Ambrose White, the son of Otto and Jessie White, was a lifelong resident of New Waterford. His contributions to not only sport, but community, was significant and certainly did not go unnoticed.

Growing up in New Waterford, Ambrose participated in all sports. From hockey, baseball, tennis, soccer and basketball, he excelled in everything he did. Early in his teens, Ambrose was an outstanding goaltender in hockey, a member of the Provincial 1969 Juvenile Giants baseball team, and a top tennis player. He attended Mount Carmel High School, where he continued to play soccer and basketball. Aside from excelling in sport, Ambrose also was an excellent student and was named President of the student council. After finding a love for sport and leadership at a young age, he continued his athletic and academic career at Saint Xavier University. While receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree from X, Ambrose played on the Men’s Varsity Soccer team, where he was named MVP of the team. He then continued his studies at St. F.X., and graduated with his Bachelor of Education Degree. After having a successful career as a player and student, his contribution to sport and education did not stop here, and due to this, he was inducted into the St. F.X. Hall of Honour in 2016.

Moving back to Cape Breton, Ambrose began his successful teaching career at Riverview High School, before serving as Principal of New Victoria Elementary, and eventually Greenfield Elementary. After many years, Ambrose moved into Central Office as Coordinator of School Services, then Director of Operations, and later becoming Superintendent of the CBVRCE. During his teaching career, he continued his contribution to sport as a coach for the Riverview girl's soccer team, and assistant coach for the BEC Bears basketball team. This led Ambrose into retirement, during which he was an active member of the Retired Teachers’ Association, eventually becoming President of the association.

Ambrose continued to be a pillar in the community. He served as president of New Waterford Tennis Club, and was a member of a multitude of committees including the Coal Dust Days Committee, New Waterford Hall of Fame Committee, and Mount Carmel Auditorium Committee. He was also the Vice Chair of New Waterford Wellness Society, which brought the first turf soccer field to New Waterford, attracting a large and elite soccer population to the community.

Ambrose was a member of our very own Coal Bowl Classic Board of Directors, Chair of St. Leonard’s Parish Council, and Chair of the Board of Governors of CBU. Ambrose’s contributions were not limited to New Waterford. Provincially, he was very involved with Sport Nova Scotia, leading the organization for a number of years. Ambrose also served as Chair of the Mission Staff for the Canada Games.

Through all of his accomplishments, Ambrose would still say his greatest achievement was his family. He was always supported and loved by his wife Marilyn, their son Gregory, daughter Carol Ann, and their grandchildren Jane and Layne Ambrose. It is with immense pride that the Coal Bowl Board of Directors name the late Ambrose White as Division Chair for Coal Bowl 2025.

From a young age, Darnell’s love for basketball grew - and grew quickly. Darnell attended Mount Carmel Elementary, where he played minor basketball and competed in the Mini Coal Bowl that clinched the championship title.

In junior high, Darnell and his team dominated their division, accumulating over 130 wins and suffering only a handful of losses. Their impressive record earned them the distinction of most wins ever in the league.

In high school, Darnell continued to excel as a key player. During Coal Bowl 1990 and 1991, Darnell’s performance on the court was nothing short of spectacular. His exceptional play earned him a spot on the Second All-Star Team in 1990 and First-Team All-Star in 1991.

In grade 11, Darnell’s game reached new heights, becoming truly explosive. As his team advanced through provincials, he put up 17 points in the first game, followed by 27 points in the next, and an incredible 40 points in the third. He capped off the tournament with a stunning 47-point performance in the championship game against Horton. In his grade 12 year, Darnell led the league in scoring, pulled down rebounds and added accolades to his growing trophy case further solidifying his dominance on the court.

Darnell fondly recalls his neighbor—who would unknowingly become his future career mentor in high school biology—Greg MacSween. At the age of 5, Greg taught Darnell how to take a foul shot. With a chuckle, Darnell admitted that having the experienced basketball coaches he did, they couldn’t quite fix that “ugly” form he picked up in those early years.

During his formative school years, Darnell was deeply influenced by exceptional coaches who were not only leaders in athletics, but also pillars of our local schools and community. Their guidance instilled in him a passion for the game, an unwavering determination to succeed and and a commitment to volunteerism that started at a young age.

Darnell started coaching at the age of 17 and in the same league as his basketball story began - at Mount Carmel Elementary, coaching his younger brother, Nolan.

In 1997, after obtaining his Education degree, Darnell coached MacDonald High boys basketball team to four straight Regional banners. He then coached their Girls’ basketball team with Dennis Hodder and won 2 Regional banners and a Provincial title.

In 2004, Darnell took the helm of the Breton Education Centre Boys' basketball team, where he led the squad to an impressive five-year run, capturing five Regional titles and securing a second-place finish at Provincials. However, it was in 2009 that Darnell truly made history by becoming the first coach to lead the Breton Education Centre Bears to victory, winning the coveted Coal Bowl Championship.

After a brief medical hiatus, Darnell returned to one of his greatest passions: coaching basketball. For two years, he had the joy of coaching his son Liam, which he recalls as the most rewarding time in his coaching journey, despite working with numerous teams and players over the years. Liam, a Grade 9 student at BEC, shares his father’s deep love for the game, making their time together on the court even more special.

Darnell resides in New Waterford with his wife, Laurie and their 2 boys - Liam and Cole. Coal Bowl Board of Directors are pleased to name Darnell Young as a Division Chair for Coal Bowl 2025.