Russell MacNeil is one of New Waterford's best known sports figures. Following his graduation from Mount Carmel High School, he went on to St. Francis Xavier where he obtained B.A. and B.Ed. Degrees. Further studies took him to Dalhousie University where he received a diploma in Physical Education and to the Soviet Union where he studied at the U.S.S.R. Institute of Sport and Physical Education.

Russell began his teaching career in New Waterford in 1954. Over the years Russell held various positions with the Provincial Department of Education and Recreation including a position as Director of Sport and Community Services for the Province of Nova Scotia. In 1984 Russell was named General Manager for the 1987 Canada Winter Games, a post he held until the highly successful games closed.

Russell has a long history of involvement in sports. He was a member of the St. F. X. Varsity basketball team from 1950-54. He was a valued member of the New Waterford Strands basketball club from 1957 to 1985. The Strands were winners of numerous Nova Scotia and Maritime Basketball Championships. During those championship years. Russell was a fixture in the backcourt for the Strands. It was often Russell's key rebound or outlet pass which triggered the Strands trademarked fast break. Russell had a deadly outside shot and was a deft passer. His offensive play was only overshadowed by his strong defensive play. His aggressive hard-nosed play was the cornerstone of the teams defence.

Over the years, Russell has maintained a keen and varied interest in the community. He has coached several teams at Mt. Carmel and Xavier College. He has served on many committees designed to improve our community such as Past Member of the Advisory Committee leading to the construction of Breton Education Centre, Past Member of the University College of Cape Breton Building Committee as well as an Advisory Member for the planning and the development of Colliery Lands Park.

Russell was elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature in August 1989, in August 1990 and in September of 1993. Russell and his wife, Isabel, live in New Waterford, having raised and educated three sons and daughters. Coal Bowl '98 is honored to have Russell MacNeil as a Divisional Chairperson.

Dave MacDonald is no stranger to Cape Breton basketball fans. In the late 50's and early 60's Dave was a standout member of the Central High basketball team winners of numerous provincial titles. Under Coach Bob MacDonald the Central squad developed a strong reputation throughout the province and across the country. Dave was a star player on the team as it captured the Provincial Championship in 1960 and the Canadian Juvenile Title in 1961. From his guard position, he provided scoring punch and defensive leadership to a squad rich in talent. Several members of the Central Team went on to star at the University levels.

Dave continued his basketball career at Dalhousie University where he won the team MVP award in 1963-64 and was appointed captain of the team in 1965-66. In February of '64, Dave was selected as the Canadian Player of the Month for the C.I.A.U. In 1964 Dave graduated from Dalhousie with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree. He returned to Dalhousie in 1965 and graduated in 1968 with a law degree.

After his university career, Dave played in several high calibre senior leagues in Halifax and Toronto. He was a member of the Halifax Schooners which won Canadian Titles in 1963 and 1965 and was voted to the All Star Team in the Toronto Senior League in 1969.

Dave enjoyed a long and eventful basketball career. From his days as starter on his high school team as a grade 8 student to his days as a member of the Canadian Championship Halifax Schooners, Dave excelled as a highly skilled and competitive team player. He was a prolific scorer, who played tenacious defense and always played a leadership role for his team. As a member of the Central High School team, he was inducted into the Nova Scotia Hall of Fame in 1980.

Dave and his wife Linda reside in Sydney where Dave operates an arbitration service and devotes a lot of his spare time to his considerable musical talents. They are the proud parents of April and Heather and have three grandchildren, Alex, Mason, and Sharon. The New Waterford Coal Bowl Classic is honored to have Dave MacDonald serve as Divisional Chairperson for Coal Bowl '98.