Stamps scoring leader moves on to higher education
by John Syratt

When former Calgary Stampeder place-kicker, Mark McLoughlin, hung up his cleats earlier this spring after 295 games played with the club, he left behind a sterling list of accomplishments both on and off the football field.

McLoughlin, born in Liverpool, England and raised in Winnipeg, finished his career as the second-leading scorer in CFL history and all-time scoring leader for the Stamps, with 2,953 points. He received an athletic scholarship to the University of South Dakota, where he obtained a Bachelor of Education degree. During his sophomore year McLoughlin became a Christian through Campus Crusade for Christ.

In the 1988 CFL College Draft he was drafted by the Calgary Stampeders.

"It was great being a part of an organization like the Stampeders," McLoughlin recalled, "they truly valued individual faith choices." When McLoughlin arrived in Calgary he discovered 16 of his teammates were believers. "There were opportunities for our families to get together for Bible studies," he said. "There was an infrastructure for us." That spiritual infrastructure involved coaches, the team’s chaplaincy and Athletes in Action, Canada (AIA). AIA was born in Toronto in 1974 when 10 CFL players gathered to discuss ways to meet the spiritual needs that were evident within their league. They had a passion to share with their fellow players the truth of how Jesus Christ had changed their lives. Since coming to Calgary 16 years ago, McLoughlin has developed an impressive portfolio of accomplishments including winning the Western Division Scoring Crown, Western All-Star, and the CFL’s Tom Pate "Man of the Year" Award for contributions to team and community numerous times, as well as setting club and league records. McLoughlin is also one of only two Stampeders to capture three Grey Cups.

Former Calgary Stampeder #13 Mark Mcloughlin of the

But what he has done off the field is even more impressive. McLoughlin helped establish Calgary’s Stay-In-School Initiatives since 1992; averaged 100 school visits per year to promote the importance of staying in school; developed a community partnership model to ensure equitable educational opportunities for students; lent his support to the Mount Royal College Kids Program, the Hot Technology Expo, City of Calgary Police ‘Play Ball’ program, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Calgary and the City of Calgary’s Sister City Commission; volunteered for numerous community organizations that benefit youth and became the Partnership Coordinator for the Calgary Education Partnership Foundation.

The opportunity to promote education, values and community commitment are three of the main reasons why McLoughlin recently announced he is joining Calgary’s Alliance University College (AUC) as Vice President of External Relations.

AUC relocated to Calgary last July, as Canadian Bible College and Canadian Theological Seminary, after being located in Regina for 62 years. AUC has partnered with Nazarene University College to offer combined Arts and Science degrees along with 14 theological and ministry related degrees and diplomas.

"The past year has been one of tremendous transition and change for me," McLoughlin admitted. "After retiring from the Calgary Stampeders and looking at the options available for my next career move, I realized I wanted to align myself with an educational organization and to work in an environment consistent with my values and beliefs."

"The timing was right," he continued. "It was a fit from a personal value standpoint and a family standpoint."

Dr. George Durance, President of AUC, explained the significance of McLoughlin’s appointment, "Given our recent move to Calgary, and the large capital campaign we have undertaken to build a new campus, we have recognized our need to have someone like Mark in the role of VP of External Relations. With his integrity, commitment to excellence, and service to the community we are confident that he will help us communicate our desire to build a high-quality Christian university college."

McLoughlin’s immediate goal is to help raise the $26 million needed for the completion of AUC’s new campus in the west hills of Calgary. To date AUC has raised over $5 million.

McLoughlin’s official start date is not until September, 2004 but he’s busy working at the AUC offices. "I’m here; giving what I can to help," he said. "From an educational standpoint, the potential of this institution in this environment is huge. On a number of different levels this institution can answer a lot of the educational needs in this community."

"I’m looking ahead to one day being up on the hill surrounded by thousands of students," McLoughlin concluded. "I just feel so blessed to be given this opportunity."

For more information on AUC visit www.auc-nuc.ca.