Spencer’s Island, Nova Scotia native George “Gammie” Atkins first atttacted attention on the English rugby field during the fall of 1909, starring for the Horton Academy team.
Following two academic years and outstanding .performances on the rugby field, George entered Acadia during the fall of 1911 and continued his football heroics with the Acadia varsity team.
During his initial season his outstanding defensive play contributed immensely as the Acadia squad defeated Mt. Allison, 4-3, to win the coveted King Richardson Trophy as Maritime Intercollegiate champs.
In his second season with the Acadia team -and rated in provincial papers as the best front lineman in intercollegiate ball- George, “a very fast and sure tackler”, starred as Acadia University won the Maritime Intercollegiate tide with a 13-3 victory over U.N.B. and the Eastern Canadian crown with a 15-0 win over the Halifax Wanderers.
In 1914 he captained the Acadia team to another tri-province intercollegiate crown, giving the University permanent possession of the coveted King-Richardson Trophy.
As war continued in Europe and teammates departed for the front lines, George joined them during the fall of 1915. Following major action on the front lines and serious injuries, George spent a year and a half in hospitals located in France and England. Following the war, he resided in New York, becoming a highly successful broker in the insurance business.
It is indeed a pleasure to induct posthumously to the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame, George Spicer “Gammie” Atkins, an outstanding player and captain on three Maritime Intercollegiate rugby championship teams.
