Alex MacAdam (1924-2018) was an athlete, a coach, and an avid supporter of the Antigonish community. Over his long career, Alex inspired many at St. Francis Xavier University and Antigonish. Beyond his busy career, during which he served in numerous positions at StFX and in the community, Alex is also described by Bernie Chisholm (Alex’s son-in-law) as a “family man.”
Alex MacAdam was born in Glace Bay to Roderick and Mary MacAdam on 31 May 1924. Throughout his early life, Alex liked to remain active and often took part in youth camps (both as a participant and, eventually, as a counsellor) under the organization of Father Nash – a significant early mentor of his.
Alex graduated from St. Anne’s High School in Glace Bay in 1941. Immediately afterward, Alex moved on to StFX and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1945. While at StFX, Alex was undefeated in boxing and was the Maritime Intercollegiate Lightweight Boxing Champion. He also participated in basketball, baseball, and varsity rugby. In addition, Alex ran the University Amateur Athletic Club.
Following his time at StFX, Alex went on to continue his education at McGill University, where he graduated with a degree in Physical Education in 1947. Then, in 1949, Alex graduated from Springfield College (Massachusetts) with a Master of Physical Education.
After finishing his education, Alex moved back to Nova Scotia and taught at a school in Lockport. In 1950, he was married and then moved to Halifax, where he worked as a teacher at St. Pat’s. Five years later, Alex moved back to Antigonish and held the newly created position of Physical Education Director at StFX. In the following year, Alex became the Chairman of the university’s Physical Education Department – a position he held for ten years. Alex was also instrumental in the creation of StFX’s Human Kinetics program.
While at StFX, he coached several sports, including men’s varsity boxing, track, and basketball. Under MacAdam’s coaching in the 1958-59 season, the X-Men Basketball varsity squad were recognized as the first official Atlantic university men’s basketball champions when they won the Canadian Senior B Championship, the Maritime Intercollegiate crown, and the Nova Scotia Intercollegiate title. In the 1980s, Alex was also an avid supporter of women’s soccer and a proponent of a women’s soccer program in the region. In 1981, Alex was inducted into the StFX Sports Hall of Fame.
Apart from his work at StFX, Alex also contributed to the Antigonish community in his position as a member of the Highland Society and the Director of Track and Field at the annual Highland Games. In addition to these roles, Alex was also the President of Credit Union Central of Nova Scotia for the Bergengren Credit Union.
Alex MacAdam at The Highland Games (Image From Antigonish Highland Games Hall of Fame)
On 20 December 2018, Alex passed away at the age of 94. He left an impressive legacy through his work as a successful student athlete, a long-time coach at StFX, and his role in the Highland Society. Today, athletes and students of the Human Kinetics program and beyond continue to benefit from the legacy he left behind.
Alex MacAdam, The Casket 2013
Submitted by Nick Bremner, HIST 229, 2024