Ross Webb
- 2024 -
Athlete - Soccer
Ross was one of the most successful goal scorers in Nova Scotia soccer history. Born in Portsmouth England, he came to Sackville in the 70’s at the age of 14, where he continued playing soccer at local schools, including Sackville Heights Junior High and Sackville High School, where he was part of three provincial championship teams. Of note, Ross was a player on the first Sackville Senior & U18 teams to win provincial championships. Ross participated in other provincial, regional, and national team events where he often medaled. This included local, senior, provincial, university and work teams.
Ross will be the first to credit his teammates and coaches for his success. His teammates and coaches would tell you that Ross had a unique knowledge and understanding of the game, and a complete mastery at the “striker” position in scoring goals.
One of Ross’s most successful periods in his playing career was his time at Saint Mary’s University, during the period from 1978 to 1982. His university achievements were as follows: Most career goals and goals per season in Atlantic (AUS) & Canadian (CIAU) soccer history. AUS Rookie of the year in 1978 where he still holds the single season scoring record of 37 goals, as well as the most goals over his 5-year university career of 72 (next competitor had 47 goals). AUS soccer All-Star five times. Won five AUS scoring titles. First-team CIS All Canadian four times. Two-time AUS Team Championships. National Championship Silver medallist.
Other accolades of note are that Ross led the Nova Scotia Senior (Premiership) League in scoring 10 times. Ross was the number one draft pick for a professional soccer team in 1978 and was offered a pro contract and appeared in an article in Sports Illustrated. Inducted into Saint Mary’s University Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. In later years Ross continued to compete in the Atlantic Canada’s over 35 and Police force teams.
Ross has been paraphrased as saying that the “team” is more important than the individual, and important lessons and memories come from participating on a team. Ross is currently retired from the Halifax Regional Police force.