Alumni Spotlight - Mitchell Bates

Mitchell Bates

Mount Allison Class of 2011 (Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Geography)
Acadia University Class of 2013 (Bachelor of Education)

Mitchell Bates, a Truro, Nova Scotia native was drawn to Mount Allison by their strong reputation for academics, and to pursue University Football. By the time he was done, “Bates” left the school as a lacrosse player, and one of the hardest hitting long poles in Maritime University Field Lacrosse League history. Four years after his last game in the league, we had the opportunity to catch up with Mitchell and have him reflect on his time spent playing the game:

Tyler James: What Lacrosse, if any, did you play prior to MUFLL?

Bates: I hadn’t played lacrosse prior to Mount Allison. I suffered a knee injury early in my football career, and I was fortunate to have several players on the lacrosse team at Mount Allison recruit me to play during my final years at the university.  

Tyler James: How many seasons did you play in the MUFLL?

Bates: I played at Mount Allison for 2 seasons (2009, 2010) and then played for Acadia while pursuing my Bachelor of Education in 2011.

Tyler James:  How did playing a University sport affect your undergrad/postgrad experience?

Bates: It really helped make my university experience memorable.  Some of my teammates have become friends for life and have provided a number of networking opportunities after graduation.  It was definitely the highlight of the last couple years of undergrad.  Our team became really close knit and really became representative of the atmosphere that Mount Allison carried.

Tyler James: What was your favourite memory/experience playing in the MUFLL?

Bates: My first year playing we were able to win the first games in Mount Allison’s history. For a team that had been at the bottom of the league for the previous four years, this was a big deal for us. What would be a small step for many programs was a huge moment in the MTA lacrosse program.   Being part of the group that began to change the culture of the program and helping players believe they could compete was a special feeling.  Having the opportunity to switch between football to lacrosse and bring a competitive dynamic to the program is something I will always appreciate.

Tyler James: Can you tell us a bit about your involvement with Lacrosse after completing your MUFLL career?

Bates: I played a season for the Halifax Hustle in the Senior Box league during my time in the league, and then moved to Fort Vermillion, Alberta where I am currently a High School teacher. Although there is not a lacrosse program in our community, I thought the game would fit perfectly in our school’s athletic program, so I went out and ordered two full sets of team equipment and we’ve encouraged other schools nearby to do the same.

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