Gussie MacNeil was born in New Waterford in August, 1917. His parents were Michael A. and Mollie (Flemming) MacNeil. Gussie attended Mount Carmel School and it was here that he became interested in a sport he would come to love - basketball.

When the Strand came to New Waterford in the early 1930's, it brought with it the Strand's Basketball Team under the guidance of Bert Rankin and later Jack MacKenzie. Gussie was a member of several junior teams which have won numerous honors and various titles for competitions in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and throughout the Maritimes. Later, as the Strands Intermediates, they won the Canadian Championship title for which the team won a place in the N.S. Sports Hall of Fame.

Gussie's career with the Co-operative Groups began in 1938 and continued for 45 years. Gussie served at all levels from teamster to management. Gussie also served in the Cana- dian Army during World War II and was attached to the Den- tal Corps.

In 1945, Gussie married Rita Poloniato and they were bless- ed with seven sons and one daughter. He passed on his love of basketball to his children and grandchildren who have been and are active in sports of all kinds.

The friendships and camaraderie of those basketball teams were to endure over a lifetime. Gussie died on July 12, 1991. He used his talents and energies in serving his God, coun- try, family, and community.

The Board of Directors of the New Waterford Coal Bowl Classic are pleased to announce the Gussie MacNeil Divi- sion for the Eleventh Annual Coal Bowl Classic.

Neil Kennedy was born in New Waterford in October 1913. He was the son of Nicholas and Margaret Kennedy. Neil attended St. Agnes Elementary and Secondary School. It was during this period in his life that he would develop into an avid sportsman and talented athlete.

Neil excelled in basketball, rugby and hockey, playing all three sports at the junior team level. He was a member of various juvenile junior and intermediate teams which represented the town of New Waterford. Neil was also a member of the Strands Intermediates, a basketball team which went on to win the Canadian Championship title in the 1946-47 season. This honor would earn them the right for a place in the N.S. Sports Hall of Fame.

After leaving St. Agnes High School, Neil began work in the mines. He remained working there until the break-out of WWII, when he left to serve in the Armed Services. Upon arrival home from war-time duty, he entered into a career with Canada Post in 1957 and worked until retirement in 1977.

Neil married Dorothy MacNeil and they were blessed with two sons, Neil and Danny both of whom share their father's love of sports.

Neil died on February 20th, 1981. He is remembered as one of New Waterford's great sports talents

and his home, church, place of

work, and our community are all better off for his having lived.

The Board of Directors of the New Waterford Coal Bowl Classic are pleased to announce the Neil Kennedy Division for the Eleventh Annual Coal Bowl Classic.