It is with great sadness that Champlain College Lennoxville and the Cougars Football Program learned of the passing of a true pillar of our family, Albert MacDonald.

Coach Al dedicated nearly four decades to the Cougars, serving as our offensive line coach since 1988. Throughout the years, he played a major role in the development and success of countless offensive linemen who came through our program. His attention to detail, his passion for the game, his love of teaching, and his ability to bring out the very best in his athletes made him one of the most respected coaches in our history.

Beyond football, Albert was equally dedicated to the academic success of our student-athletes. During the day, he worked with the team as a math tutor, always willing to help players succeed both on and off the field.

In 2024, the Albert MacDonald Award was established in his honour and is presented annually to the student-athlete with the highest R-Score. This award will continue to bear his name and stand as a lasting legacy of his commitment to excellence.

Known affectionately as “the man in shorts,” Coach Al could always be seen on the field wearing shorts, rain or shine, whether it was the beginning of the season or late in the fall. It was simply Coach Al being Coach Al.

He will be sincerely missed by the entire Cougar family, but his impact, his teachings, and the memories he created will remain with us forever.

Thank you, Coach Al, for everything you gave to our program, our players, and our community.

You will be greatly missed.
Once a Cougar, always a Cougar.