X-Women rugby coach Mike Cavanagh, the 2012 CIS coach of the year whose women’s rugby teams have won three CIS gold medals and 15 consecutive AUS championships, can add another accomplishment to his impressive resume:  honorary X-Ring recipient.

The popular rugby coach was singled out for the recognition during a surprise presentation at the annual Athletic Awards Gala held April 8, 2013 at the StFX Charles V. Keating Centre.

StFX alumni wear their X-Rings as a symbol of spirit and of pride. It is a rare honour that an individual is considered for an honorary X-Ring, only someone who exhibits outstanding contribution to the Xaverian community and who exemplifies “whatsoever things are true.” The X-Ring Committee reviews nominations for extraordinary people to receive an honorary X-Ring.

“Mike has been at StFX for 15 years and has done tremendous things for not only the women’s rugby program, but also for women’s rugby in the Atlantic region,” a nomination letter to StFX’s honorary X-Ring committee reads.

“On average, 50 female students attend StFX a year for a chance to be part of his rugby program. He has empowered so many young women and has created leaders on the field and off. “
 
Coach Cavanagh strives not only to be the most successful athletic team on campus, but also pushes his athletes to excel in the classroom.

During the 2011-2012 academic year, 15 student-athletes achieved CIS Academic All Canadian status with overall averages above 80 per cent. This is a record for the rugby program and the StFX Athletic Department.

Described as a humble and thoughtful person, nominators described many examples of his leadership and commitment.

A seven-time AUS coach of the year, Coach Cavanagh was honoured for the second time this past fall as the CIS Coach of the Year. He previously received the honour in 2001. He was the inaugural recipient of the StFX coach of the year award at this year’s athletics awards gala. 

Coach Cavanagh led his X-Women to a perfect season in 2012, going 8-0 in regular season play, 10-0 in exhibition matches and 5-0 in playoff action en route to the national championship title won on home turf at StFX Oland Stadium. He previously won CIS banners in 2006 and 2010. The 2006 title marked the first ever national championship victory for a female sports team at StFX.

He has an overall coaching record of 66-1-2 in regular season play and 84-17-5 overall (regular season, AUS and CIS playoffs). His X-Women have not lost an AUS regular season or playoff game since 2004.

His success on the rugby pitch over the years has translated into a love for the university and loyal dedication to the StFX community.

“Mike is a tremendous asset to StFX. His witty one-liners and jovial spirit make him likable and also influence his coaching style and philosophy,” nominators say. “One of his famous lines is, ‘you are either a piano player or a piano mover, and you need to accept your role.’ I believe that in the case of Mike’s contributions to the Xaverian community and empowering university women rugby players, Mike is both a mover and a player.”