It was November 1977, and the rivalry spirit between RMC and Queen’s was alive and well. On a Wednesday night at Queen’s Bartlett Gym during an exhibition basketball game, the Royal Military College Redmen took down the Queen’s University Golden Gaels 63–46 in front of a packed and deafening crowd.

RMC Finds Its Rhythm

Led by first-year coach Fred Eggleton, RMC played with focus and energy, taking advantage of Queen’s struggles under the basket. The Gaels, fielding a rookie-heavy lineup, had trouble handling RMC’s strong defense and disciplined ball movement.

RMC took a four-point lead into halftime and never looked back, stretching the margin to 15 by the final buzzer. Despite missing key players like John Reynolds (broken toe) and Rick Porter (groin injury), the Redmen kept control thanks to solid shooting from Randy Russell, Glen Thomas, and Ray Mackley.

Noisy Cadets Pack the Stands

While RMC dominated the court, the real noise came from the stands. Nearly 500 cadets filled the bleachers: pipers, drummers, and horns in tow, turning Bartlett Gym into a wall of sound. The noise was so loud that the announcer could barely be heard.

The cadets’ cheers, chants, and songs gave the Redmen an extra edge and left Queen’s supporters in disbelief.

Why RMC Always Shows Up Big

Typically, the first game of the season against Queen’s is when RMC cadets show up in force, filling the stands with unmistakable energy and pride. That tradition has continued through the decades, a defining part of RMC culture. But this particular night may have been one of the largest cadet turnouts in RMC history, a moment when the unity, spirit, and sheer volume of the Wing left a lasting impression on everyone in the gym.

So, do you remember this game?

Share your memories in the comment box below!