JBAA 125th Anniversary "Capping Ceremony"
Mon, 2011/11/28 - 3:21pm | by Matthuw Ronald-Jones
The James Bay Athletic Association celebrated their 125th anniversary on Saturday with a win against the University of Victoria Vikes to claim their 55th Barnard Cup victory (Vancouver Island Rugby Championship).
Later that evening , 125 olde stars, and some of today, squeezed into the navy and blue draped 125th Anniversary Lounge at the House of Bays, and sat down to a menu of fine food from jersey sponsor -The Local Kitchen, and fine companionship with rugby mates from many years.
MC’d by JBAA president, Tommy Woods, the event was blessed by long time Bay, Frank Gower. Lew Madley, JBAA historian, who celebrated his 90th birthday last week, shared some Bays’ history with his rugby friends. Mike de Goede outbid Norm Hadley for the sole auction item of the evening, a Roy Henry Vickers limited edition print! A few minutes were taken for a group photo of 13 past presidents. The dynasty that is JBAA was evident – with nine de Goede’s and six Briggs leading the way.
A highlight of the evening was the awarding of eight Canada Caps to JBAA players that have represented Canada in the past. Never previously done in a capping ceremony, JBAA was able to call on JBAA capped player(s) of the same position to present the cap to their fellow Bay.
Jared Barker (May 20th, 2000 – Tonga): presented by Bob Ross.
Pat Dunkley (May 3rd, 1998 – Japan): presented by Mark Cardinal.
Norm Hadley (November 14th, 1987 – USA): presented by Hans de Goede, Chris Whittaker and Dave Ramsay
Dave Moonlight (November 13th, 2004 – England): presented by Jeff Williams and Dan Harlow.
Roy Radu (June 23rd, 1985 – Australia): presented by Ken Wilke and Gary Johnston.
Paul Vaesen (November 16th, 1985 – USA): presented by Tom Woods.
Casey Walt (June 12th, 1976 – Barbarians): presented by Ron McInnes.
Chris Whittaker (June 19th, 1993 – USA): presented by Hans de Goede, Norm Hadley and Dave Ramsay.
The evening concluded with guest speaker, Dave Cutler – who played junior rugby and football for the Bays, before going on to his CFL Hall of Fame career with the Edmonton Eskimos.
The Canadian Rugby Foundation would like to congratulate the James Bay Athletic Association on its 125th anniversary as well as thanking them including a “Capping Ceremony” as part of their celebration.
Over the past 8 years the Canadian Rugby Foundation has presented over 300 Caps to current and former Canadian Internationals. Less than 100 Men’s Caps and more than 100 Women’s Caps remain to be presented to former Internationals. The Canadian Rugby Foundation is asking for your help with locating former players as well as possible venues for upcoming Capping Ceremonies.
Please contact Canadian Rugby Foundation, Executive Director Matthuw Ronald-Jones by phone at (250) 386-5350 or by email mrj@canadianrugbyfoundation.ca if you would like to assist.