The 1975-76 men’s Canadian football squad emerged as Maritimes Intercollegiate champions bringing to Acadia for the first time the coveted Jewett Trophy.
The Bob Vespaziani -coached squad gained in the league’s opener a 35-29 decision over St. Francis Xavier with Cliff Steeves and John Stevens starring offensively.
In their next encounter with Dalhousie as their opposition the Axemen demolished the Tigers by a 51-0 score. Excellent punt returning by Cliff McLeod combined with the fine passing of Bob Cameron highlighted the Axemen’s easy victory.
Offensive heroics as well were recorded by Kevin Carson, Garth Turtle, Scott Riddell and Roger Wheeler, while Bob Stracina played exceptionally well “converting all touch downs and booting several long punts”.
In a 16-9 loss to Saint Mary’s the Axemen received good performances from McLeod, Cameron and Stracina.
In the team’s final regular season’s home game against the University of New Brunswick the Axemen, in the midst of terrible playing conditions and a very strong opponents’ defence managed a 10-3 victory as Cameron, McLeod and Stracina were again the offensive standouts.
The AUAA championship contest featuring the Axemen and Saint Mary’s University lived up to its expectations of a bitter battle between arch rivals. A great run by McLeod resulted in an Acadia field goal in the first half. A second half 98 yard run by Ralph Stea resulting in a touch down enabled the Axemen to enjoy a 10-0 lead. A Saint Mary’s field goal represented the contest final scoring. McLeod was named the game’s top offensive performer, while Roger Wheeler was regarded as the best defensive player.
In the Atlantic Bowl game staged at Raymond Field between the Acadia Axemen and the Calgary Dinosaurs, the host squad dropped a 38-13 decision. Prominent for the Axemen that day were A1l- Canadian Cliff McLeod and offensive standouts, Bob Stracina and Kevin Carson.
It is indeed a pleasure to welcome for induction into the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame members of the 1975-76 football team -Acadia’s first Maritime Intercollegiate champs.
