1919 Victoria Foundation Lacrosse Club (1997)

The First World War interrupted sporting activity in Victoria as it did everywhere. Many young men, with promise as athletes, joined the services as Canada went to war. Interestingly, the Foundation Shipbuilding Co., which got started in Victoria in 1918, made many contributions to and virtually ran local sports for a couple of years. The Company picked up the lease on Royal Athletic Park and sponsored teams in nearly every sport. Their field lacrosse team enjoyed particular success. In 1919 the Victoria Foundation Club went undefeated to win the Mann Cup. That same year they went on to win the Canadian Lacrosse Association's national championship going undefeated in three games and winning the final 17 - 7. Led by Bernie Feedham and Joe Paynter in goal scoring, the team also boasted the fancy stick handling of Frank "Fatty" Sweeney who was a crowd-pleasing favourite.