Edmonton, AB (November 6, 2023) - In addition to its rich history, the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2024-2025. This milestone is a testament to the enduring legacy of the organization in promoting sports and academic excellence in Alberta's post-secondary educational institutions.

As part of these celebrations, the next induction into the ACAC Hall of Fame is scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024, in Red Deer, AB. The Hall of Fame, established in 2014 during the ACAC's 50th season, was created to honor the outstanding contributions of builders, administrators, coaches, athletes, and now teams that have played a pivotal role in shaping the ACAC's history. This tradition continues as the ACAC looks forward to inducting more deserving individuals and teams in the years to come.

The ACAC's journey began with the "Western Inter-College Conference" (WICC) in 1963, when educators and sports enthusiasts convened at Mount Royal Junior College in Calgary to lay the foundation for a post-secondary educational conference in Alberta. In 1964, the WICC officially launched its inaugural athletic season, featuring men's basketball as the sole recognized sport. Other sports like volleyball, hockey, cross country running, curling, badminton, and 5-pin bowling were initially showcased on an exhibition basis. The WICC also embraced the arts, organizing competitions in debating, public speaking, dramatic arts, newspaper publishing, and yearbook publishing.

In 1968, the WICC transitioned into the 'Alberta College Athletic Conference,' further solidifying its place in Alberta's post-secondary sports and academic landscape. However, the fine arts component of the Conference was discontinued later that year. Subsequently, the name 'Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference' was adopted, the title that the organization proudly carries to this day.

As the ACAC approaches its 60th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of excellence, showcasing the talent, dedication, and passion of the many individuals and teams who have been part of its history. The upcoming Hall of Fame induction and the anniversary celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on the significant milestones achieved and the promising future that lies ahead for the ACAC and its participants.

Hall of Fame Nomination Criteria

Builder - Nomination Form

In order to qualify for induction as a Builder, an individual must have contributed a minimum of 7 years towards the development of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference by having served as a: 

• A member of the ACAC executive committee, and/or 
• An ACAC sport convenor, and/or 
• An ACAC committee chair

Builders are eligible for nomination upon retirement from his/her last position with an ACAC member institution, or upon death, or five (5) years after he/she leaves his/her last position with an ACAC member institution.

Coach - Nomination Form

In order to qualify for induction as a Coach, an individual must have contributed to the leadership and development of an ACAC member institution’s sport program. The nominee must have represented one ACAC member institution, in a head coach position, for a minimum of 5 years
Coaches are eligible for nomination beginning five (5) years after ending his/her last coaching position with an ACAC member institution, or upon death.

Athlete - Nomination Form

In order to qualify for induction as an Athlete, an individual must have contributed significantly as a student-athlete at an ACAC member institution while maintaining academic eligibility for the duration of his/her ACAC athletic career and/or graduated or completed their academic program requirements. Athletes are eligible for nomination beginning five (5) years after his/her last date of competition in the ACAC. 

• earned ACAC or Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) recognition a minimum of two seasons by having been selected to: All-Conference Team; and/or a CCAA All- Canadian Team; and/or an ACAC or CCAA Player of the Year Award winner; and/or a  CCAA National Championship All-Star team; and/or a CCAA National Championships  MVP, and/or
• won multiple ACAC conference championship gold medals or CCAA national championship gold medals, and/or 
• established 1 or more significant individual ACAC statistical records.
• achieved other significant recognition or distinction.

Team - Nomination Form

Team selection criteria shall remain more open, flexible and subjective
(ie. consideration for a special year, significant performance, one in a decade team, etc.)

• For teams that have won consecutive ACAC and/or CCAA National Championships, the nucleus of the team must have remained intact over the Championship run.
• The nucleus of the team must have completed their last competition at least 5-years prior before the team is eligible for induction. All team members, including coaches, and trainers must be listed for the nomination years. Team members recognized as Honoured Members include athletes, coaches, managers, and trainers.
• The team will be evaluated on its overall achievements, awards, or accomplishments, as well as on the contributions and the impact it made to sport in its community, in the ACAC, and at the CCAA level.
• Team nominations will be considered as one nomination.  
• Accomplishments to be considered:

i. Exceptional single seasons (ex; undefeated championship teams).
ii. Consecutive championship teams.
iii. Exceptional unbeaten streaks.
iv. Any other exceptional accomplishments.

– 30 –

About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.

For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca 

For additional information, contact:

Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca

Kayla Blacquiere, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
kaylab@acac.ab.ca

Twitter: @acac_sport | Instagram: @acac_sport | Facebook: Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference