Scollard, a Burlington, Ontario native joined the Huskies in 1985 and developed into an all-star receiver and punter. He was a five-year starter for Larry Uteck’s Huskies from 1985 to 1989, and one of the most versatile athletes having played on three AUS Championships teams and three Atlantic Bowls, including a bowl win over the Bishop’s Gaiters in 1988.
The most memorable game of Scollard’s career came in the 1988 Vanier Cup game. That year, with Hec Creighton winner Chris Flynn unable to play in the national championship game due to a hairline skull fracture injury, Bill stepped into play quarterback in the last Vanier Cup played at Varsity Stadium in Toronto. Scollard kept the Flynn-less Huskies close to the Calgary Dinosaurs 31-23 until 8:44 of the fourth quarter, when Calgary safety Dave Heaton picked off one his passes and returned 75 yards for a touchdown. The Dinos added two more touchdowns.
Scollard completed 27-of-47 passing attempts for 296 yards and the offense scored three touchdowns. They were both Vanier Cup records at the time. In that game he also punted the ball 11 times with 36.5 yards per punt.
In his university career, Bill hauled in 97 receptions for 1718 yards and 18 touchdowns. His best season came in 1989, when he caught 24 passes for 542 yards and 6 majors and was named an all-Canadian at slot back. While at Saint Mary’s, he was also the punter for 5 years, where he finished with a career average of 36.0 yards per punt.
“Bill’s a guy who doesn’t have any speed, and isn’t big and physical, but what he does have is great amount of concentration, great hand-to-eye coordination and an amazing amount of desire. He’s a coach’s dream. He never questions you, always does what you ask. He is one of our team leaders, no doubt about it”, said Larry Uteck, Head Coach, SMU Huskies. (Quote taken from the Chronicle Herald article, November 5th 1987).
Reflecting back, Scollard says, “My 5 years at Saint Mary’s University were filled with wonderful memories both on and off the field. I played for a great head coach and wonderful assistant coaches who loved the game and shared their passion freely with all the players. I played with great teammates and was part of a very unique team success story evolving from a very poor team my first two years to contending for a national title in my final three years. The news of my induction to the Saint Mary’s University Sport Hall of Fame has been something I truly had never dreamed of when I first arrived at Saint Mary’s. To review the list of past inductees and to think the selection committee considers be worthy of joining this elite group of athletes is incredibly humbling and a great honor.”
Bill is currently in his 21st year with Labatt starting in sales in 1991 and progressed through various sales and marketing positions in Halifax, Toronto and St. John’s and currently holds the position as Key Account Manager, Labatt, Atlantic Canada. He resides in Halifax with his wife Deanne (Delvallet) Scollard who was an outstanding volleyball player and female athlete of the year with the Dalhousie Tigers and their three beautiful children: Connor, Cailin and Gabrielle.
Two-time, football All-Canadian Christopher Donald Murphy and Robert “Puddy” Reardon also were recognized for their contributions to the University’s rich sports heritage.
Bill Scollard’s Career Highlights
– Captained the Huskies for four seasons – 1986 – 1989 (chosen by his teammates)
– Block and Tackle Award (Team MVP) Winner – 1986
– Four-time AUS All-star: 1986: Punter & Slot Back, 1988: Slot Back, 1989: Slot Back
– Awarded Outstanding Offensive Player of the 1988 Vanier Cup game
Most Passes attempted in Vanier Cup – set new record 47 (today stands 2nd overall for pass attempts in CIS)
Most Pass Completions in Vanier Cup – set new record 27 (today stands 3nd overall for pass completions in CIS)
– (1st team) All Canadian 1989 – Slot Back
– CIS Most Punting Yards – Individual, Career (regular season only) ranked 13th overall – 7664 yards
– Selected in the CFL Canadian College Draft 1989 – by Hamilton (8th round, 59th overall)
– Coached by SMU Hall of Famers Bill Robinson, who quarterbacked the 1973 Huskies to the national title and was the team’s offensive coordinator and Al Keith, former Saint Mary’s Huskies head football coach who led the school to the 1973 College Bowl win and was Scollard’s receivers coach.
(Photo by George Ghiz)
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