An Ottawa native, Donald John Loney had a very active playing career with clubs such as the Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Roughriders, and Calgary Stampeders. Although an All-Canadian in the Canadian Football League, Loney is recognized for his coaching contribution in Nova Scotia.

Known as the “Father of Maritime Football,” Loney has coached not only at the intercollegiate level, but also with the Navy. While with the Navy, he coached H.M.C.S. Stadacona to a 7-0-0 record. He then coached the Shearwater Naval Air Station for two years, compiling a 17-2-0 record.

Loney’s greatest accomplishments came at the intercollegiate level. Over a seventeen-year period (1957-1973), he and the St. Francis Xavier X-Men compiled a 133-31-2 record. This record included nine conference titles, four Atlantic Bowls, and the 1966 College Bowl. His career record of 157 wins, 33 losses, and 2 ties is the best record in Intercollegiate football in Canada.

As a result of his record and contribution to football, Donald Loney was presented with the Centennial Medal for outstanding achievements in his area of endeavor and in 1973, received the Province of Nova Scotia Recognition Award.

Donald passed away on June 19th, 2004.