Frank Baldwin, "Mr. Basketball" to most people who know him, has been involved with basketball for more than 50 years. How did he get started in basketball, you ask? Well, it was 1939 and a good friend of his was coaching Oxford Junior High boys. He asked Frank to give him a hand and let's just say the rest is history. "Mr. Basketball" started the Canadian Martyrs basketball program in 1962, the Saint Mary's High School program in 1952, the Saint Mary's University program and the Halifax minor program. He was also instrumental in the programs of St. John's United Church, Black Panthers junior and juvenile teams, Queen Elizabeth High School and the 1971 and 1975 Canada Games teams.

Of all the numerous accolades Frank has received over the years, he feels that the recent announcement that he is the first non-Cape Bretoner to have a division in the prestigious "Coal Bowl" basketball tournament named after him, has to be one of the nicest. Frank has been a guest at all 14 tournaments.

When asked about his finest moments in coaching, he fondly recalls the 1950 Q.E.H. team winning the Canadian Juvenile Boys' basketball title which was held here in Nova Scotia in the Studley gymnasium. This tournament generated such excitement in the community that school was closed for the day so the students could support their boys.

Another noted period in Mr. Baldwin's coaching career was during his international travels while he was with the Canadian Olympic Men's Basketball team as Jack Donahoe's assistant. Most notably was the 1975 trip to Brazil where they played in front of huge, boisterous crowds. Baldwin credits Donahoe with having a large influence on his basketball career.

Individual honors that have made him proud are his 1979 induction into Canada's Basketball Hall of Fame, his 1983 induction into Nova Scotia's Sport Hall of Fame, and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from St. Mary's University that he received in 1991. This was one of the most unexpected honors that he has received. So much so, that when Dr. Ken Osmond, president of St. Mary's University, phoned to inform him of this award, he, at first, thought it was Bob Hayes playing a joke on him. Another award of note that Frank has received was from the Government of Canada during the Canada 125 celebrations in 1992. He was awarded one of Canada's 125 medals presented to individuals which recognized their significant contribution to friends, community, and Canada.

As he looks back on how the game has changed over the years, he marvels at the improvement in the calibre and the growth of basketball throughout Nova Scotia. Rules have changed for both the men and women, though more so for the women. He remembers when the girls used rules such as 6 per side, 3 guards and 3 forwards, only the forward could shoot and the guards couldn't go past the three-quarter court line.

As Frank looks back over a life-long association with basketball, he feels very lucky. "If everyone was as fortunate as I was in life, and met the people that I have through basketball, they would be very happy."

Frank is still involved in basketball. During this tournament you will see him assisting the organizing committee with the selections of the players of the games and the tournament all-star team. If you are talking to him and happen to ask how he is doing he'll probably grin and break into song, "I Feel Good..."

Frank Baldwin is truly Mr. Basketball in Nova Scotia.

Karl Marsh ranks as one of the best all-around athletes produced in Cape Breton. As a high school athlete, Karl excelled in baseball, basketball, rugby, and hockey. Karl was a member of the Central High School team that won the Nova Scotia High School basketball championships during his senior year in high school.

Karl was also proficient in basketball at the senior and university level, playing at Xavier College and with the St. F.X. Varsity X-Men for two seasons. While at St. F.X., the X-Men captured the Canadian Senior Basketball Championship in 1957. Karl was also a founding member of the modern version of the New Waterford Strands, winner of numerous Nova Scotia and Maritime Championships between 1958-72.

As a basketball player, Karl was known as a fierce competitor. He was a two-way player equally adept at the offensive and defensive ends of the court. He is remembered for his defensive persistence, his ball-handling wizardry, and his scoring prowess.

Karl also had an extensive background as an amateur baseball player in Nova Scotia. From his middle infield position he was a key member of the New Waterford Giants during their successful march towards the Maritime Senior Baseball Championship in 1959.

Karl also excelled as a coach of various sports. Many of his teams at the high school and amateur level captured provincial honors in their respective sport. Karl's Mt. Carmel Boys Soccer Team won the N.S. "AAA" Soccer Championship in 1962, the first "AAA" soccer championship ever to come to the island..

Karl was also an organizer of athletic leagues and events. He formed New Waterford's first mini basketball team. He coached and managed several high school hockey and basketball teams. Throughout all of Karl Marsh's athletic endeavors, his trademark has been his unlimited enthusiasm. Sport has played a big part of Karl's life. He is well respected for his inside knowledge and is fondly remembered by teammates and opponents as a poised and highly skilled player who possessed great leadership skills. As a coach, Karl had a reputation for his "never say die" attitude and his ability as a motivator. Karl still continues to volunteer his time to sport. He presently serves on the Board of Directors of the Coal Bowl Classic.

Coal Bowl '96 is honoured to have Karl Marsh as a Division Chairperson.