University News

JOHN PRATT TO BE INDUCTED INTO RBC WALL OF DISTINCTION

September 19, 2012

SHERBROOKE, QC – The Bishop’s University Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce that John Pratt will be inducted to the RBC Wall of Distinction on Saturday, September 22. Pratt, a multi-sport athlete, earned nine letters before he graduated in 1958 after a distinguished career in the purple and white.

Created in 1991, the RBC Wall of Distinction honours individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to Bishop's University’s athletic program. Inductees are selected based on criteria that include participation and involvement as an athlete or, outstanding service to athletics. Teams who have won national championships, or otherwise excelled have also been honoured. As of Saturday, a total of 45 individuals and nine teams will have been recognized on the RBC Wall of Distinction.

RBC Wall of Distinction - Individual Induction

John Pratt

Arriving at Bishop’s in 1954 Pratt was expected to provide depth to the football team.  It turned out that he contributed much more. During his four year tenure on the gridiron he scored 13 of the team’s 37 touchdowns in all different phases of the game.  Posing a real threat to opponents any time he touched the ball, which was often, he rushed, caught passes and returned kicks for major scores. In 1956 he scored 70 per cent of the team’s touchdowns including the championship winner against MacDonald College. Pratt also threw five touchdown passes in his career.  As was customary at the time, Pratt also played defense and became known for his bone crushing hits.

Pratt was also a member of the intercollegiate ski team in four disciplines. He competed in downhill, slalom, cross-country and jumping. In 1956 he was a provincial slalom champion.

When the 1955-56 hockey team needed a defenseman, Pratt stepped in for the season.

Pratt also joined the rifle team in his final year at Bishop’s adding shooting to his distinguished athletic resume.

Outside of athletics Pratt excelled. He was a four year member of the Glee Club and their Barber Shop Quartet; a member of the Goodwill Society for four years and president in 1958 and a co-chair of the Students Expansion Fund in 1958. He was awarded a Golden Mitre Award for his many other contributions to Bishop’s life.

After his time in purple and white Pratt began a career as a teacher founding The Country Day School in York County, Ontario in 1972.  Later in life he worked as a counselor and mentor to those marginalized by society, helping native people, addicts and in the rehabilitation of convicts.

The ceremony to induct Pratt into the RBC Wall of Distinction will take place on Saturday, September 22 at 11:15 a.m. in the John H. Price Sports and Recreation Centre.  He will also be honoured prior to kickoff of the Bishop’s Gaiters football game.  They take on the Concordia Stingers on Saturday starting at 1 p.m.

Be sure to stay in touch with everything purple and white at www.gaiters.ca.

-30-