A pair of Queen’s University coaching legends were recognized on Saturday with the dedication ceremony for Miklas-McCarney Field, the turf field on West Campus.

Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney hosted the event, which honoured the late Gaels football assistant coaches Bill Miklas Sr. (Arts'63, MBA'65) and Hal McCarney (Arts'50).

After competing as an all-star player during the 1960s, Mr. Miklas served as an assistant coach for more than 30 years in addition to his work as a professor and associate dean at the Queen's School of Business. Mr. Miklas passed in 2001 at the age of 60.

Sue Miklas spoke on behalf of the Miklas family, which was well-represented on Saturday. Bill's brother Dusty Miklas was in attendance, along with former Gaels football head coach Doug Hargreaves. Former colleagues from the Queen's School of Business also attended in support of Mr. Miklas.

Mr. McCarney earned the Jenkins Trophy as the top graduating male athlete in 1951, his final year as a football player, before becoming an assistant coach for the next 20 years. Even after retiring, Mr. McCarney could be found at games and practices, offering support and advice to coaches and staff. Mr. McCarney died at the age of 81 in 2009.

The McCarney family was also in attendance, with Katy Kenny speaking on the family's behalf. Members of the 1964 team, who were at Queen's for Homecoming to celebrate their 50-year reunion, attended the dedication in support of both their assistant coach Mr. McCarney and teammate Mr. Miklas.

Principal Daniel Woolf spoke at the dedication ceremony, along with Paul and Vicki Hand, co-chairs of the Fields and Stadiums Cabinet, who invited four grandchildren from both families to unveil the new sign.

“Miklas-McCarney Field is a fitting and deserving tribute for two men who were often found on Queen's fields dedicating a great deal of their free time to coaching and mentoring football student-athletes,” Principal Woolf said in August when the new name was announced. “It will stand as an enduring reminder of their passion for Queen's and the positive impact they had on countless individuals.”

The field construction was made possible by the generosity of many donors, many of whom were in attendance for the ceremony.