Maxwell “Max” Kirby – Veteran/Athlete

Inducted 2014

St. John’s “Athlete” Maxwell “Max” Kirby took the track and field scene by storm in the 1930’s. Max started his track and field career while attending St. Patrick’s High School and he continued in his sport when he became a member of the Church Lads Brigade (CLB). He excelled in a variety of competitions and recorded more than 40 first place finishes, which include 11 record performances. From 1937 ? 1939, Max placed first in 5 NAAA championships and won 2 silver medals and 1 bronze medal while setting two indoor and two other records. In 1938 at the NAAA Officials Indoor Track Meet, Max won 5 gold medals and his outstanding performance at the CLB Annual All Brigade Sports Competition earned him the Warren Victor Ludorum Sports Trophy. In the same year he entered 11 CLB Track and Field events and had 8 first place finishes. In 1939 Kirby again entered 11 events and earned 8 first place finishes while setting 6 new records. In 1940 Max won 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal at the NAAA Officials Indoor Track Meet. Max Kirby’s athletic career was not limited to track and field, he also excelled in a number of other sports. In 1940, he was captain of the CLB Intermediate Championship Basketball Team and in 1944 he finished fourth in scoring in the St. John’s Basketball League. In the same year, Max scored a league game record 42 points and in an eight game tournament scored a total of 165 points, holding a record 20.6 point average. In 1945 Max played with St. Pat’s in the St. John’s Basketball League and for his outstanding playing ability during the season he won the Paul Kavanagh Award and was voted league MVP. Max was rewarded for his track and field endeavours in 2012 by being inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Hall of Fame. A well-rounded athlete competing in amateur sport, playing for charity events while having an outstanding amount of success in his scoring achievements, Max is a true athlete to the athletic community in Newfoundland and Labrador. Max Kirby’s achievements in sport speak to his induction into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame in the “Athlete/Veteran” category.