David Jones, a Bachelor of Science graduate in ’67 who returned that subsequent fall to pursue studies in Education, was indeed one of Acadia’s most successful varsity athletes. Being very skilled in both volleyball and track and field events, he contributed immensely as the Axemen won several Maritime Intercollegiate titles in both sports during his years as an Axeman.
During the ’64-’65 academic year, Dave was a dominant force in both of these varsity sports. In track and field his excellent performances attracted the experts’ attention as in the shot put, during the tri-province championship meet, he finished ahead of perennial favourite St. F .X.’s MacDonald. By recording a distance of forty-five feet and five inches, Dave established a Maritime Intercollegiate record. He also raised some eyebrows by finishing first in the discus, while placing second behind MacDonald in the javelin throw. Inspired by his performances, the Axemen emerged as Maritime champs.
Later that fall he was a key contributor as the Acadia boys won volleyball tri-province honours. On that occasion his outstanding spiking ability enabled the Acadia squad to defeat Mount Allison two games-to-one, posting 15-8 and 15-12 triumphs, while dropping a 15-13 decision.
During the ’65-’66 academic year, Dave was equally as effective, again winning the shot put event by improving upon his own record-breaking distance. He was also victorious in the discus, while dropping to a third-place finish in the javelin. Being the meet’s top point getter with eleven, he naturally contributed much to Acadia’s winning of another Maritime Intercollegiate title.
On the volleyball court, Jones and his very strong spike again led the Axemen to the winning of another Maritime title. During his senior year in intercollegiate competition, Dave continued his winning ways in both varsity sports.
In the annual track and field championship meet, he repeated as first-place finisher in both the shot put and discus events, while placing third in the javelin.
Fittingly, he was named the Axemen’s most valuable player, being the meet’s high point getter with 11 as Acadia repeated as tri-province champs. On the volleyball court that season, Dave was in fine form, being team captain as the squad again earned Maritime championship honours.
During his academic year in Education, this versatile and highly skilled athlete continued to excel in both activities. Being player-coach of the Axemen’s volleyball team, he inspired his team to several victories but fell short in the quest of another Maritime title. The Axemen finished second that season, but the still effective playing mentor was named his team’s most outstanding player. As team captain of the track and field varsity squad, Dave enjoyed another outstanding season, but he and his fellow competitors fell short on the trail of another Maritime Intercollegiate title.
Individually, however he achieved a personal high of fourteen points during that championship meet, finishing first in the shot put for the fourth consecutive year, while achieving second place finishes in the discus, javelin and hammer throw events.
Needless to say, Dave’s immense success in both varsity sports resulted in his being named Acadia’s Male Athlete of the Year.
What an honour it is to welcome back to Acadia for induction to its Sports Hall of Fame Mr. David Jones, now employed with the Northside Victoria District School Board. ..a gentleman who was an integral part of six Maritime Intercollegiate championship teams and the recipient of seven first, four second and two third-place finishes in tri-province championship track and field meets.
