Tradition

The purpose of John Abbott College is to provide students with educational opportunities which will permit them to achieve, as individuals, their highest potential. This includes not only the acquisition of academic and professional skills but also the pursuit of personal growth and development.

Tradition

Since its beginning, the College has actively supported participation in sports endeavors as one of the important avenues in the growth of the individual and his/her well being. The specific aim of the Sports and Recreation department is to implement programs which will meet student needs and interests in the areas of recreation, intramural, and inter-collegiate activities. The department also provides for student involvement in the development and organization of these activities.

The dedication of our student-athletes, the quality of coaching, and the professional approach of staff members responsible for the sports programs have propelled John Abbott to the forefront of post-secondary schools in both academic excellence and achievement in sport, both at the provincial and national levels.

Successful Islanders

Joel Austen

Joel’s hometown is Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue where he attended Macdonald High School. He graduated from John Abbott in 1991 with a commerce diploma and following a successful college rugby career carried on to a new level at Bishop’s University. There, in the early 1990s he captained the team to three provincial championships. The achievements of these teams was recognized by Bishop’s with their induction into the University’s Sports Hall of Fame. Joel completed his post-secondary education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He then followed in the footsteps of other John Abbott rugby alumni and became the head coach of the John Abbott Islanders in 1996. Remarkably, he then led the team to 14 consecutive championships, a result not matched by any other team at John Abbott, nor by any college in any sport within the Québec college sport system. Each of these teams offered a different challenge but he acknowledged that the success of the program was dependent upon three variables: “First, the players skill set; second, getting the individuals to work as a team; and finally, the heart”. Joel was a strong adherent of the fundamental role of the John Abbott athletics program and the philosophy which was its guide. Coaches were asked to teach the sport and help prepare student-athletes for their future academic or other careers following graduation. His success in his approach can be well noted in comments from former players: “I was fortunate enough to have Joel as a coach for three seasons. During those years I learned a lot about rugby. However, those rugby skills were not the most important skills that he taught me. I learned about commitment and hard work. These skills transcend past the sport and into everyday life.

Hailey Burns

Jeff Mills Memorial Cup winner 2018-2019

For the 45th year at Islanders Awards Night the Jeff Mills Memorial Cup was awarded recognizing the on and off field leadership of a graduating student athlete. Hailey is a 3rd year captain with 63 career points, leading the Isles in that time frame. A 2-time RSEQ all- star she was also JAC’s top female rookie in 2016-2017. Hailey is also a minor hockey coach and a mentor to her teammates. Having never failed a class in her 3 years, Hailey will be moving on to the University of Vermont on a full scholarship.