The Dalhousie Tigers - Dalhousie University

There are many things that drive athletic ambition, but one may argue that Larry Archibald was driven by the most important attribute – a simple love of sport.  Despite his small frame he was determined to compete and he did with all his heart, making him an incredibly successful Dalhousie athlete.

Larry grew up in Truro, Nova Scotia and his number one sport was basketball, even though he was often the smallest one on the court. He says he never really worried about his height - he just played and enjoyed playing. A talented basketball player at a young age, Larry was recruited by many universities including Acadia, UNB, Mt. Allison, and Ohio, but in the end it was Tigers head coach Al Yarr who convinced him that Dalhousie was the place to be.

In the fall of 1964 Larry enrolled in Dalhousie’s science program and began playing for the black and gold. The Tigers basketball team had been struggling and Al Yarr had recruited Larry, and others, to bring the team out of it’s slump. One of Larry’s best memories was this first year as he and his friend and teammate George Hughs both lived with head coach Al Yarr. The 1965 Gazette called Larry and George “the best backcourt duo in the league.” In the 1965-66 season Larry set Dalhousie records for most points in one game (33) and the most points in one season (276) and he was recognized as an AUAA All-Star.

Larry was also a member of the track and field team his first two seasons at Dal. He was a talented sprinter and competed in the 100 and 200 metre sprint events, and the 400 and 800 metre relay events. At the 1965-66 AUAA track and field championship he earned silver medals in the 200 metre sprint and the 110 metre hurdles. His hurdles time of 13.2 seconds was one of the fastest times nationally that season.

After his first two years at Dalhousie Larry was unsure of continuing his science and chemistry degree so he decided to take a year off of school. During his time away from Dalhousie he played basketball for the Halifax Senior A Team which qualified for the Canadian Senior Championship.

In the fall of 1967 he returned to Dalhousie in the Physical Education Program. The next season Larry joined the wrestling club and earned the provincial championship for his weight class. While at Dalhousie he also participated in faculty intramurals including floor hockey, badminton, tennis, and flag football.

The following season, 1969-70, Larry returned to the Tigers basketball lineup and led the team to an outstanding record of 10 wins, 2 losses. He was once again named an AUAA All-Star and his skill on the court was recognized nationally as he was invited to tryout for the Canadian National Team. Dalhousie also recognized Larry as a co-winner of the Climo Trophy as the Male Athlete of the Year.

Upon graduation from Dalhousie, Larry attended the University of Western Ontario where he played for the Mustangs basketball team in 1970-71 and was named the team MVP and an OUAA West All-Star. He later completed his Masters of Education at the University of Toronto.

Larry spent a number of years as a teacher for physical education, science and history before becoming a principal and finally a superintendent. He retired in 2008 after over 30 years as an educator.

While many students leave Dalhousie with an exceptional experience, Larry also graduated married. He met his wife, Evelyn, in an English class and they have been happily married since 1968. Larry and Evelyn had three children and have maintained a very active lifestyle that includes canoeing, cross-country skiing, golf, hiking and more. Earlier this month they completed a 12-day 500km bike ride in Quebec.