When the Saint Mary’s Huskies hit the court in Calgary in March of 1979, they weren’t just defending a title— they were looking to make an emphatic statement. Already the reigning national champions, the Huskies were chasing something rare in Canadian university basketball: a repeat. That kind of back-to-back dominance was the stuff of dynasties, and the Huskies were determined to prove they belonged in that conversation. By the end of the tournament, Saint Mary’s had done just that—defeating the powerhouse Victoria Vikings 90–83 in a thrilling final, claiming their second straight national championship and their third in seven years. It was a defining moment in Canadian basketball history and one that secured the Huskies’ place among the sport’s elite dynasties. Behind the bench was Brian Heaney, the innovative and charismatic coach who had transformed the Huskies into a national force. A former standout at Acadia and a Canadian basketball visionary, Heaney brought a professional edge to university basketball. His ability to recruit, motivate, and implement a high-octane system had already paid off with
titles in 1973 and 1978. The 1979 team was arguably his deepest, most talented squad yet.

Returning stars like Tom Kappos, Rick Plato, Ron Blommers and Ross Quackenbush provided leadership and familiarity with Heaney’s up-
tempo offense. Added to the mix were critical new additions, including US college transfers Kevin Wood and Percy Davis, plus the return of one of the program’s all-time greats—Mickey Fox. Fox, a lethal scorer and fierce competitor, had been out of the lineup for three years. His comeback was more than symbolic—it gave the Huskies a
go-to player who could take over games when it mattered most. The Huskies’ regular season dominance was nearly absolute. They averaged over 100 points per game,
an unheard-of figure at the time. Their offense was explosive, fast, and relentless. Saint Mary’s went 17–1 in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) regular-season play, then cruised through the conference playoffs to capture the AUS title. By the time they arrived in Calgary for the CIAU (now U Sports) national championship, they were ranked second in the country, riding a wave of confidence and cohesion. The 1979 national championship tournament featured eight of the top teams in Canada, including Victoria, York, Windsor, and Winnipeg. The Huskies opened with a statement win, blasting past Windsor 110–95. In the semifinals, they battled York in a gritty contest, ultimately winning 98–92. Then came the final.

Facing the top-seeded Victoria Vikings, Saint Mary’s knew it would be a massive test. Victoria boasted national team players and a coach (Ken
Shields) who would soon helm a dynasty of his own. But Saint Mary’s had all the answers: experience, balance, and a game plan built around
creating chaos for opponents. Mickey Fox delivered a performance for the ages, pouring in 37 points on 14-of-27 shooting, including a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. It was the kind of game that makes a truly great player a legend. Fox’s scoring, poise, and leadership propelled the Huskies in the second half as they pulled away from the Vikings. Meanwhile, Tom Kappos anchored the interior, collecting 20 points and 20 rebounds, dominating the boards and neutralizing Victoria’s size advantage. Guard Kevin Wood scored 15 second- half points, provided steady ball-handling, and intense perimeter defense, while Plato, Quackenbush, Davis, Blommers and Derek Lewis all played key roles in slowing Victoria’s transition game. When the final buzzer sounded, the Huskies were champions once again—the first team since the 1960s Windsor Lancers to repeat as CIAU champions.

The 1979 Huskies were more than a collection of athletes—they were a brotherhood. Every player accepted his role and sought to elevate a remarkable collection of teammates. Among the standouts:
• Kevin Wood (pictured top of opposite page, far right), who in his single year at SMU was named AUAA MVP and 1st-team All-Canadian.
• Mickey Fox (pictured top of opposite page, third from left), who was named first-team All-Canadian and CIAU tournament MVP, finishing with 101 points across three games, setting a then-tournament scoring record.
• Tom Kappos, who was a force in the paint throughout the tournament and the season, a constant double-double threat.
• Percy Davis (pictured top of opposite page, third from right), who brought toughness, explosiveness and polish and was named CIAU Tournament All-Star.
• Rick Plato, a savvy guard and deadly shooter, who would later go on to a celebrated coaching career of his own.
• Ross Quackenbush (pictured opposite page, bottom left), a standout power forward and national team member, who became a fixture in the Halifax basketball community, eventually coaching the Saint Mary’s men’s team for over 20 years and winning a national title in 1999.

Behind it all was Brian Heaney, who masterfully blended personalities, talents, and egos into a championship-caliber machine. His calm leadership and trust in his players gave them the freedom to perform under pressure. What set the 1979 team apart wasn’t just their talent—it was their desire, selflessness, and ability to rise to the occasion. They won with flair, but also with discipline. They were explosive, but also unshakably tough. Their back-to-back national titles remain one of the great achievements in U Sports men’s basketball history, especially for a program from Atlantic Canada—often seen as underdogs against the powerhouses from Ontario and British Columbia. More than four decades later, their triumph still echoes in the rafters of The Tower and their legacy still resonates. The 1979 Huskies raised the bar for what was possible at Saint Mary’s and for Atlantic Canadian basketball as a whole. What they built wasn’t just a championship team—it was a lasting reminder that great teams don’t just chase history. They make it.