Doug Abercrombie, who led the Capilano Blues to five Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National titles, was inducted into the CCAA Hall of Fame in the Coach Category.
Abercrombie posted an incredible 19-5 overall record at CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championships, guiding the Blues to National titles in 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2001. Capilano also earned a silver medal in 1997, during a seven-year stretch in which they played in the national championship final six times.
After a 16-year coaching career in the British Columbia Colleges Athletic Association (BCCAA, now PACWEST), Abercrombie has many fond memories of the CCAA.
“It was an amazing opportunity to meet so many dedicated and enthusiastic female athletes, all with their own unique personality,” he said. “I hope their memories are as fond as mine.”
Abercrombie will never forget his first win at a CCAA National Championship, which came in 1995 in Alberta.
“I found myself in Medicine Hat with all teams lined up in the gym, waiting for the snowplows and snowblowers to clear the field so that we could enjoy a game at -15 degrees with the wind chill,” said Abercrombie.
Capilano survived the freezing temperatures on that day and went on to defeat the host Rattlers in what was the beginning of a dominant run on the national stage.
Abercrombie was twice named the BCCAA Coach of the Year and captured eight provincial championships. He coached two CCAA Players of the Year as well as 13 CCAA All-Canadians.
In 2003, Abercrombie was inducted into the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame.
According to Milt Williams, Manager, Athletics and Recreation at Capilano University, you will never find an individual more dedicated to the total development of his athletes than Abercrombie.
“Doug is a tireless volunteer who has dedicated well over 25 years to the development of female athletes, at various levels of competition, through the sport of soccer,” said Williams.
Abercrombie’s ultimate goal was always much more than winning games and championships.
“His motivation and central source of satisfaction has its roots in molding and guiding his athletes to reach success in life by balancing their athletic endeavors with a commitment to academic achievement and community involvement,” said Williams.
At Capilano, he was well-respected by his student-athletes, who had high regards for his ability to coach, motivate and mentor them.
“He was an extremely popular coach in the community because he was known as a caring individual who treated his athletes with sensitivity and kindness,” said Williams. “He was without a doubt a loved coach who had earned his team’s respect year after year.”
