‘Fabe-ulous’ milestone for McKenzie

SYDNEY – The success of a coach, more often than not, is measured in wins and losses. But, although there have been plenty of victories, that isn't what makes Fabian McKenzie a champion.

As the Glace Bay native celebrates his silver anniversary as head coach of the Cape Breton University (CBU) CAPERS women's basketball team – not to mention one of the leaders for the sport in the broader community – he is being praised as the architect of a second-to-none program that has produced alumni that not only have reached lofty heights on the court, but also in their lives and careers after donning CAPER orange.

"I have learned so much from you, and I use those life skills every single day. Thank you for everything you have done for me," Cheryl (Pittman) MacInnis, a member of the 2006 team that captured an Atlantic University Sport (AUS) banner and a silver medal at the then CIS national championship tournament, said.

She adds, "What a ride – it has been so much fun."

MacInnis is one of several CAPERS alumni who reflected on the impact McKenzie had – and continues to have – on them; not only as a basketball coach and teacher, but also a friend and mentor, in a tribute video that will be played prior to the 2024-25 team's pre-season match-up with the Holland College Hurricanes on Saturday evening (at 6 p.m.) on their home court at Sullivan Fieldhouse.

McKenzie, who has coached the CAPERS to six Atlantic University Sport (AUS) women's basketball titles – along with silver and bronze medals at nationals, is one of the contributors who will be honoured on CAPERS Weekend, from Oct. 4-6, a celebration of the golden anniversary of Cape Breton University.

"Thank you for taking a chance on me 25 years ago. Without your unwavering support, Candace [her daughter] and I we wouldn't be where we are today," former CAPERS forward Kim Reynolds said in the testimonial. "You taught me so much – on and off the court – and I will be forever grateful."

Alison Keough, an All-Canadian and AUS most valuable player and rookie of the year (also in U SPORTS), described a "full-circle moment" that came when she was a teenager. After being cut by Team Canada, McKenzie was there to console and encourage her; guaranteeing that one day she would don her country's colours on the international stage. As a symbol of the faith he had in her ability, the CBU mentor presented Keough – who ended up suiting up for stellar five-year career in CAPER orange – with a T-shirt emblazoned with the Dr. Seuss book title "Oh, the Places You'll Go".  

"He did keep his word. I did get there," said as she proudly held up the Team Canada jersey in the video – the one she wore as a member of the national development team in 2017 coached by McKenzie.

Words, such as "inspiring" dot the emotional tribute – a taste of how greatly he has impacted people.

"It has been such an incredible career," Tamara Alleyne, another former CAPER standout, said.

For McKenzie, who has also coached and shared his knowledge of the sport at the provincial and national levels – including more than a decade in various roles with the Canada Basketball women's program, the seeds were planted for his successful run as CAPERS women's head coach a few years, when he was a CBU undergraduate student.

The basketball junkie served as manager of the CAPERS men's team that captured the 1994 AUS banner. One of the key players in that championship line-up under former head coach Tim McGarrigle was an All-Canadian sharpshooting guard named John Ryan, who is now the Director of Athletics and Recreation at his alma mater.

Ryan said he is not only a friend and colleague of McKenzie's, but also a "fan" of his achievements.

"You have given outstanding service to Cape Breton University and the CAPERS," he added.

During those university years, McKenzie met CAPERS assistant coach Doug Connors, who was the trainer for the women's program when he was the manager of the men's team. When McKenzie came back to CBU, after completing his kinesiology degree at UNB, and returned to the bench as an assistant coach with the men's program, Connors was filling the same role with the women's program.

"When the decision was made to elevate the women's coaching position full-time, as opposed to part-time as it was previously, the job was posted. Fabe was successful and I asked if I would remain [as assistant coach], and the rest is history," Connors said.

Even though his understanding of the X's and O's of the sport are encyclopedic, which is important, the long-time CAPERS assistant coach offered that what makes him a great coach also applies to him as a person.

"Fabe cares so much about the people that are associated with the program he has built, and the relationships that he forms with those people. He is fiercely loyal to the people and players – past and present – who have been a part of it," Connors explained.

As for the impression McKenzie has left on the student-athletes who have taken the court for the CAPERS over the past 25 years, Connors offered, "Measuring the impact you have on another person is really hard to quantify. People are a reflection of their experiences, their upbringing and a pile of things that have happened before we get them as university student-athletes, and you certainly can't take any credit for that."

Nevertheless, he noted, there is one thing that can be measured, when it comes to his coaching colleague's influence.

"I think, for our program – at a very young university, [it] is when we host an event or are participating in an event, the number of alumni that continue to show up; we really travel well and passionately. These are people who are travelling across the country and, in some cases, internationally to gather. That does not happen if you haven't had a great impact on a young person's life," Connors said.

That legacy will be front and centre during CAPERS Weekend, with the return to campus of the 2004 CAPERS women's team; a group that will be honoured on the 20^th anniversary of its AUS championship victory – the first conference banner for the program.

"It was a great ride with lots of highs and lows, and a lot of laughs," McKenzie, who is on a leave from the program this season due to health issues, said in a message that will be delivered when he is honoured in a couple of days.

He thanked CBU for an "amazing" 25 years, including former athletic director Dave MacLean, who will be inducted into the CAPERS Hall of Fame on Friday at CBU's Boardmore Playhouse.

"Dave gave a young guy a chance to chase his dream," McKenzie said.

He also credited Ryan and CBU administration for their "immense support during my time here, especially over the last few months."

McKenzie added, "I am forever grateful for 25 years of guidance and assistance."

He also stressed that "absolutely none" of the success for the CAPERS women's basketball program would have been possible without the student-athletes.

"Thanks to all of the young ladies who believed in something they didn't fully understand until after they hung up their jersey for the last time. Nothing is accomplished without your effort and dedication," he said.

While reflecting on the recognition, not surprisingly, McKenzie – a six-time AUS and U SPORTS (2006) coach of the year – said that Connors should be the one honoured.

"For 30-plus years, Doug has worked behind the scenes to keep everything together, and he should be recognized for his efforts," he added.

When asked to recall times from over the years that illustrate the kind of mentor and leader McKenzie is, Connors offered, "there are a pile of memories; it is hard to single one out."

But, he added, "I do remember, when we were just starting out together, there were people who told him that he couldn't build something great, not here at CBU. 

"Well, if you know Fabe, you know there is a healthy ability to be stubborn and the willingness to accept a challenge and prove people wrong. So, frankly, as the leader, he just strived to outwork his competition, ask questions of other coaches and continually evolve as a coach and a person."

And, as Connors noted of McKenzie's approach, "When you make a mistake along the way, own that mistake and try not to make the same one twice."

Former CAPERS forward Stephanie Toxopeus applauded his "plan" to help his student-athletes become "more than just basketball players," while thanking him for welcoming her to the program.

"We became true CAPERS… To be a CAPER is to be strong, to be fierce and to be proud… I consider myself to be a forever CAPER," the proud CBU graduate said.

As each speaker suggested, it is a challenge to put into word the depth of the impact McKenzie has had on not only the women's basketball program, but also CBU Athletics and CBU.

"The program, the community and the university have been so, so lucky to have you lead us," former CAPER Nicole Works said.

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