College of Cape Breton
withdrew its volleyball and badminton teams from league competition retained only associate
membership. Cross-country running was also dropped as an ACAA competition.
In the fall of 1991, the NSCAA and the Nova Scotia sport community lost a good friend. Rod
Shoveller, Athletic Director at the Technical University of Nova Scotia and formerly at the
University of King’s College passed away on November 12, 1991. In his memory, the NSCAA
contributed $1,000 towards a scholarship under the auspices of TUNS. Also, the Association h
named a trophy in his honour that was initially presented on March 6, 1992, at the NSCAA
basketball championships held at NSAC. Pat Nearing, the men’s soccer coach at TUNS, was
named interim Athletic Director for the remainder of the year and would carry on as the Athletic
Director for the 1992-93.
The 1992-93 season saw further expansion of the association as Mount Allison University (Mt.
A) of Sackville, NB applied to participate. They were accepted and participate in basketball and
badminton in both men’s and women’s divisions. St. Thomas (STU) added men’s soccer to their
scheduling, and the Canadian Coast Guard College withdrew from soccer because of limited
student registration. Later in the year, also due to limited enrolment, CCGC was also forced to
withdraw from men’s volleyball.
Further changes took place at the 1993 Annual General Meeting. The University of New
Brunswick - Saint John campus (UNBSJ) was accepted as a member and entered the men’s
and women’s soccer league as well as women’s basketball competition. CCGC was granted a
year’s leave of absence. The 1994 AGM saw further expansion, with UNBSJ’s men’s basketball
and UNBSJ’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams entering league play.
At the completion of the 1993-94 season, Ken Marchant - Athletic Director at NSAC and
founding member of the NSCAA and CCAA, retired after 30 years of service to college sport. An
outstanding career was highlighted at a surprise retirement dinner where family, friends and
colleagues paid tribute to Ken’s contribution to sport at all levels.
Judy Smith was appointed Athletic Director at NSAC in 1994.
The Association underwent further changes at the June 1995 AGM. With increasing numbers of
members from outside Nova Scotia, the name was changed to the “Atlantic Colleges Athletic
Association” (ACAA). There was also a decision to withdraw from the CCAA in soccer (effective
1995-96) and volleyball (1996-97). Also, at the 1995 AGM, NSTC was given permission to use
5th year players for one year only in the transition from NSTC to Community College status.
At the May 1996 AGM, a decision was reached to re-enter CCAA Volleyball effective
immediately, and to re-enter CCAA Soccer in the 1997-98 year. Also, at this meeting, UNBSJ
withdrew from membership and NSTC retired from the league due to the closure of the college.
Members unanimously accepted the Nova Scotia Community College - Truro campus as a new
member.
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At the AGM in 1997, held at the NS Community College in Truro, UNBSJ applied to re-enter the
ACAA and was unanimously accepted.
During the fall of 1997, both NSCC (Truro) soccer teams withdrew from ACAA play without
completing their seasons. Women’s basketball and volleyball teams from NSCC finished their
season.
At the AGM held at UNBSJ in May 1998, NSCC (Truro) informed the ACAA that they would
apply for a one-year leave of absence. NSCC (Truro) has remained an associate member of the
ACAA.
The 1998-99 season marked the retirement of Leroy Washburn of St. Thomas University. His
leadership and drive were missed by the ACAA.
At the AGM held at NSAC in May 2001, the Université de Moncton was accepted as a member
of the ACAA with participation in the sports of Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Badminton.
At the same meeting Dalhousie - Sexton Campus, indicated a change in their academic status.
As of the AGM 2001, Dalhousie - Sexton Campus was granted a two-year membership as a
faculty of Dalhousie, with a review to follow at the AGM in 2003.At the AGM 2003, it was
decided that Dalhousie - Sexton Campus would have league playing privileges but not eligibility
for ACAA Championship play. League Banners were added to the ACAA Awards Program for
those teams that finish regular season league play in 1st place.
Also, at the 2003 AGM, Crandall University (Moncton) was accepted into the ACAA with teams
in Women’s Soccer and Women’s and Men’s Basketball.
In 2003, Bob Bonnell (UNBSJ) retired as Athletic Director and Dave Munro was appointed
Acting A.D.
In the summer of 2004, Bob Murray resigned as ABU Athletic Director. David Cook was
appointed to the AD position for ABU in August 2004. Also, in 2004 Monique Allain was
appointed as Athletic Director at UNBSJ.
In the spring of 2005, Derryl Smith (Athletic Director at St. Thomas University) resigned after a
successful career at STU and in August of 2005, Jennifer Myers was appointed as STU Athletic
Director.
At the AGM in 2006, Dalhousie, Sexton withdrew from ACAA participation as did U de Moncton.
Also, at that AGM, Holland College, Charlottetown PEI was accepted as Probationary Members.
David Munro was hired as Athletic Director of UNBSJ in 2006.
Will Njoku was hired as Athletic Director of ABU in 2007.
Ron O’Flaherty was hired by the ACAA as a part time administrator in the fall of 2007.
Jen Myers left STU in spring of 2008. Mike Eagles replaced her as Athletics Director at STU in
July 2008.
Atlantic Baptist University changed its name to Crandall University in September 2010.
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Travis Tait was hired as Athletics Director of Crandall University in 2011 before departing in
2012 when Bryan Cawthra was named as the new Athletics Director of Crandall University.
Nova Scotia Agricultural College changed its name to Dalhousie Agricultural Campus in
September 2012.
At the 2011 AGM the association changed its name to Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association to
reflect the name change of the national association ... Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association.
Bryan Cawthra departed Crandall University in August 2015 and Jonathan Grimes took over om
an interim basis until Teah Bailey was hired in 2016.
Pierre Nobert, the long-time Athletics Director at Universite Sainte-Anne retired in the spring of
2017. Andrea Gaudet took his place in the summer of 2017.
Judy Smith, the long-serving Athletics Director at Nova Scotia Agricultural College (Dalhousie
Agricultural Campus) retired in 2019, and Andrew Harding became the Athletics Director.
Andrea Gaudet left Universite Sainte-Anne in the spring of 2019 and was replaced by Jacques
Bellefleur.
Jim Druart became the Athletics Director at Crandall University in 2019, after the departure of
Teah Bailey.
David Munro retired in June 2022 as Athletics Director at UNB Saint John and was succeeded
by Natasha Kelly.
Pierre Arsenault left his position as Athletics Director at Mount Allison University to become the
CEO of U Sports in March 2022.
Jacques Bellefleur left the Universite Sainte-Anne to become Athletics Director.at Mount Allison
University the summer of 2022. Francis Robichaud took over as the Athletics Director at
Universite Sainte-Anne, was then replaced by Sebastian Dol.
June Lumsden the Athletics Director at Mount Saint Vincent University retired in July of 2023
and Angela Barrett-Jewers became the Director.
Mike Eagles the Athletics Director at St. Thomas University retired in the summer of 2023 and
was succeeded by Meaghan Donahue Wies.
Neil Hooper retired as the Athletics Director of University of King’s College in June 2024
and Trish Miles is the Athletics Director.
Neil MacEachern assumed the role of Athletics Director at Mount Allison University in the
summer of 2024, taking over from Jacques Bellefleur.
Marc-Alexandre Lagacy became the Universite Sainte-Anne Athletics Director in 2024
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The Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association membership as of September 2001:
• Mount Allison University - Sackville, NB (“MTA”)
• Mount Saint Vincent University - Halifax, NS (“MSVU”)
• Nova Scotia Agricultural College - Truro, NS (“NSAC”)
• St. Thomas University - Fredericton, NB (“STU”)
• Dalhousie- Sexton Campus - Halifax, NS (“Dal”)
• University of King’s College - Halifax, NS (“King’s”)
• University of New Brunswick Saint John - Saint John, NB (“UNBSJ”)
• Université Sainte. Anne - Church Point, NS (“USA”)
• Université de Moncton - Moncton, NB (“UdeM”)
The Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association membership as of September 2002:
• Mount Allison University - Sackville, NB (“MTA”)
• Mount Saint Vincent University - Halifax, NS (“MSVU”)
• Nova Scotia Agricultural College - Truro, NS (“NSAC”)
• St. Thomas University - Fredericton, NB (“STU”)
• Dalhousie- Sexton Campus - Halifax, NS (“Dal”)
• University of King’s College - Halifax, NS (“King’s”)
• University of New Brunswick Saint John - Saint John, NB (“UNBSJ”)
• Université Sainte-Anne - Church Point, NS (“USA”)
• Université de Moncton - Moncton, NB (“UdeM”)
The Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association membership as of September 2003:
• Mount Allison University - Sackville, NB (“MTA”)
• Mount Saint Vincent University - Halifax, NS (“MSVU”)
• Nova Scotia Agricultural College - Truro, NS (“NSAC”)
• St. Thomas University - Fredericton, NB (“STU”)
• Dalhousie- Sexton Campus - Halifax, NS (“Dal”)
• University of King’s College - Halifax, NS (“King’s”)
• University of New Brunswick Saint John - Saint John, NB (“UNBSJ”)
• Université Sainte-Anne - Church Point, NS (“USA”)
• Université de Moncton - Moncton, NB (“UdeM”)
• Atlantic Baptist University - Moncton, NB (“ABU”)
The Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association membership as of September 2004:
• Mount Allison University - Sackville, NB (“MTA”)
• Mount Saint Vincent University - Halifax, NS (“MSVU”)
• Nova Scotia Agricultural College - Truro, NS (“NSAC”)
• St. Thomas University - Fredericton, NB (“STU”)
• Dalhousie- Sexton Campus - Halifax, NS (“Dal”)
• University of King’s College - Halifax, NS (“King’s”)
• University of New Brunswick Saint John - Saint John, NB (“UNBSJ”)
• Université Sainte-Anne - Church Point, NS (“USA”)
• Université de Moncton - Moncton, NB (“UdeM”)
• Atlantic Baptist University - Moncton, NB (“ABU”)
The Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association membership as of September 2005:
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• Mount Allison University - Sackville, NB (“MTA”)
• Mount Saint Vincent University - Halifax, NS (“MSVU”)
• Nova Scotia Agricultural College - Truro, NS (“NSAC”)
• St. Thomas University - Fredericton, NB (“STU”)
• Dalhousie- Sexton Campus - Halifax, NS (“Dal”)
• University of King’s College - Halifax, NS (“King’s”)
• University of New Brunswick Saint John - Saint John, NB (“UNBSJ”)
• Université Sainte-Anne - Church Point, NS (“USA”)
• Université de Moncton - Moncton, NB (“UdeM”)
• Atlantic Baptist University - Moncton, NB (“ABU”)
The Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association membership as of September 2005 – to present:
• Mount Allison University - Sackville, NB (“MTA”)
• Mount Saint Vincent University - Halifax, NS (“MSVU”)
• Nova Scotia Agricultural College - Truro, NS (“NSAC”)- as of 2012 named Dalhousie
Agricultural Campus
• St. Thomas University - Fredericton, NB (“STU”)
• University of King’s College - Halifax, NS (“King’s”)
• University of New Brunswick Saint John - Saint John, NB (UNBSJ)
• Université Sainte-Anne - Church Point, NS (“USA”)
• Atlantic Baptist University - Moncton, NB (“ABU”) - as of 2009 Crandall University
• Holland College - Charlottetown, PE (HC)
University of New Brunswick – Fredericton, NB (UNBF) – joined in 2015.