1936-37 Women’s Basketball Team

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988

The 1937 Women’s basketball team, winners of the Maritime Intercollegiate title, went through their eight-game season without a single defeat, while outscoring their opposition 262- 150.

Composed of key performers who had sparkled as members of tri- province championship squads in ’34 and ’36, the team was capably coached by Dr. Terry Osborne.

The squad was led offensively by the forward line combination of Jean Ingraham, Fran Roach, and Shirley Elliott, undoubtedly the most potent trio to perform in the Maritimes at that time. The “Punch Line” dazzled their opposition, often scoring at will.

Jean Ingraham, whose 34 points in a game against Mt. Allison represented a Canadian Women’s National record, was undoubtedly the class performer of Maritime ball –leading her team in total points scored. Fran Roach, always the superior playmaker, was at the peak of her game, while Shirley Elliott drew plaudits for the vast improvement in her play. Defensively, team captain Gwladys “Babs” Harris, Dorothy Ilsley, and Beatrice Hall presented a formidable unit.

The manager of the winning team was Kay Wagner, with able assistance from Ellen piers.

In the championship game that season, the girls blasted Dalhousie 38-18.

It is an honour to present members of the 1937 Women’s basketball team for induction to Acadia’s Sports Hall of Fame.