Brian McLennon of Douglas College has been named Athletic Director of the Year by the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association.
McLennon received the award this evening at the CCAA Hall of Fame Banquet in Quebec City. He is only the third Athletic Director from the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) to receive the honour, which has been given annually since 2000.
“Brian is well respected by his peers in the PACWEST and throughout the CCAA,” said David Munro, CCAA VP Sport Development. “He is truly deserving of this great honour.”
McLennon’s guidance and leadership featured a highly skilled group of student-athletes who excelled at the national level throughout the 2017-18 season. The Royals were crowned champions in the men’s event at the 2018 CCAA / Curling Canada Championships. In addition, Douglas earned CCAA silver medals in Men’s Soccer, Women’s Volleyball and Men’s Basketball.
After capturing four provincial gold medals this season, Douglas also earned the PACWEST Aggregate Championship Trophy for the first time in 10 years.
“There aren’t too many institutions in the CCAA who can boast of this level of success in a single season,” said Munro.
This past season, Douglas was also the only institution in the CCAA to have two participants in the Female Apprentice Coach Program – Keley Acaster in Women’s Soccer and Adelia Paul in Women’s Basketball.
Meanwhile, McLennon continues to serve on the CCAA Executive in his role as Vice President Finance & Administration and on the CCAA Human Resources Committee. He is also the VP Technical for PACWEST.
After stepping up to host the successful 2016 CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship in New Westminster, BC, Douglas is now preparing to host the 2018 CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship in November.
But McLennon’s impact during his short time as Manager, Athletics at Douglas College goes far beyond hosting championships or the victories on the field and court.
McLennon, who is also a Royals Athletics Alumni (Men’s Basketball, 1999-2001), understands the challenges and stress associated with balancing varsity athletic commitment and studies, which results in him demonstrating great empathy and support for student-athletes.
He is also constantly striving to create and foster an inclusive, accountable, successful environment for all staff and student-athletes and more broadly across the institution.
He spearheaded the “Make Some Noise for Mental Health” campaign walk at Douglas, encouraging student-athletes and staff to participate. He also endorsed and supported the LGBTQI2S+ video “You Can Play” and presented it at Douglas’ year-end Banquet as well as at the CCAA National Championship banquet in 2016.
McLennon encourages and promotes other College-wide initiatives such as “Miles for Mental Health” and Gender Equity Initiatives such as “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”, among many others.
“Brian has had a tremendous impact on Douglas College that extends well beyond the success of our athletics programs and student athletes,” said Kathy Denton, President and CEO of Douglas College.
“He has contributed to the success of Douglas College through his vision, leadership, commitment to excellence, and concern for the well-being and long-term success of our students as they train, play, learn, and prepare for healthy, balanced, and rewarding lives.”
