Wall of Distinction
Arriving at Bishop’s in 1954 Pratt was expected to provide depth to the football team. It turned out that he contributed much more. During his four year tenure on the gridiron he scored 13 of the team’s 37 touchdowns in all different phases of the game. Posing a real threat to opponents any time he touched the ball, which was often, he rushed, caught passes and returned kicks for major scores. In 1956 he scored 70 per cent of the team’s touchdowns including the championship winner against MacDonald College. Pratt also threw five touchdown passes in his career. As was customary at the time, Pratt also played defense and became known for his bone crushing hits.
Pratt was also a member of the intercollegiate ski team in four disciplines. He competed in downhill, slalom, cross-country and jumping. In 1956 he was a provincial slalom champion.
When the 1955-56 hockey team needed a defenseman, Pratt stepped in for the season.
Pratt also joined the rifle team in his final year at Bishop’s adding shooting to his distinguished athletic resume.
Outside of athletics Pratt excelled. He was a four year member of the Glee Club and their Barber Shop Quartet; a member of the Goodwill Society for four years and president in 1958 and a co-chair of the Students Expansion Fund in 1958. He was awarded a Golden Mitre Award for his many other contributions to Bishop’s life.
After his time in purple and white Pratt began a career as a teacher and Founding School Head of The Country Day School in York County, Ontario in 1972. Later in life he worked as a counselor and mentor to those marginalized by society, helping native people, addicts and in the rehabilitation of convicts.
