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Mr. Jack Drover November, 24/99

Athletic Director

Mount Allison University

Sackville, N.B.

Dear Mr. Drover

I am writing this letter in regards to the most recent opening of Head Coach for the Mount Allison Mounties as well as the application for this position by Bruce McMillan. I am writing this letter from the perspective of a former Mount Allison Mountie '83, as well as a Certified Football Coach in the Province of New-Brunswick, and a native of the Tantramar region.

I have been associated with Bruce McMillan as a player, a student, as well as an associate coach for approximately 20 years. My High School playing career was influenced by Mr.McMillan, and it was under his leadership did I have my most success as a player. I had the opportunity to play under Bruce McMillan for 3 seasons from which I witnessed the transition of his program from league "doormats" to what evolved into 3 NewBrunswick Provincial Championships in a row and possibly the best High School Program in the Atlantic Region. Mr. McMillan laid the foundation for the Tantramar Titans that transpired into one of the most successful programs in the area, one that has amassed 5 provincial titles over the course of 25 seasons. More amazing is that it has been done with one of the smallest school populations in the province. The framework laid then years ago by Mr. McMillan, is still being used today by the current Titans and their success continues having, most recently, won the Provincial title in 1997. Mr. McMillan has been an outstanding coach, motivator, leader and builder of championship teams. More importantly is his ability to build character in his players, which has enabled them to be successful outside the game of football. On the field, the players that he has influenced are countless. One can only view the selects of the 25th Anniversary Team of the Mount Allison Mounties to demonstrate this as there are several ex-Titan players who were all coached by Mr.McMillan selected to this talented Anniversary team. As well, there are several of his former players who are currently enjoying success as coaches themselves. Tim Phinney, as the Head Coach of the Moncton High Purple Knights, Peter Ayer, as the Offensive Coordinator of the Oromocto High Blues as well as myself, Dave Burns, currently the Head Coach of the Tantramar Titans.

These players and coaches, as well as his tremendous success at the High School and University Levels are a prime examples of Mr. McMillan's ability to teach the game, develop players into winners and at the same time build successful teams .It must also be noted, that a couple of these players went on to become All-Canadians at their position as well as drafted professionally, but more importantly, they went on to become Community Leaders. One of Mr. McMillan's best strengths as a Coach is that he is a communicator as well as a motivator. He is organized and his teams are always well prepared. As a player, one can see the intensity and desire that he projects both on and off the field, both key elements that are necessary to build success and mold a winning attitude.

As a former Mount Allison Mountie '83, as well as a current Head Coach in the community I believe that there is tremendous support for Mr.McMillan becoming the next Head Coach of the Mount Allison Mounties. With this support comes a lot of resources from the football community that would be assessable to Mr.McMillan and benefit the football Mounties through this cooperation in regards to recruiting, fund-raising, resource personnel and fan support. I believe that the timing is now right for Mr. McMillan as he is qualified, experienced at the CIAU level, and proven successful at every level that he has been involved in. There's certainly no reason to state that this success will not continue at the University level.

Mr. McMillan is certainly no stranger to Mountie Football having served as an Assistant over the last several seasons and has been very successful with the Mounties. In 1984, he also served as the Offensive Coordinator of the Mounties who made a Vanier Cup appearance. As a player for the Mounties he was second to none in regards to the desire and passion he had on the field representing his school with pride and dedication. This dedication still continues today for the Mounties and I believe will still continue always. The timing is right to select Mr. McMillan for Head Coach of the Mounties. The qualifications, the experience, the history with Mount Allison and their proud tradition are all there with Mr. McMillan. All which are necessary in leading and building the Mounties to becoming a National Contender. More importantly, the ingredients are there in enhancing the University in building Community Leaders through Academics and Sport.

Finally, Mr. McMillan is a graduate of Mount-Allison as well as a former player. As a result of this the students and alumni will embrace him as one of their own. Mr. McMillan has worked and raised a family in Sackville and taught hundreds of people in the Tantramar Region. As a result the people in the Tantramar Region will be proud to support a member of their own community in his endeavor and support the Mounties in winning a Vanier Cup.

Sincerely,

David J.Burns

Head Coach

T.R.H.S

Mount Allison Mounties Alumni '83

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