French-language universities in Quebec were slow to develop any manner of athletic competition, having taken to heart very early on the principles urged by the 1923 Committee on Athletics of Canadian Universities, which said that athletics programs “have no place in higher education unless they were designed for student participation and education outcomes rather than spectator entertainment, institutional prestige and gate receipts.” Quebec followed a different organization model, linking athletic programs to student services rather than the academic unit. As a rule, they also downplayed sport as a legitimate activity, refusing to invest money in facilities and focusing on intramurals. In the 1970s, Montreal, Laval and Sherbrooke built facilities, while the University of Quebec began opening new campuses. With the emphasis on mass participation, Montreal withdrew from interuniversity competition. Through the 1980s, the focus became even more selective. Only one university (UQTR) had a men’s program, and only one (Laval) had a women’s program.
Insofar as universities competed, they entered the Coupe du Quebec competition, in which university students and non-students (including ineligible CIAU players) toiled together.
A French-Canadian university basketball conference comprised of three teams, the University of Ottawa, the University of Laval and the University of Montreal was established in 1945-46, with the winner taking home a trophy donated by Father P. Cornellier. In its first year of operations, it was a home and home series and was won by Ottawa with 4-0 record. The Gee-Gees were coached by R. Lefebvre. It folded after one year.
In the late sixties, Quebec and Eastern Ontario teams played a Coupe du Quebec challenge, often pitting the informal Quebec champ against an Ontario rep, or an OUA East rep against an OSLIAA or Quebec rep.
The QSSF was formally established prior to the 1971-72 campaign by founding members: Bishop’s, the College Militaire Royale de St. Jean; Laval; Loyola; Macdonald; McGill; the University of Montreal, Montreal; Sherbrooke; Sir George Williams; U du Quebec @ Chicoutimi; U du Que a Montreal; and U du Quebec @ Trois Rivieres.
Originally founded as the Quebec Universities Athletic Association (QUAA) in 1971, the province’s university, collegiate and high school governing bodies were amalgamated in 1989, creating the Quebec Student Sports Federation (QSSF). Re-branded as the RSEQ in 2010 the conference currently has 28 institutions participating at the CCAA National Level.
1946
The University of Ottawa sweeps, defeats Montreal 44-32 and 43-15. Dumps Laval 74-27 and 104-36. The Gee-Gees finished (4-0) in league play.
The champion Ottawa Gee-Gees: M. Rochon; G. Donoghue; H. Lacasse; R. Parisien; J. Biron; G. Valois; G. Murray; L. Richer; M. Kearney; L. Lefaive; coach R. Lefebvre
1969
Coupe du Quebec standings: Loyola 10-1; McGill 6-1; Sherbrooke 6-4; SGW 4-4; Bishop’s 4-7; Macdonald 4-7; Laval 1-3; Montreal 0-8
1970
Coupe du Quebec final: McGill 83 Macdonald 70
U.Q.T.R.: Desrochers, Le Francois, Bendit, Turcotte, A Vallerand, R Vallerand, Desjardins
The Coupe du Quebec is won by Loyola which finishes (26-9) on season as Lewis scores 491 points on season, Profenno 448 and Lawrence 432. Loyola (coached by Doug Daigneault, assistant Sidorenko) included Jack Contos; Gene Lawrence; John McAuliffe; Jim McCarthy; Greg Gill; Whelan; Ivy; O’Keefe; Faley; Lewis; Tom Profenno; Dave Burke; Kessler and Jerry Walsh.
1971
Loyola captured the Coupe du Quebec (an informal league between Quebec universities) with a 9-1 record. McGill finished 7-2. The Warriors (coached by Doug Daigneault, assisted by Bud Giffin) included Dave Burke, Ron Burnett, Duane Clarke, Jack Contos, Dave Osborne, Tom Profenno, Jerry Walsh, Mike Murphy, Greg Gill, Gene Lawrence, John McAuliffe, Jim McCarthy and Peter Mullins.
All OSLIAA games involving Quebec teams were also considered Coupe du Quebec games.
Other rosters:
Dawson: Howie Cohen, Gary Connolly, Chris Aivazidis
Ste. Therese: Jacques Berard