Acadia Athletics announces 2025 Sports Hall of Fame inductees
WOLFVILLE, N.S. – Acadia University’s Department of Athletics and the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame selection committee are proud to announce the 2025 class of inductees. This year’s group includes four outstanding athletes, one celebrated team, and one builder who have each made a lasting contribution to the history of Acadia varsity athletics.
“We’re proud to honour this year’s exceptional group of inductees into the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame,” said Athletic Director Brian Finniss. “From standout individual athletes to a remarkable team and a dedicated builder, each has played a significant role in shaping the legacy of Acadia Athletics. Their achievements and leadership continue to inspire generations of Axemen and Axewomen, and we’re excited to celebrate their place in our storied history.”
The 2025 class includes:
- Chris Rhora – Football
- Darren Colbourne – Hockey
- Emma Duinker – Women’s Basketball
- Janna Slevinsky – Women’s Rugby
- 1987-88 Men’s Basketball Team – CIAU Silver Medallists
- Dr. Jim MacLeod – Builder
The 2025 Acadia Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. at Festival Theatre during Acadia’s Homecoming weekend. Event registration information is available here.
2025 Acadia Sports Hall of Fame Inductees
Chris Rhora – Football
Chris Rhora’s impact on Acadia football was defined by his outstanding defensive play and the key role he played in one of the most successful seasons in program history. A two-time U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian in 1981 and 1983, Chris was known for his relentless effort, athleticism, and leadership. He helped the Axemen capture the 1981 AUAA championship and ultimately win the Vanier Cup national title. That championship team was later inducted into both the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame and the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame. Chris’s individual accolades, combined with his place on one of Acadia’s most iconic squads, solidify his legacy in Axemen football.
Darren Colbourne – Hockey
Darren Colbourne’s time with Acadia men’s hockey was marked by elite scoring and national recognition, establishing him as one of the program’s most dynamic forwards. A two-time U SPORTS All-Canadian (1989-90, 1990-91) and an AUS All-Star, he also represented Canada as a member of the national team during the 1989-90 season. Before joining Acadia, he competed in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals and later played professionally in both the AHL and ECHL. His prolific pro career culminated in induction into the ECHL Hall of Fame—a reflection of his sustained excellence and impact on the game.
Emma Duinker – Women’s Basketball
A standout with the Acadia Axewomen from 2007 to 2012, Emma Duinker left a lasting mark on the women’s basketball program through her consistency, leadership and high-level play. Duinker was named the AUS rookie of the year in 2007-08 and earned spots on both the AUS and U SPORTS All-Rookie Teams that season. She was named an AUS second team all-star in 2008-09 before earning first team honours in each of her final two seasons. In 2011-12, she was recognized nationally as a U SPORTS second team all-Canadian and helped lead the Axewomen to an AUS championship. Following her time at Acadia, Duinker continued her playing career professionally in Germany.
Janna Slevinsky – Women’s Rugby
Janna Slevinsky was a dominant presence for Acadia women’s rugby, earning AUS All-Star and U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian honours in both 2013 and 2014. Her standout university career led to international success as a member of Canada’s 15s national team. In 2018, she was named Rugby Canada’s Senior Women’s Player of the Year—one of the sport’s highest honours. Janna’s career is a testament to her physicality, leadership, and elite performance at every level of competition.
1987-88 Men’s Basketball Team
The 1987-88 Acadia men’s basketball team delivered one of the most dominant seasons in program history, finishing with a remarkable 17-1 regular season record en route to AUAA and CIS silver medals. Guided by head coach Dave Nutbrown—who earned both AUS and CIS Coach of the Year honours—the Axemen combined elite talent with disciplined team play. The roster featured standout performers across the board, including AUS MVP and First Team All-Canadian Peter Morris, who was also named to the CIS Tournament All-Star Team. First-year guard Wayne Taylor made an immediate impact as AUS Rookie of the Year, while Kevin Veinot earned AUS First Team All-Star and CIS Second Team All-Canadian recognition. Tyrone Carvery added to the team’s national accolades with a CIS Tournament All-Star nod. Though narrowly missing a national title, the 1987-88 Axemen remain one of the most accomplished and respected teams in Acadia basketball history.
Dr. Jim MacLeod – Builder
Dr. Jim MacLeod served Acadia Athletics for over three decades, combining his expertise in athletic therapy with a deep commitment to student-athlete wellness. Starting in 1981 as head athletic therapist and lecturer, he rose through the academic ranks to become a Full Professor in 1995. Jim represented Canada as Chief Therapist at the 1992 Olympic Games and other international events, while at Acadia, he was a fixture on the sidelines—present at every home game, supporting every team. He played a key role in advancing safety standards across the AUS and mentored countless students, inspiring the creation of the Jim MacLeod Scholarship in his honour. Acadia's Athletic Therapy Clinic now proudly bears Jim's name as a testament to his lasting impact.