Coulter was a breed apart
Ihave just returned from a visit to the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia when I received two messages, a voice mail from my brother Pat and a an e-mail from Eddie Pomykala informing me that longtime Bishop’s University legend Bruce Coulter had passed away.
Ironically Coulter’s death came within one day of the 15th anniversary of the death of long-time Canadian Olympic coach Jack Donohue. I was in Atlanta when this happened 15 years ago and the similarities between the two men are noteworthy.
Donohue and Coulter were kindred spirits, men who were honoured for their coaching accomplishments but it was what they did off the basketball court and football field that made them special. Their ability to inspire and lead by example not only the athletes they coached but nearly anyone who had the pleasure and privilege of meeting them.
Coulter’s achievements as football coach and athletic director are well documented. When he retired from coaching he was the winningest coach in Canadian university history and the respect he enjoyed from his peers was evidenced by the establishment of the Bruce Coulter Trophy which is awarded annually to one of the two outstanding players of the championship game. As athletic director he was the person responsible for hiring basketball coaches Wayne Hussey and Eddie Pomykala who guided the Gaiters to three National Championships.
But Coulter’s effect on Bishop’s and the Lennoxville community goes far beyond athletic successes. He molded boys into men and set a sterling example of how to be a productive member of society. He not only believed in fair play, sportsmanship and doing things the right way, he implanted those ideas and values in his student-athletes on a daily basis. There is no question that he developed football players but more importantly he developed men who became leaders in their respective field. A family man, the Coulters’ Lennoxville home was often a haven for students needing a room, a decent meal or just a friendly ear.
Despite his greatness Bruce was truly a man of the people who never touted his own horn. Even in his final years when injuries and illness took a severe toll, he always had a smile on his face and time for anyone who wanted to chat.
In sports we too often equate success with wins and losses, championships and coach of the year awards. But the true value of any person is not their individual accomplishments but rather what they give, how they motivate, inspire and help others. It was Bruce’s greatest attribute and those who benefitted from knowing him are richer for it. He was a man who walked the walk and did the right thing for the right reason.
May he rest in peace and may his life continue to inspire.