University of Manitoba Bisons - The Magazine 2017-18

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GREETINGS

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Welcome to the University of Manitoba—home of trailblazing athletes.

First, congratulations to the more than 75 current and incoming athletes, Junior Bisons and Bison coaches who participated in the Canada Summer Games, demonstrating a professional-level commitment to excellence in their sport.

I hope this was a life-changing experience for each of you.

For those who are new to Bison Sports, welcome. You have much to look forward to as you begin practicing, competing and connecting with the Bison community.

Our Bison programs have earned a national reputation for producing student-athletes who excel in competition, in academics and in community leadership. Our student-athletes have meaningful opportunities to gain experience as mentors and contribute to a legacy of community engagement. And every year, many of our champions achieve the title of Academic All Canadian, a remarkable distinction that acknowledges student-athletes who maintain a competitive GPA. Last year, a record 115 earned this honour.

As the U of M marks our 140th anniversary—taking this year as an opportunity to consider our generational impact—I want to thank Bison Sports for investing in a future generation of student-leaders and athletes. Our remarkable alumni— Olympians, NFL stars, professional athletes and coaches— demonstrate that the U of M’s commitment to athletics, community service and academic excellence fosters wellrounded students with the qualities required to achieve their dreams.

I also want to thank those who support our student-athletes at competitions or through our Front and Centre campaign. You are supporting tomorrow’s leaders—role models who never shy from challenge or stop pursuing excellence. Thank you for investing in our Bison champions.

Go Bisons!

I hope you are looking forward to an exciting 2017/18 Bison Season. Our Bison Sports programs support approximately 350 outstanding student-athletes who compete in 9 different sports.

I would like to take this opportunity to provide a bit of historical context to our Bison athletes.

The concept of the student-athlete is rooted in the history of the British public (private) schools from the early 1800s. At that time all university students were expected to play sport; a student-athlete was, in fact, just a student. Intercollegiate sport began when student-run sport clubs (primarily rowing and rugby) challenged similar clubs at a rival university. Perhaps the oldest and most famous intercollegiate competition is the “Boat Race” between Oxford and Cambridge universities. The first race took place in 1829 and continues today. The British system of varsity sport was adopted by Canada’s first universities: St. Mary’s University (1802), McGill (1821), Queens (1841), University of Toronto (1827) and later, the University of Manitoba (1877).

Since then, a great deal has changed in university sport.

Foremost, in the 1800s sport was a male domain as was most post-secondary education but not anymore thankfully!

Bison Sports at the University of Manitoba and U SPORTS (the national governing body for interuniversity sport in Canada) are committed to gender equity.

Another significant change is the specialization and high-performance standards of our University of Manitoba Bison athletes. For the most part, varsity athletes in the early

1800s were dabblers, pure recreationalists. Today, many of our Bison athletes are among the top high-performance athletes in Canada in their respective sports. Over the years, Bisons have been invited to participate on National team and some have advanced to professional sport careers.

Another significant change is the formalization of university sport programs. Our sports team and programs are no longer student-run. Our student-athletes receive support from professional coaches, strength and conditioning experts, sport medicine and science practitioners and a staff of administrative experts; they also train and compete in the some of the best athletic facilities in Western Canada.

And yet, while history shows that Canadian university sport has changed dramatically since its earlier incarnations, some fundamental principles have remained the same. Like studentathletes at Oxford and Cambridge, McGill and Queen’s, and U of M (in the late 1800s), our Bison student-athletes draw on their sporting experiences to enhance their academic achievements, engage with their community and grow as leaders and citizens.

Please join me in cheering on these outstanding women and men as they compete in the 2017-18 season.

Welcome to our 2017 Bison season This summer the University of Manitoba welcomed 4000 Canada Summer Games Athletes to our campus. The U of M was the site of the Athlete’s Village and Polyclinic, and the competition venue for Athletics and Volleyball. The sight of athletes and fans from all over Canada sharing our spaces and facilities was memorable, and we are proud to have played a role in the Canada Summer Games’ “Hottest Summer in Half a Century”. Bison Sports is fortunate to have benefitted from the Games. Part of the Games’ legacy is much-needed upgrades to the University of Manitoba stadium. The stadium was originally constructed for the 1967 Pan American Games and was the athletic venue for the 1999 Pan American Games. These upgrades will serve to provide our athletes and fans with a top class athletic venue for many years to come.

Our fans will notice other improvement to our facilities including a new video scoreboard at the Investors Group Athletic Centre and new lighting and meshing at the Wayne

Fleming Arena. It is our goal to create great experiences for fans and student athletes at Bison events and these upgrades will serve to improve the student athlete and fan experience.

Last year over 6100 new students came to the University of Manitoba. Welcome to you and the thousands of new students joining us this year. You made a great choice! As a U of M student, you have access to all of our home games, so please activate your student card and pick up your barcode sticker for unlimited admission. We love the loyalty and passion of our fans. Please cheer loudly and with enthusiasm! We want our athletes to feel supported and we want our fans to create a home advantage. Please remember that we want a safe, respectful and fun atmosphere in our buildings.

We hope to see you at our games!

Enjoy the season. Go Bisons!

2016-17 SEASON UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18

Dr. David T. Barnard

President and Vice-Chancellor University of Manitoba

Dr. Douglas Brown

Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management University of Manitoba

Gene Muller, MA, MBA

Director of Athletics and Recreation University of Manitoba

CREDITS

Bisons – The Magazine is the official sports magazine of the University of Manitoba Bisons. This publication is edited by Scott Taylor, written

by Scott Taylor and Carter Brooks and is designed by Ken Waterman.

Bisons – The Magazine is published

by Bisons Sports at the University of Manitoba.

Any opinions expressed belong solely to the authors and do not necessarily express the views of the magazine, the publishers or the University of Manitoba. All published work is edited for accuracy, style, and clarity.

PUBLISHERS AND ADVISORS Catherine-Grace Peters Lisa Tinley Chris Zuk

EDITOR Scott Taylor

Contents FOOTBALL .................................................................. 6 BISONS IN THE CFL ................................................. 10 BISONS’ VANIER CUP .............................................. 12 WOMEN’S SOCCER .................................................. 14 SWIMMING................................................................... 20 MEN’S GOLF............................................................... 22

REPORTERS/WRITERS

WOMEN’S GOLF......................................................... 24

Carter Brooks Scott Taylor

MEN’S BASKETBALL ................................................ 26

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND DESIGNER

BISONS SCHEDULE................................................... 34

Ken Waterman

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL ................................................ 40

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Miller/100 Acre Woods Photography Tara Miller/100 Acre Woods Photography All Images are the property of Bison Sports at the University of Manitoba

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ......................................... 30 WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL ......................................... 36 MEN’S HOCKEY ........................................................ 44 WOMEN’S HOCKEY .................................................. 48 DONORS’ STORY..................................................... 52 TRACK & FIELD......................................................... 54 CROSS COUNTRY.................................................... 56 CELEBRATING ALUMNI............................................ 58 JUNIOR BISONS ....................................................... 62 FACILITIES James Daly Fieldhouse........................... 66 2017-18 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

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FOOTBALL

By Scott Taylor Photos by Jeff Miller and James Carey Lauder

Fong’s heart, passion and commitment will lead Bisons in 2017 In May of 2015, University of Manitoba Bison defensive back, Tyler Fong and his pal Andrew Johnston went for a hike at Goldstream Provincial Park. They hiked to the top of a waterfall where Fong lost his footing and fell 156 feet down the rocky wall of the falls into a small pool of water. At first, Fong thought he would die, but he didn’t.

In fact, he returned to play the entire 2015 football season with the Bisons. It’s an incredible story, but it didn’t end there. Fong’s heart, passion and commitment have made him the face of the 2017 University of Manitoba Bisons.

Tyler Fong

Head Coach Brian Dobie 6

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

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ison football head coach Brian Dobie, the first part of the story is now quite common knowledge. One of Dobie’s top defensive backs, Fong, had gone home to Victoria to visit family and friends after the 2015 school year.

“Tyler and one of his best friends (Andrew Johnston) decided to go hiking at a provincial park (Goldstream Provincial Park just north of Victoria) when the stopped to take pictures of a waterfall,” Dobie said.

“That’s when Tyler slipped. He was holding on, yelling for his friend to get help but there was no cell service. Tyler held on as long as he could before he could hold on no longer. He fell 156 feet (47 metres). What’s that? 15 stories off a building? He thought he was going to die. He was certain of it.

FOOTBALL

“But the really amazing part came when he landed. It was like something from the circus. He had this small pool of water below him and he was falling headfirst. Somehow, because he was such a good athlete, he was able to flip himself over as he fell and turned in order to hit the water feet first. That’s probably what saved his life.”

Dobie was in B.C. recruiting at the time and as soon as he heard, got in touch with Tyler’s mom. The coach knew Tyler had a long road back to full health, but the important things was, the young man was alive. He suffered a broken rib and a punctured lung. There was no guarantee that he’d ever play football again.

“It was a tribute to Tyler that three months later, he was back on the field with us,” said Dobie, still overwhelmed by Fong’s commitment to the game two years later. “He’s a remarkable young man.”

Fong got a tattoo of the date he fell, to remind himself that life can change in the blink of an eye.

“It’s still the same today. When I tell the story, people say ‘There is no way that actually happened’ or ‘You are so lucky to be alive’,” Fong explained.

“When I fell, I thought I was dead.

I thought that was it. I realized there was water at the bottom and decided I should put my feet first so I didn’t risk a concussion or break my neck. In the end, I think I

suffered my injuries when I bounced off the rocks on the way down.”

Tyler Fong’s comeback story was incredible two years ago, but it’s more remarkable today. After playing in 2015, he came back last year and he and Dobie both expected him to have an outstanding season. Then his mother passed away. Already devastated, in the third game of the season, he tore up his knee and was gone for the rest of the year.

“It was pretty devastating,” he said. “The injury took place right after my mother’s passing. She was the first one there to visit me in the hospital after my fall and was always there for me. After the injury, I just thought, ‘Not another setback?’”

The worst aspect of the injury – other than the pain and the forfeiture of the rest of his third year of eligibility – was the fact he lost a full year of eligibility despite playing only three games in 2016. The U SPORTS rule is simple: If a player is injured and misses the remainder of the season after two games or fewer, he won’t lose a full year of eligibility. Fong was injured in Game 3.

“We have formally appealed to U SPORTS to have Tyler’s year of eligibility restored,” said Dobie. “And we know it’s a longshot, but we’ve appealed simply on compassionate grounds. After all he’s gone through, we’re just going to throw ourselves on the mercy of the court, so to speak, and hope the people in charge will see fit to give Tyler another year.”

Despite all he’s gone through over the past three years, Fong is still an outstanding football player. A 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back, defensive coordinator Stan Pierre calls Fong, “the glue that holds the defense together.”

“We have a pretty solid defense with the likes of Jayden McKoy and Houston Rennie, who both played in U SPORTS’s East-West all-star game,” said Pierre, “but Tyler is the catalyst and the evidence is clear – when he’s on the field we play great defense and when he’s not, we don’t.

“Tyler is one of the smartest guys I’ve ever coached. He’s not as great an athlete as Jayden or Houston, but he’s the glue that holds it all together.”

This season, on a Bisons team that is expected to do well, Fong’s heart, passion and commitment will play an important role in the team’s ultimate success.

Houston Rennie 7

FOOTBALL

Lyles back and ready ‘to do what it takes’

By Scott Taylor Photos by Jeff Miller

A

fter missing the 2016 campaign, elite running back Jamel Lyles is back in Winnipeg and University of Manitoba Bisons head football coach Brian Dobie could not be happier.

“I gotta tell ya, we are very much looking forward to having Jamel back this season,” Dobie said with a wide smile. “Jamel has proven to be one of the most productive and dynamic football players in the nation and I’ve told this to a few people and I truly believe it: ‘Jamel is the best running back in this province and maybe the best running back in the country who is not getting paid.’ The Bombers have Andrew Harris and Timothy Flanders and then there is Jamel. He’s a great back and he’s also exciting. There are a lot of commonalities between Jamel and Andrew Harris.”

In 2015, Lyles, 20, was the most dynamic player in Canada West -- the league’s Rookie of the Year and a conference all-star at both the running back and kick returner positions. A product of the highly-regarded Surrey, B.C. high school system, he led the nation with 1,564 all-purpose yards, including 691 yards rushing. He rushed for a pair of TDs and also had a punt return and a kick return touchdown.

But after the season he left the program for what the U of M called “academic reasons.”

Now, however, he has worked hard to complete the required credits and will be in the backfield again this season.

Of course,

8

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

it’s not like he’ll be out of practice. Last season, while the Bisons had their ups and downs in the Canada West Conference, Lyles was ripping up the BCFC with the Westshore Rebels.

He not only helped the Rebels win the conference championship, he was also named the winner of the Canadian Junior Football League’s Outstanding Offensive Player award. In 10 games with Westshore, Lyles carried 187 times for 1,604 yards and 15 touchdowns. He had a 370-yard rushing game. He also broke Harris’s BCFC rushing record.

“Jamel had an incredible and dominating season in the BCFC last year,” said Dobie. “He is the entire package. He has speed, a high football IQ, quickness and a commitment to the game and the team.”

Last season, Alex Christie and Cam Fox shared the running back duties for the Bisons, but it was Fox’s final year of university eligibility. That makes the timing of Lyles return even more significant.

However, the key element in perhaps the success of the offence will be Lyles commitment to school.

“School has been going great all summer and I’m getting Bs or better,” he said proudly. “Coach Dobie was on me every single day. I want to play and that doesn’t happen without school. I’m also trying to get into a business program at the Asper School. My marks have been pretty good and that’s starting to look promising.”

Now that he has school at a manageable level, he’s also found plenty of time to continue working out. Lyles is convinced that this is going to be a great year for the Bisons.

“Everything is falling into place for this team and it will, most definitely, be a team to watch this season,” Lyles said. “Our offence has a lot of weapons. Theo Deezar at quarterback is the captain of our ship and there is nobody better in Canada West. With star receivers like Shai Ross and Riley Harrison we’ll definitely be able to pass the ball.

“Our opponents won’t want to mess with the Bisons. We’re going to be super explosive and there will be a lot of big plays. Hopefully I can make some of them. I’ve come to realize that all my work is now about my future and I’ll be chasing my dreams on that field this season. It’s all going to start with team success and I’m prepared to do everything possible to make the Bisons a successful team.”

David Onyemata

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GET READY FOR YOUR GAME Nic Demski

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BISONS IN THE CFL

Anthony Coombs Toronto Argonauts

Bisons Football:

A hotbed for future professional stars

By Scott Taylor Photos by Jeff Miller

Thomas Miles Winnipeg Blue Bombers

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The University of Manitoba Bisons football program is now a hotbed of professional talent. It’s not just a football program that turns out CFL players, but in the past 15 years, there have two NFL players who graduated from Coach Brian Dobie’s program and there could be another one this fall. There are now 10 former Bisons on CFL rosters and at least one – and maybe two – on an NFL roster.

There is a message here: Go Bisons and go pro.

B

ison football head coach Brian Dobie has been proud of every player who finished his career at the University of Manitoba. However, you can sense just a little extra pride when Dobie starts talking about the players who used their time at the U of M to become professional football players.

“We certainly do not indicate to players we’re recruiting that we can promise them a professional career,” Dobie said, over coffee one morning this summer. “However, we can assure them that if they come in and do well in school and do all the extra work and listen to their coaches, they’ll have a chance. We just provide the program. It’s the players who make it happen.”

And so many players have made it happen.

From Al Passman and Art Kolisnyk in the 1940s to Bob Kraemer and Gord Paterson in the 1970s to Wade Miller and Dave Donaldson in the 1990s, University of Manitoba graduates have had successful professional football careers.

These days, the CFL is full of U of M grads and there are even two players in the NFL (at press time). In fact, at the start of the 2017 season, these former Bisons were playing in the CFL and NFL:

BISONS IN THE CFL Gray had an impressive award winning 2016 season with the Bisons and was a conference football award winner and national finalist during his final year. Gray, 22, could now follow Bison alumni Israel “Izzy” Idonije (retired) and David Onyemata as an NFL football player.

The 6-foot-6, 310-pound. offensive lineman finished his fourth season at Manitoba in 2016 and started all eight league games for the Bisons. In addition, the Winnipeg product (Greendell Falcons) was selected and played in the prestigious East-West Shrine Game in January 2017. Gray’s two-year deal in Green Bay included a signing bonus.

“We’re obviously very excited and happy for Geoff, signing with the Packers,” said Dobie. “It’s really amazing when you think that this was the second year in a row, and third-year overall, in which a Bison has generated an NFL opportunity. That’s unheard of in U SPORTS football. It goes without saying how proud we are.”

Meanwhile, Bisons players in the CFL have been enjoying very successful careers in recent years. Receiver Nic Demski is turning into a star in

(RB) Anthony Coombs (WR) Nic Demski (DE) Evan Foster (DL) Evan Gill (RB) Kienan LaFrance (LB) Thomas Miles (DT) Don Oramasionwu (OL) Landon Rice (DT) Eddie Steele (WR) Derek Yachison

- Toronto Argonauts (CFL) - Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) - Toronto Argonauts (CFL) - Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) - Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) - Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL) - Montreal Alouettes (CFL) - Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) - Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) - Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)

(DL) David Onyemata (OL) Geoff Gray

- New Orleans Saints (NFL) - Green Bay Packers (NFL)

Last season, David Onyemata was signed by the NFL’s New Orleans Saints after being the first-ever Bison to be selected in a NFL following a remarkable four year playing career with the Bisons. He went to training camp and not only made the Saints, but played regularly in 14 of the team’s 16 regular season games.

Meanwhile, Bisons fourth-year offensive lineman Geoff Gray, although not selected in the 2017 National Football League draft, signed as a priority free agent deal with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers right after the 253rd player was selected in the draft.

“I’m really excited to join the Packers,” said Gray. “Several teams came on strong and made good offers but I had to go with my gut, and Green Bay seemed like the right fit for me.”

Saskatchewan, running back Anthony Coombs is a starter in Toronto, defensive linemen Don Oramasionwu and Eddie Steele both won a Grey Cup in Edmonton in 2015 and running back Kienan LaFrance won a Grey Cup in Ottawa last season. That’s right. Bisons are now back-to-back Grey Cup champs.

“It’s good for our program and it definitely helps with recruiting when you can graduate players to professional football,” said Dobie proudly. “It’s the type of thing that gives players the incentive to play at the University of Manitoba.”

2017-18 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

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BISONS’ VANIER CUP

It’s the 10th anniversary of the Bisons’ Vanier Cup

By Scott Taylor Photso by Jeff Miller John Makie remembers the little things. He remembers the anxiety, the nervous jokes and the roar of the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre) crowd as the University of Manitoba Bison football team took the field.

“I just remember how nervous all the guys were before the game and how even stupid little jokes got a big laugh from everyone,” Makie recalled. “And when we ran out onto the field, it was a roar that I’d never heard before and wouldn’t here again. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Makie, the Bison starting quarterback that day, will never forget the ending either.

That day, Makie played a spectacular football game, the Bisons scored in every quarter, came back from an early 7-0 deficit and whipped the St. Mary’s Huskies 28-14 to claim the 43rd Vanier Cup, the third Vanier Cup title in the program’s history.

Makie hit Steve Gronick on a 39-yard touchdown pass and ran six yards himself for another and finished 16-for-31 for 261 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions and won the Bruce Coulter Trophy as the

12

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

game’s offensive MVP. Cornerback Mike Howard had three interceptions and won the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy as game defensive MVP award.

Manitoba running back Matt Henry suffered a stomach-turning leg injury in the first quarter and the Bisons just got better after that. Henry was tackled and broke his femur. Later, the team took the Vanier Cup to his hospital room.

“After the loss in Hardy Cup game in 2006, we went into the 2007 season with a new resolve,” said Makie. “There was some unfinished business there. A lot of our guys were from B.C. and very few of them went home the summer before the season started. We stayed together and did everything we could to be ready for the season. Well, we dominated, every game at every position on the field. We went undefeated and the feeling at the end was hard to describe. We’d just played our final game of the year and this time there was no heartbreak. We won. We accomplished what we set out to do. It was surreal. I’d never felt that way before.”

Makie is the father of two now, a local Winnipeg sales representative who still trains young quarterbacks with Recruit Ready Football.

However, on this 10-year anniversary of the U of M Bisons’ Vanier Cup championship, it might be time for another celebration.

It’s not how, it’s how much.

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WOMEN’S SOCCER

The Goal is nationals for W

Head Coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas

The 2017 soccer season should be one for the ages for the Bison women’s soccer team. If you don’t believe it, ask Head Coach, Vanessa Martinez Lagunas… or team captain, Amanda Wong… or fifth year forward Alyssa Daley… or second year star defenceman Shaylyn Dyck.

By Carter Brooks Photos by Jeff Miller

14

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

e could go on. But maybe at this point you’re starting to get it; 2017 will be a huge historic season for soccer at the University of Manitoba.

The mumps epidemic hit the Bisons at the worst possible time in the 2016 season – the week of the first round of conference playoffs when they were paired up against the number one ranked Calgary Dinos. Despite all hurdles, the underdog Bisons defeated the Calgary squad on the road, holding them to a clean sheet. This qualified the University of Manitoba for the Canada West Select Six Tournament for second time and first since 2008 in the program’s history.

Pairing the success of 2016-17 with the fact that coach Martinez Lagunas only lost two fifth year players from last season and is has a strong recruiting class, things look to be heading in the right direction for the only University of Manitoba soccer team.

Not only will the festivities surround the women’s soccer program at the university, but the excitement will extend even deeper to the first-ever U SPORTS Women’s Soccer National Championship held in Winnipeg. This is also the first time in over 30 years of existence that the tournament will be played in the prairies. The local Manitoban community will be able to watch the best female university soccer players and teams competing for the national title.

Both the players and coaches alike know that hosting this prestigious event will surely provide a lot of scrutiny, but are also quick to point out that it will serve as extra motivation for the upcoming season.

“The U SPORTS women’s soccer national championship has never come to Winnipeg, so a big part of it will be just to see where we stand against some of the other teams in the country,” said Bison’ captain and 2016

The U SPORTS women’s soccer national championship has never come to Winnipeg, so a big part of it will be just to see where we stand against some of the other teams in the country - Amanda Wong, Captain, Manitoba Bison Women’s Soccer Canada West Second Team All-Star, Amanda Wong. “We only compete against teams in Western Canada, so we kind of know where we are in relation to them – but we have never played teams from Ontario, Quebec or the Atlantic region. We really want to be able to compete; since we get an automatic bye into the tournament, we don’t want to be essentially forfeited in, but we want to show that we deserve to be there.”

Martinez Lagunas – now in her fifth season on the sidelines – also stressed the significance that the National Championship will bring to Canada’s prairies.

“Since I took over the program, our vision has been to become one of the best university women’s soccer programs in Canada,” said Martinez Lagunas. “In order to do that, you need to compete against the best teams; bringing in the National Championship will give our team –

WOMEN’S SOCCER

women’s soccer in 2017

Amanda Wong

2017-18 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

15

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Alyssa Daley

Do better in the regular season than last year and qualify for the playoffs – and obviously show everybody that we are ready for the level of play needed for the National Championship - Vanessa Martinez Lagunas, Head Coach, Manitoba Bison Women’s Soccer

for the first time in our history – a chance to compete at that level. This tournament will impact the development of our team for many years to come. The more national exposure, the more people find out about our program. This is very important for the image of the university overall, much like it is for Winnipeg and the province.”

Another way to find out about the women’s soccer program is to observe the product on the field. The 2017 season will feature a strong offensive team, led by midfielders Wong, second year international player Kati Rados, and experienced attacker Daley. While rookie sensation Dyck, hopes to build off of a phenomenal first year with the team that saw her play every game as the go-to centre defender.

“Alyssa is able to hold the ball really well, and has very good vision of the game, so she is able to really connect with her strong passes,” Martinez Lagunas said of her fifth-year player. “She is also one of the fastest players in terms of her acceleration in short distances, and her ability to turn has got to be one of the best in the conference.”

The accolades seem to flow in both directions, as Daley – who also has her brother, Anthony on the Bison men’s football team – had nothing but praise for her coach as well.

“That competitive edge that Vanessa brings has definitely shifted from her to us,” said Daley. “She is very focused, and expects us to be there and give it our very best effort every time – no matter the circumstances. She is very positive and very approachable – everything we need from a coach.”

Wong’s compliments for her centre back were also ever-flowing.

“Shaylyn is a rock back there, and she couldn’t have asked for a better rookie season,” said Wong. “She has the combination of good foot skills

WOMEN’S SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONNAT NATIONAUX University of Manitoba November 9 - 12 Novembre Winnipeg, Manitoba usports.ca

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Amanda Wong

and excellent speed. It is really hard to outrun Shaylyn and that’s a huge strength for her. No forward is blowing by her because she can keep up with them the whole way.”

Once again, the praise was reciprocal.

“It’s fantastic having Mandy as our leader,” said Dyck. “She basically holds the team together – not just in her position, but as the captain. She is very easy to talk to, and takes charge very well and handles everything with a lot of class. I wouldn’t want anyone else as our team’s leader.”

Rados, a Canadian-Croatian, who has played for both the U17 and the U19 Croatian National Teams, has made it clear that her decision to come to Manitoba and join the Bison program has already paid off.

“I really enjoyed the team atmosphere and working with the coaching staff last season,” Rados reflected. “I’m definitely looking forward to the National Championship this year.”

In building off of last season’s accomplishments, the women’s soccer team knows its goal for 2017.

“Our expectation is to continue building the program, and to do a bit better than we did last year,” said Martinez Lagunas. “Do better in the regular season than last year and qualify for the playoffs – and obviously show everybody that we are ready for the level of play needed for the National Championship.”

“The goal is to definitely make playoffs, and then essentially take it as far as we can and see what happens in the National Championship,” added Wong. “We know we have to prepare ourselves for some top teams at the tournament as well.”

Talking about the objective is one thing, but carrying it out on the pitch is another. In order to get the wheels turning on another successful season, these young ladies know exactly what has to happen.

“We just need to work on our consistency,” said Daley. “Working together as a team is something that we are really emphasizing right now.

We are all on the same page on that one.”

“We also have to build off of last year,” added Dyck. “Continue focusing on our consistency and keep working on our positional play. We only lost a few key players, but with our current roster and the upcoming recruits, we can definitely keep up that level of play from last season and go even further this year.”

Alyssa Daley

18

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

Sip slowly. Snack often.

SWIMMING

Cerny and Wog move to a different approach to training

By Scott Taylor Photos by Jeff Miller

University of Manitoba swimmer Kelsey Wog won a silver medal in the 200-metre breaststroke at the 13th FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships in Windsor, Ont., back in December. She was also a Canada West champion, a U Sports champion and a member of Canada’s National Team at the FISU Games in Taipei this past summer. She was a brilliant young swimmer before she got to the U of M, but with a little switch in her training regimen, she might be on track to Olympic gold.

Kelsey Wog

U

niversity of Manitoba swim coach, Vlastik Cerny, was intrigued by the training methods of the Michigan-based World Crossfit Champion Rich Froning. It wasn’t the amount of work that Froning did to become successful, but the way he managed his time and his workouts.

“I was watching the documentary on Froning on Netflix one night and what really interested me was the way in which he trained,” said Cerny. “The guys worked out six times a day. He’s a professional, he has the time, but what was intriguing was that none of his workouts was long. He worked out six times a day, no longer than, say, 45 minutes per workout. Tops. There weren’t any of these two hour and three hour workouts.

“So I did some research on that method and it appears that for most athletes who can do it. It’s the way it should be done.”

So last fall, during the strike at the University of Manitoba, Cerny got together with his best swimmer, 18-year-old Kelsey Wog and devised a program in which she wouldn’t go hard for 90 minutes to two-hours in the morning and then hard again for a long workout at night. Instead, she’d work out three short periods per day, still getting in her dry land training, but keeping her workouts brief, focused and high-intensity.

“Because of the strike, we had the chance to do it and I appreciate that the union allowed the coaches to keep working without athletes,” Cerny said. “We tried the new schedule before the World Championship and it was very successful. With the right athletes, in the right circumstances, I think that’s the way to go. It keeps them focused and after they’re finished a shorter workout, they’re more excited about getting back into the pool and doing it again later in the day.

“It’s really interesting, but Kelsey does some of her best work at lunch time at the public swim. She shares her lane with other swimmers and has a lot of fun. She works hard anyway, so she should enjoy what she does.”

Wog is a remarkable young swimmer. She won silver at the Worlds, a handful of Canada West

20 UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 2016-17 SEASON

SWIMMING championship golds (plus she was Rookie Swimmer of the Meet), a gold, a silver and a bronze at the U Sports Championships and was the Bison Female Sports Rookie of the Year and the Female Swimming MVP. But she also has a well-rounded life on top of her swimming

We tried the new schedule before the World Championship and it was very successful. With the right athletes, in the right circumstances, I think that’s the way to go.

“We’ve talked about the way her season went a lot,” Cerny said. “When the strike was on and really, all we were doing was swimming, it was different. That’s why she had that success in December. But it’s hard balancing high-level swimming with a full load in a difficult academic program at school and also having a real life on the side. It’s tough.”

But Wog, who is incredibly committed and yet well-adjusted, seems to find a way to battle through all the things that make up her daily life. For

-- Kelsey Wog, Bison WoMen’s Swim TEAM commitments. She’s a champion Highland Dancer and works hard at school.

In fact, she’ wants to switch from the Agriculture program she’s currently part of to Engineering.

“For me, the season was really good in December but school got very hard,” said Wog, who actually wrote three exams at the World Championships in Windsor in December. “But I’m still thinking about switching to Engineering. I had a lot of memorization in the program I’m in right now. I think I’d enjoy a lot more if I was taking something that allowed me to be in the applied side of things.”

Cerny is empathetic. As a former Olympian and successful international swimmer for Canada, he understands exactly what Wog is going through every day.

an 18-year-old, she has shown Cerny a high-level of talent in the pool and a high-level of maturity outside of it.

And, of course, Cerny has other athletes on his team. On, Alex Shogolev, is a former Jr. Bison swimmer who went to the University of Calgary for a year and returned to the fold last year. He was the team’s Male Swimming MVP in 2016-17. And this year, Cerny will add a talented young female swimmer in Dora Modrcin, who will make the Bisons – a team that travels with eight females and eight males while other U Sports teams travel with full-contingents of 18 and 18 – a more competitive squad.

As for Wog, her commitment to Cerny and the Bisons is rock-solid.

“I literally wear Bison team clothes every day,” she said with a grin. “I’m proud to be a Bison.”

Kelsey Wog

2017-18 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

21

MEN’S GOLF

Bleue the glue that keeps Bisons in the hunt F

By Scott Taylor Photos by Jeff Miller

or University of Manitoba men’s golf coach Garth Goodbrandson, Jeff Bleue isn’t his number one player. Bleue is not the guy who is likely to shoot in the mid-60s in any given round and is more likely to plug away between 70-76 most days.

“He also has a very good, somewhat unorthodox swing with outstanding rhythm,” said Goodbrandson with a smile. “Jeff is a very interesting player. You have to coach him to understand and appreciate the type of player he is.

He is a great team player who will do whatever it takes to win.

“He’s also a born leader. The young guys on the team feel comfortable around him. We play tournaments in which four-of-five

I’m definitely not the most talented player on the team but I work hard and play hard. I’m out there for my team and I’ll never quit on the guys.

-- Jeff Bleue, Men’s GOLF TEAM players’ scores count each day. We always seem to count his score. He might not play in the No. 1position, but he’s the type of player who grinds it out to the end of every round in every tournament. He never gives up. If he goes 41 on the front side, he can bring it back with a 34 on the back side. He doesn’t get the headlines, but it’s great to have him on the team. We wouldn’t be as successful without him.”

Bleue is not your average country club player, either. He was a hockey player from Oakbank who played Jr. C in Springfield and then spent some time with the St. Boniface Riels in the Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League.

Garth Goodbrandson He started playing golf with his uncle

22

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

Ray Mitchell out at Buffalo Point, but didn’t bother to play competitive golf until he was 17. He finished 25th in the Manitoba Junior in his first tournament because he had “one bad round,” and has, apparently vowed never to do that again.

He calls himself “a grinder,” and no matter how tough a day he’s having on the course, he never quits on his team.

“We have a great group of guys and we have a very good team atmosphere,” said Bleue, who hits a nice soft fade. “I’m definitely not the most talented player on the team but I work hard and play hard. I’m out there for my team and I’ll never quit on the guys.”

It’s no wonder, then, that putting is the strongest part of his game, a game he truly fell in love with after his first competitive round.

“I have an unorthodox swing,” he conceded.

“I’m a feel player. I’m not overly technical. Golf is stressful enough and I don’t want to make it more stressful than it has to be.”

Bleue is also a veteran. He’s a fourth-year education student who is definitely going to use his U SPORTS eligibility and play all five years with the Bisons, a team that will be made up of Bleue, former Manitoba Amateur champion Devon Schade, Josh Neufeld, Steve Young, Jack Werhun, Bobby McNair and newcomers Brenden Kesterke, Cameron McIntyre and Spencer Norrie. This year, with Ed Boge stepping down to spend more time with his family, Goodbrandson’s assistant coaches will be former Bison Team Captain and now an Assistant Professional at Pine Ridge, Josh Wytinck and St. Charles Assistant Professional, Derrik Goodwin.

“These guys are all great role models for young players in Manitoba,” said Goodbrandson. “This past winter a young player told me that he saw the Bison players practicing at The Golf Dome. He was so impressed with how well they could hit the golf ball and how nice they were to him. He couldn’t help but notice the Bison team golf bags. His goal now is to one day play on the Bison team and own his own Bison golf bag.”

WOMEN’S GOLF

Tokariwski excited to re-boot Bison women’s golf program

By Scott Taylor Photos by Jeff Miller

B

ri-ann Tokariwski remembers the day the University of Manitoba Bison women’s golf program called it quits. That’s why she’s so excited to be the head coach of the program now that the re-boot is underway for 2017 fall season.

“I was on that team in 2011 when it was announced that we were going to put the program on hold,” said Tokariwski, a tremendous player who has not only won the Manitoba Junior Women’s Championship but the Manitoba Women’s Amateur three times.

“I’m personally super-pumped about the program’s return.”

Back in the 2017 spring, it was formally announced that the Bison women’s program would return, but Tokariwski admitted that she’s been working on the new program for more than a year. The program was halted in 2011 because there simply weren’t enough young female players available to organize a six-person team.

Now, however, Tokariwski has the student-athletes required to not only compete, but give the Bisons a shot at the U SPORTS National Championship.

“I think we’ll be a very competitive group,” Tokariwski said. “I’ve been following their competitions for more than a year now. We’ve been working hard on this for quite a while now and we’re prepared for the 2017-18 season.”

Tokariwski has six players ready to compete in six events in the fall and two more in the spring.

2016 Junior Provincial team member, Marissa Naylor; former provin-

24

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

cial junior champion Veronica Vetesnik; former Western Canada Games team member Lexie Kopp, Tianna Slate, a member of the gold medal Westman team at the Manitoba Games, former St. Mary’s Academy golf team member Kaitlynn Santiano; and a transfer from Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Mich., Winnipegger Brynn Todd.

Garth Goodbrandson, who will remain as head coach of the men’s team and assist in fundraising with the women’s team, is extremely confident that this year’s re-boot will be a permanent return.

“We’re quite confident that there will be plenty of interested young women who would like to play on the Bison women’s golf team for quite some time,” Goodbrandson said. “In 2011, Golf Manitoba started a program for the Manitoba Games that attracted 18 girls who were 15-years-old and younger. All participants received training from PGA of Manitoba Professionals in preparation for the Manitoba Games. In 2016, that program continued and there were 20 young women participating. The interest and the quality of junior girls’ golf in Manitoba has improved tremendously in just the last five years.”

We’ve been working hard on this for quite a while now and we’re prepared for the 2017-18 season.

-- Bri-ann Tokariwsky, Coach - Golf Team Marissa Naylor, was a participant in the 2011 Manitoba Games program. She started playing golf when she was just 10 and is a third-year student in Recreation Management at the U of M. “My brother and I had a membership at Bel Acres, but my brother quit playing to become my caddy. We work really well together,” she said. “I didn’t really start taking golf seriously until I was 12, in 2010 and I really didn’t have a lot of success until this past year when I won three tournaments on the Maple Leaf Junior Tour.

From there, I made the provincial team and went to the Nationals in Halifax.

“At the end of last season, Coach Bri-ann asked me to play, so we’ll start playing in the new Bison program this September. I’m excited about the opportunity to compete at this level.”

Tokariwski, a graduate of the varsity golf program at the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky, can’t wait to see her team in competition.

“I think these girls will stack up really well,” she said confidently. “They all shoot from the low 70s to the high 80s so each tournament will be interesting and fun. And it will do a lot to help these girls become better players.”

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MEN’S BASKETBALL

Last season, head coach Kirby Schepp took a talented basketball team that got off to a slow start all the wayto the Canada West championship and a spot in U SPORTS’ Final Eight in Halifax.

This year, with some younger starters and a few outstanding recruits, Schepp is planning to coax the new-look Bisons back to the National Championship.

Justus Alleyn

Justus Alleyn will lead younger basketball Bisons into battle

By Scott Taylor Photos by Jeff Miller 26

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

MEN’S BASKETBALL

U

niversity of Manitoba Bisons forward James Wagner calls Justus Alleyn, “the best point guard in Canada West and maybe the best in Canada.”

When informed of Wagner’s remark, Alleyn cringed – just a little.

“That’s pretty high praise,” said an almost embarrassed Alleyn. “James is a great player, too. That’s a lot to live up to.”

Perhaps it is, but then again, Alleyn’s head coach Kirby Schepp, is a believer. He’s perfectly comfortable with calling Alleyn one of the best

in the Canadian game.

“There is no question that he’s our best guy,” said Schepp. “Because we lost four pretty important members from last year’s veteran team -- Keith Omoerah, Jonathan Alexander, Brett Jewell, AJ Basi and Ilarion Bonhomme – Justus will be the face of our club. He had a great year last year and there is no reason to believe he won’t have a great year this coming season.”

Last year was quite a remarkable one for the Bison men’s basketball team. After finishing 12-8 in the regular season, they stunned the world in the playoffs, taking our powerhouses UBC and Calgary on their own floors, going 5-1 in the process in the post-season. That meant, the Bisons qualified for the U SPORTS championship for the first time since the 1985-86 season. That’s right, it had been 30 years since the Bisons had a chance to play for a national men’s basketball title. In eight years at the helm, Schepp had completely re-built a Bison basketball program that had fallen on hard times. Now, the team was back on the national

stage and the head coach doesn’t want that to change this season.

“We’ve lost some pretty good ball players and important members of our team to graduation, but we have some solid new recruits and the guys who are now starters are going to have to step up,” said Schepp, “and I expect that they will.”

This year, as Schepp looks at his crystal ball, his starters will, in all likelihood, be Alleyn, with another former St. Paul’s star, Malik Irwin, veteran power forward Joey Nitychoruk and junior national team member James Wagner.

The fifth starter is expected to be newcomer Rashawn Browne, a Toronto product who joins the Bisons as a transfer from New Mexico State University.

The man that Schepp will lean on, however, will be the coach’s on-court traffic cop, Alleyn. Last year, as a 21-year-old fourth-year player, Alleyn was named to the Canada West Second All-Star Team, his first conference all-star selection at the U of M. Alleyn, a solid 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, had his best season statistically in 2016-17. He was tied for ninth in conference scoring at 17.4 points per game, was 10th in three-point percentage at 42.5 and tied for 16th in Canada West in minutes played per game at 30.6. He started and played 19 of 20 conference games. He was also fourth on the Bisons with 3.6 rebounds per game, third at 2.1 assists per game and third with 1.3 steals per game. He was the on-court leader as co-captain for the first time in his Bison career and Schepp expects him to be even better this year.

“Last year, nobody outside of our team

Winnipeg and played football and basketball at St. Paul’s High School in Grade 9 and 10.

In Grade 11, he gave up football and just concentrated on basketball. It was a smart move. These days, he’s an economics student at the U of Manitoba who one day hopes to become an accountant.

However, first things first. It’s graduation year and it’s a season in which he wants to guide his younger Bisons teammates back to the Nationals.

believed we’d make it as far as we did,” said Alleyn, who started playing basketball as a sixyear-old in Ottawa. “We just got off to a really bad start last year and it took a while for us to get everybody onto the same page. But once we did, we knew we could beat the best teams in the conference. I know it was a surprise to people that we took two straight at UBC and then beat Calgary on their floor, but we didn’t see it as a big surprise. Once we got going, we knew we the better team.”

Alleyn grew up in Ottawa but moved to

“It’s going to be a lot different,” he said. “A lot of our guys have moved on. But once you’ve been to the National Championship, you want to go back. We want another shot at it. We went through a lot of adversity last year and got to the championships and with the players we have on this team, there is a belief in our locker room that we have the talent to get back there.

“I’ve loved every second of my time at the U of M, having family and friends watch me play. There is nothing I want more than to win a National Championship in a Bisons uniform.”

2017-18 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

27

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Wyatt Tait:

The big recruit

L

ast fall it was rookie James Wagner. And, for University of Manitoba Bisons men’s basketball head coach, Kirby Schepp, the wait for Wagner was well worth it.

This year, the big recruit is indeed, another big recruit. Wagner is all of 6-foot-7 while Wyatt Tait is all of 6-foot-6. The Bisons are not only getting bigger, they’re adding a lot more raw, young local talent.

Wagner, a graduate of John Taylor Collegiate who is still just 18, had a breakout season in his first year with the Bisons. He was named to the 2016-17 Canada West All-Rookie Team and, even though he wasn’t a starter, he was third in Canada West (and led the team) with a field goal percentage of 56.8 per cent. He was fifth in team scoring, averaging 7.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while playing 17.9 minutes per game in all 20 conference games.

“We lose four veteran players who got a lot of floor time last year so guys like James, and yes, Wyatt, are going to step up this year,” said Schepp.

“It’s going to be hard to replace the players we’ve lost to graduation, but our young guys can really play.”

Schepp expected a lot from Wagner last year and got it. He’ll expect the same of Tait this season.

Last spring, Tait led the Oak Park Raiders to the MHSAA Provincial title.

It was the second time in his high school career (2015 and 2017) that he’s played on a provincial champion. He averaged 22 points, 14 rebounds and four assists per game this season. He was MVP of the Provincial Final Four and was the No. 1 college recruit in Manitoba.

And Schepp won the recruiting wars for Tait.

“Wyatt is a great addition to our Bison program,” Schepp said. “A true winner who follows our trend of getting great players, great people and

28

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

great students. I know Wyatt will fit right in with our group of guys and become a key part of the future success of the Bisons.”

Tait, 18, is a 6-foot-6, 195 pound forward who plays at a very high level.

He’s also a brilliant student, carrying a mid-80s average into the Kinesiology program at the U of M. “I think I decided on the University of Manitoba because it’s close to home and I have a good connection to the coach,” said Tait. “I also played with the Junior Bisons for a couple of years and I really respect the program.”

“I’m excited to be a part of the program. I have a lot to learn and I think the U of M will be a great place to get better as a player and a person. I think I will be a good fit and can hopefully contribute to a successful team.”

Tait, who hopes to become an Athletic Therapist one day, wants to take basketball as far as he can. Perhaps, even to the professional level in Europe.

“My focus is to become the best U SPORTS player I can be,” he said.

“If there are opportunities after my time at U of M, I’ll look at them very seriously.”

If he continues to get better at the rate he has over the past four or five years, there is no telling how far Wyatt Tait can go. Kirby Schepp is just glad he’ll be wearing a Bisons uniform for the next few seasons.

-- Luke Herr, University of Manitoba Bison Men’s Volleyball 2016-17 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

29

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Optimism with great mix of veterans and youth for Bisons The 2017-18 school year is here, and with it, the Bison women’s basketball team filled with more energy and optimism than has been seen in recent years. The Bisons currently boast a slew of strong and developing young players.

Many of those athletes sparked the team’s growth last season when five key contributors missed most, or all of last year.

30 UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 2016-17 SEASON

T

he 2016-17 season could have easily been a write-off. Fortunately fifth year forward and captain, Rebecca Potter put together her best year as a Bison as a going-away gift. A hard working and motivated freshman class also provided energy and confidence. The trio of Taylor Randall, Brittany Parisien, and Keziah Brothers played important roles in helping develop a new competitive culture around the team.

Second and third year players also responded well to the opportunity and helped the team grow greatly. Emma Thompson and Nicole Konieczny provided talent and leadership while working with the younger players.

The silver lining to the injuries of 2016-17 was that the team developed leadership in each class of players. Welcoming back the experienced guard Jenilyn Monton, and forwards Claire Harvey and Montana Kinzel is sure to complement a maturing cast. Head Coach Michele Sung (nee: Hynes) has also continued with her recruiting, showing why the 2017-18 version of this team will have more depth than any previous year.

“Coming into this season as legitimately the oldest person on the team, I sense that

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Clare Harvey

K N U D M A SL pecialty

s with a late from p ba! o t i n a ll M a b t e k Bas

a lot of the experience will come from the three of us, as we have been around here the longest,” said Monton. “It will be an exciting season, and we will for sure give the younger players everything we’ve got. I know that we will feed them the knowledge that we have gained from our past seasons, and help them with as much as we can.”

Monton, a product of Oak Park High School, spent the past year on the bench alongside Harvey, Kinzel, Addison Martin and Lana Mackic, red-shirting with the second torn ACL of her basketball career.

“It was pretty tough sitting there on the bench every game knowing that there was nothing I could do physically to help out the team,” Monton said. “However, I wasn’t alone, and the fact that we all did the recovery process together was super helpful. It was definitely a challenging year last year, considering a lot of the players who were expected to be playing didn’t. But those who played impressed me, and helped motivate me to work as hard as I could in my recovery.”

Although she makes it sound as if she walked away from basketball for a year, it wasn’t like the former captain of the team just up and left. Monton, like Harvey, Kinzel, Martin and Mackic attended every practice, workout, and home game of the schedule last season. In only missing the road games, they helped their team at practices with drills, and wherever else extra sets of hands were needed.

“Jeni is definitely a motivator and a communicator,” Kinzel said. “No matter what it is, even if we are just scrimmaging at practice and she’s on the other team, she will always tell you what you are doing well. She is always there for everyone; she will have a great bounce back season this year.”

Kinzel, another player who missed the majority of last season, is also expected to play an important role for the herd this year. The six foot tall Asper School of Business student is highly motivated and brings energy and support every day.

“Montana is a huge contributor for us,” said Harvey.

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For more information, visit mpi.mb.ca.

2017-18 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

31

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL “She’s fast, she can handle the ball, she can defend, she can basically do everything. Jeni and Montana are great to play with. They are super positive and have so much potential; it is really nice and easy to play with them. We are actually really close friends and we enjoy hanging out, so that makes it even more of a connection on the floor as well.”

Following suit, Harvey also sat out last season dealing with her own ACL injury. While on the sidelines she was able to watch both her teammates and her coach face the challenge of competing with veteran U SPORTS teams. It was in coach Sung, where she saw the most growth.

“A lot of people comment on how young Michele is, but I think she is a very smart coach,” Harvey said. “She has a very high basketball IQ, and pursues lots of opportunities to get better as a coach. Obviously this past season must have been challenging for her, but we would have never known, watching her body language at practices and games. She coaches with Canada Basketball during the off season, so it is nice to see that she is always willing to get better just like the players. Her experience gives us insights and confidence.”

Not only are the veterans of the women’s basketball team excited to get back on the court, but they are also looking forward to seeing what some of the fresh new faces will bring forward in this rebounding season.

“We have some new exciting players this year,” Kinzel said. “6-foot-5 forward Dana Inglis will bring some height to the team, while Deidre Bartlett is a high scoring guard who has The University already been in the gymof lotsManitoba here. Alexis Kenyeres from Ontario, and Bettina Shyllon from Westwood are both capable of big contributions for us. Along with many others here, I am Bison women’s basketball expecting this season to be great!”

Kinzel is is certainly not alone in for that prediction.

Coach Sung is also extremely excited to team long overdue a know that her healthy team is up for the challenge that difficult competition brings. winning With “I am most campaign. excited for the depth that an we have at every position this year,” Sung enthused.

“That now allows us to be competitive for a full year, as opposed to kind of piecing extended off-season, the together some runs. Our league is still really challenging in the sense that we play really good competition largeexpecting blocks of time, to so having that depth is going to be very important.” athletesforare

Claire Harvey

come back to the court better than ever before, and have their minds set on making this a season to remember.

Our league is still really challenging in the sense that we play really good competition for large blocks of time, so having that depth is going to be very important

Rebecca Potter Montana Kinzel

-- Michele Sung, Head Coach, University of Manitoba Bison Basketball Team 32 UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

| 2017-18 2016-17 SEASON

Emma Thompson

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018 INVESTORS GROUP ATHLETIC CENTRE

WOMEN – 6PM

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MEN – 8PM

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2017-18

HOME SCHEDULE w

WOMEN’S SOCCER WEST FIELD (Adjacent to soccer complex)

DATE

OPPONENT

Sep. 8

Regina

MEN’S HOCKEY

CROSS COUNTRY KILCONA PARK

WAYNE FLEMING ARENA

DATE

OPPONENT

TIME

DATE

EVENT

7 PM

Oct. 7

UBC

7 PM

Oct. 28

Manitoba Championship

UBC

1 PM

TIME

Sep. 9

Saskatchewan

7 PM

Oct. 8

Sep. 23*

Alberta

2 PM

Oct. 20

Saskatchewan

7 PM

Sep. 24

Mount Royal

2 PM

Oct. 21

Saskatchewan

6 PM

Oct. 7

Winnipeg

2 PM

Oct. 27

Mount Royal

7 PM

Oct. 13

UNBC

6 PM

Oct. 28

Mount Royal

7:30 PM

Oct. 14

MacEwan

7:30 PM

Nov. 24

Calgary

Nov. 9-12

2017 U SPORTS Championship hosted by U of M

Nov. 25

FOOTBALL

INVESTORS GROUP FIELD

DATE

OPPONENT

TIME

Sep. 1

Saskatchewan

7 PM

Sep. 16*

Calgary

1 PM

Sep. 29

Alberta

4:30 PM

Oct. 21

UBC

2 PM

Dec. 2

Flying M Fall Classic

Dec. 8 - 9

Athletics Manitoba Last Chance

7 PM

Jan. 10

Bison Grand Prix #1

Calgary

1 PM

Jan. 19 - 20

Athletics Manitoba Open

Jan. 5

Alberta

7 PM

Feb. 2 - 3

Bison Classic

Jan. 6

Alberta

6 PM

Jan. 26

Regina

7 PM

Feb. 14

Bison Grand Prix #2

Jan. 27

Regina

1 PM

Feb. 23 - 24

Canada West Track & Field Championship at U of M

Feb. 2

Lethbridge

7 PM

Feb. 3

Lethbridge

1 PM

WOMEN’S HOCKEY WAYNE FLEMING ARENA

BASKETBALL INVESTORS GROUP ATHLETIC CENTRE

TRACK & FIELD

JAMES DALY FIELDHOUSE

DATE

OPPONENT

TIME

Oct. 13

Alberta

7 PM

SWIMMING PAN AM POOL

Nov. 11

Bison Sprint IM Invitational

Dec. 14-17

Man/Sask Championship

Mar. 1 - 4

Prairie Winter Invitational

VollEYBALL

DATE

OPPONENT

WOMEN

MEN

Oct. 14

Alberta

7:30 PM

Nov. 3

Regina

6 PM

8 PM

Nov. 10

Regina

7 PM

Nov. 4

Regina

5 PM

7 PM

Nov. 11

Regina

4 PM

DATE

OPPONENT

WOMEN

MEN

Nov. 10

MacEwan

6 PM

8 PM

Nov. 17

Lethbridge

7 PM

Oct. 20

Brandon

6 pm

7:45 PM

Nov. 18

Lethbridge

1 PM

Nov. 11

MacEwan

5 PM

7 PM

Oct. 21

Brandon

7:45 pm

6 PM

Dec. 1

UBC

7 PM

Nov. 17

MacEwan

6 pm

7:45 PM

Nov. 24

Brandon

6 PM

8 PM

Dec. 2

UBC

1 PM

Nov. 18

MacEwan

6:45 pm

5 PM

7 PM

Jan. 12

Saskatchewan

7 PM

Dec. 1

Saskatchewan

6 pm

7:45 PM

Jan. 13

Saskatchewan

4 PM

Dec. 2

Saskatchewan

6:45 pm

5 PM

Jan. 19

Mount Royal

7 PM

Jan. 12

Trinity Western

6 pm

7:45 PM

Jan. 20

Mount Royal

1 PM

Jan. 13

Trinity Western

7:45 pm

6 PM

Jan. 20

Winnipeg

3:15 pm

1:30 PM

Feb. 2

Mount Royal

6 pm

7:45 PM

Feb. 3

Mount Royal

6:45pm

5 PM

Feb. 16

UBCO

6 pm

7:45 PM

Feb. 17

UBCO

6:45 pm

5 PM

Nov. 25

Brandon

5 PM

Jan. 5

Lethbridge

6 PM

8 PM

Jan. 6

Lethbridge

5 PM

7 PM

Jan. 13

Victoria

12 PM

2 PM

Feb. 9

Calgary

7 PM

Jan. 14

Victoria

1 PM

3 PM

Feb. 10

Calgary

1 PM

6 PM

8 PM

Jan. 19* Winnipeg

All times listed are in Central Standard Time. * Women’s soccer Sep. 23 vs. Alberta will be played at Investors Group Field 34* UNIVERSITY MANITOBA BISONS Football Sep. 16 vs.OF Calgary is Homecoming Game | 2016-17 SEASON * Basketball Duckworth Challenge

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2015 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

35

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Winning experience returns to Bisons for 2017-18

Josie Abbott

The 2017-18 season will be a very unique for the Bison women’s volleyball team.

Following a season in which Head Coach, Ken Bentley took a much deserved research/study leave, the 33-year bench boss will be back in the fold for 2017-18.

And he’s not alone.

By Carter Brooks Photos by Jeff Miller

Haille Bujan

36

A

lso returning for the Bisons will be long-time veteran setter, Brittany Habing, and veteran middle blocker Emily Erickson.

Both were part of a national championship title won by the Bison in 2013-14 season. Following some time away from the game of volleyball, the two former Bison student-athletes independently felt the call to return to the team as a way to finish off their university careers.

“Both young women are in a place where it is their last year of schooling and want to make a commitment to play again for our program,” said coach Bentley. “I am really excited to have them both back, and I know that they will come in having done their offseason work and bringing with them the right attitudes. They will come into our team assuming nothing, and work hard for their chances.”

Habing, 25, is already embracing her role as the self-proclaimed, “team grandma”.

“To tell you the truth, it might be a little strange being this much older than some of the other girls,” Habing said. “But in all honesty I am just looking forward to bringing my knowledge, experience and perspectives

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL from previous years into the fold here. I am a very competitive person by losing a set. If he sees it again this year, it will be up to his returnees to help nature, so it will be exciting getting to compete every day and getting to support his younger players. know the girls as well.”

Two of those younger players are second year twin sisters, Josie and Erickson, 24, isn’t far behind Habing, in age and experience wise. She Kearley Abbott. Although playing different positions, the sisters are spent some time away from volleyball to focus on her education, but took – by all accounts – near inseparable. Both sisters are 5’11”, are taking up competitive rowing to keep herself in shape. Much like Habing, Erickson university one courses, and have aspirations of careers in pharmacy. They is beyond thrilled to be back in the game are identical, in both appearance as a Bison. and behaviour.

“I am so excited to play with some Oddly enough, the Abbotts are Josie has a quiet confidence about her not the only set of sisters on the incredibly talented athletes this year,” Erickson stated. “I look forward to squad. Cassie and Haille Bujan training hard with my teammates on the court. She is very reliable, but also make up the second, and final everyday, and I love being pushed by stays very level headed. Josie is very good pair. And better yet, these sisters them in practices and workouts. Together couldn’t be more different from we inspire one another. I hope to inspire at staying right with the play; blocking is one another. this team to compete, win, and most “It’s actually kind of funny how definitely one of her strengths for sure importantly have a lot of fun in the proKearley and I are basically the excess.” act same, but Haille and Cassie The last time that both Habing and are nearly exact opposites,” Erikson were on the court together as Josie Abbott said. “Haille is Bisons was in Regina in 2014, when very tall and plays middle, while the University of Manitoba won the U Cassie a little shorter and plays SPORTS National Championship in straight sets. Even the well-travelled libero – those are two very different positions. Even the ways we approach coach Bentley had never before seen a team win the championship without our relationships are so different, as we are almost always together, while

Brittany Habing

2017-18 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

37

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Ken is undeniably focused on our team and is a true believer in the benefits of our training. He reminds us that every training session, practice, and game is crucial to our overall success.

Emily Erickson

-- Emily Erickson, University of Manitoba Bison Volleyball Team

they tend to do things quite separately.”

Kearley Abbott offered a very similar breakdown of the other set of sisters, but also touched on the strengths of her own sister “Josie has a quiet confidence about her on the court,” she said. “She is very reliable, but also stays very level headed. Josie is very good at staying right with the play; blocking is definitely one of her strengths for sure.”

Cassie – the elder Bujan – can admit that she and her sister have their differences, but what she believes makes them work so well together is the trust and bond that they do share, stemming from the game of volleyball.

“Off the court we are just like any other normal sisters,” she said. “We definitely argue and get on each other’s nerves on purpose at times. So obviously within five minutes of being at a team function, you would know that we are sisters – just based on how we communicate. But the second we get on the court everything completely changes; we are teammates. I could tell her to move over half a foot and she wouldn’t even question it.”

Cassie’s younger sister echoed her words.

“Playing with my sister is amazing,” Haille Bujan said. “We’re exact opposites, but she is the first person I will go to with a question. We work well together because we are both extremely competitive and always want the team to be on top. Sure we fight and disagree a lot, but overall I wouldn’t change it at all.”

38

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

Dealing with sisters is no strange territory for coach Bentley. The winningest coach in U SPORTS (formerly CIS) women’s volleyball history knows that it takes all kinds to make the gears of any team spin properly.

“Cassie is a defensive specialist for us, and has been an exceptional player for the program,” he said. “Haille is a great front row player with her height and strength. Those two are quite the odd couple really. On the other hand, I was also quite excited to land both the Abbott sisters out of high school. To have two remarkably strong athletes who are equally strong academically and committed to their university education is just fantastic for our program.”

Last season that volleyball program experienced some challenges with a young team. However, with the return of coach Bentley, a new mindset seems to be floating through the air.

“Ken is undeniably focused on our team and is a true believer in the benefits of our training,” said Erickson. “He reminds us that every training session, practice, and game is crucial to our overall success.”

“The competitive side of Ken never simmers,” added Habing. “I love playing for coaches like that. I think that is why he and I get along so well, because we both have that competitive streak to win. If this year is going to be anything like previous seasons with Ken, there will be a lot of winning going on here.”

䈀攀猀琀 漀昀 氀甀挀欀 琀漀 愀氀氀 䈀椀猀漀渀猀 椀渀 琀栀攀 ㈀ ㄀㜀ⴀ㈀ ㄀㠀 匀攀愀猀漀渀℀

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䴀椀欀攀 䈀漀渀椀

圀愀氀琀攀爀䈀漀渀椀☀愀猀猀漀挀椀愀琀攀猀 䬀渀漀眀渀 昀漀爀 匀攀爀瘀椀挀攀⸀ 吀爀甀猀琀攀搀 昀漀爀 刀攀猀甀氀琀猀⸀

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䔀堀䔀䌀唀吀䤀嘀䔀匀 刀䔀䄀䰀吀夀 䔀愀挀栀 漀ϻ挀攀 椀猀 椀渀搀攀瀀攀渀搀愀渀琀氀礀 漀眀渀攀搀 愀渀搀 漀瀀攀爀愀琀攀搀

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

A new crop of faces will line the court for the Bison men’s volleyball team this fall.

The pressure is off, and the rebuild has begun.

New era ahead for Bison men’s volleyball 40

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

By Carter Brooks Photos by Jeff Miller

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

After a historic 2016-17 season that saw a 20-game conference winning streak and a birth at the Canadian Nationals, the 2017-18 new-look men’s volleyball team will be ready to strike….er spike.

Led by Head Coach, Garth Pischke – who is entering his 36th year behind the bench – veterans, Adam DeJonckheere and Dustin Spiring, and a boatload of new recruits, -- Adam DeJonckheere, the upcoming season is sure to be an enjoyable experience for all.

“There is no more pressure as we have graduated an incredible nine players from last year’s team,” said coach Pischke. “I don’t think many people are going to expect a lot out of us this year. But I do think that the improvement that we are going to show between September and April in my mind is really going to blow a lot of people away; I think that we are going to surprise a lot of teams this year.”

Pischke knows the game of volleyball better than anyone, and if he says that it will be a surprising year, you better believe it.

Two players who are expected to serve in key leadership roles this season are outside hitter and co-captain, DeJonckheere, and middle, Spiring. The two former St. Paul’s Crusaders have now been to the U SPORTS Nationals with last year’s team, and hope to provide some

veteran experience this season as the team hopes to grow in this transition stage.

“For me personally, this year will be exciting as I will be filling somewhat of a leadership role,” said DeJonckheere. “Oddly enough, that is something that I have never really had to deal with before, because although I was in my fourth year last year, I was still one of the youngest players on the team. It will definitely be a leadership opportunity for myself personally – something that I am looking forward to for sure.”

Interestingly enough, both DeJonckheere and Spiring have actually coached some of the incoming recruits in previous years – a dynamic that both are expecting to enjoy.

“We are starting with a fresh re-boot here, and it will be a mixture of some ups and downs, but we will still have success in our own way,” said Spiring. “I’ve coached some of our new boys, we have some guys coming up that are capable of doing good things on the court.

We are really looking forward to a good year.”

“It will be very interesting this year as I actually know a lot of these upcoming kids from my coaching background,” added DeJonckheere. “This coming year we will be teammates, but I am quite familiar with a majority of these guys and what they are capable of. I’m looking forward to seeing how

For me personally, this year will be exciting as I will be filling somewhat of a leadership role. Oddly enough, that is something that I have never really had to deal with before, because although I was in my fourth year last year, I was still one of the youngest players on the team Bison Men’s Volleyball Team

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL Dustin Spiring

they develop, as that of that from Winnipeg for will be integral to our that matter,” DeJonckheere success.” said. “Just playing in front Highlighting the recruits of your family and friends is 2016-17 High School in a tight knit Winnipeg Volleyball Player of the Year, volleyball community makes Owen Schwartz. your journey a lot more “The recruiting class is satisfying. Looking into definitely what I am most the crowd you are going to excited about this year,” said coach know a lot of the people you Pischke. “We have really had an grew up playing with. Your outstanding year recruiting friends and family are all players. We got the majority – there, so it just makes it a if not all – of the best players -- Garth Pischke, Head Coach, Bison Men’s Volleyball Team really enjoyable experience in the province to commit to our that way.” school, including the best player out there, Owen and do it well. Adam is physically an extremely Tying together high caliber volleyball, a coach Schwartz. I think he will step right up in his first talented athlete. As well as he played last year, with a tremendous track record, an extremely year and be a real force. He’s a great kid and a I still don’t think he is even close to his potential supportive leadership group, and a team built great volleyball player. His volleyball IQ is very, as a volleyball player and he will grow into it a lot from the local talent pool should make for an very strong already for a young kid.” unforgettable season. more this year.”

Not only is Pischke excited for his up and “For these new guys coming in, they don’t even Although finding themselves thrown into a new coming stars, but he delights in the players that situation this coming year, the rookies of 2017-18 know that this will be the best experience they he has seen grown over the years, DeJonckheere will definitely have the upper hand in competition could ever ask for,” said Spiring. “Having friends and Spiring included. and family in our own barn just helps us relax and at the University of Manitoba.

“Adam and Dustin are great players and are a enjoy the game. Having Garth as a coach brings Why is that? lot of fun to coach,” Pischke reflected. “They both a whole other of motivation for success. And now Plain and simple: the fan support. work extremely hard in practice and will be great “The U of M is pretty unique in the sense that heading into this season with a fresh outlook, I role models for the young kids coming in. Dustin the majority of the guys that are recruited to think there will be a hunger there that will create is a real solid team player who is extremely easy play here are usually from Manitoba, and on top even more energy in the building. It should be a to coach. He will do anything you ask of him, blast.”

We have really had an outstanding year recruiting players. We got the majority – if not all – of the best players in the province to commit to our school, including the best player out there, Owen Schwartz

42

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

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MEN’S HOCKEY

Stovin leads Bisons onto the ice for new season

By Scott Taylor Photos by Jeff Miller and

U

niversity of Manitoba Bisons men’s hockey coach Mike Sirant doesn’t hold back when describing veteran forward Brett Stovin.

“He is an amazing leader and teammate,” said Sirant without hesitation.

“He’s the type of player who makes everybody around him better. He’s a very positive and supportive leader who really cares about his teammates.

“Brett also excels at academics and community service, something we stress in our program. He is a strong student and his genuinely interested on giving and serving his community. Last year, Brett and Jonah Wasylak grew their hair out and then had it cut to donate to Canadian Cancer Society. Together, they also raised over 5,000 for Cancer Care. He’s the first guy to stand up and volunteer for school visits or Siloam Mission. He’s become the face of our team.”

With the graduation of Jordan DePape, Sean Christensen and Jesse Paradis and the decision from Shaq Merasty to take a shot at pro hockey this year, there are four big holes to fill in the Bisons roster. For Sirant, however, this is not a big worry. While all four of those players were keys

to the Bisons success last year, Stovin will fill the leadership space left by DePape and Paradis while four major recruits – Michael St. Croix, Zach Franko, Lucas Skrumeda and Calvin Spencer – should go a long was to filling the holes left on the ice.

“St. Croix and Franko are highly skilled offensive players who have a history together,” explained Sirant. “They played on the same line throughout their minor hockey days in Winnipeg. Zach has tremendous speed and great hands while Michael is a very intelligent and gifted playmaker. They both can score and will be expected to help lead the offensive this coming season.

He’s the type of player who makes everybody around him better.

He’s a very positive and supportive leader who really cares about his teammates -- Mike Sirant, Head Coach, Manitoba Bison Men’s Hockey Team “Calvin Spencer is a big body, competitive player who thrives on playing a hard, physical game, which is consistent to our style of play, especially when we don’t have the puck. He also has the ability to make plays and score. Lucas (Skrumeda) is a smart, talented, and mobile defenseman who plays a solid two-way game. He excels at moving the puck while is also

44

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

MEN’S HOCKEY very strong at defending. In Everett, Lucas played a lot of minutes against the opposition’s top lines.”

The addition of the four important recruits – Skrumeda and Spencer from the WHL, Franko from Acadia University and St. Croix from the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League)’s Greenville Swamp Rabbits – will be important for Sirant and the Bisons over the next four to five years.

However, it’s a guy who is entering his third year with the U of M, who will lead the parade. And although he had hip surgery last season and wasn’t expecting to return until the second or third week of the regular season, it looks as if he might be able to play during the Bisons’ pre-season trip to the Northern Ireland and Scotland.

“It’s a 50-50 shot when I’ll be ready, but there is a chance I’ll be ready before the regular season begins,” Stovin said. “My rehab has gone very well and almost from the beginning, I’ve been two months ahead of schedule. My goal is to be ready for the final pre-season game against UND, but I’m starting to think I might be ready a lot sooner.”

Stovin was selected by the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades in the 2009 Western Hockey League bantam draft and there has never been any doubt that he was a good hockey player. The kid out of Stony Mountain played five games as a 16-year old and was a constant for the team for the following four years. In his final season in 2014-15, Stovin was also honoured by being elected the team captain. He played 262 games in the WHL and added eight games of professional experience in the ECHL. “Basically, my decision to play at the U of M came down to ‘this is where my family is from,’” the 6’1”, 195 lb. versatile forward said. “I grew up in Stony Mountain and I’d been away from home for so long and I still plan on going pro after playing for the Bisons so I’ll be away from home again. I have a couple of little brothers and some family that I haven’t been around much, so that was the biggest thing.”

While Stovin’s leadership and work ethic is obvious, it’s his heady cool-under-pressure experience that’s been important for Sirant. He cites his time with the Missouri Mavericks – the affiliate of both the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers and NHL’s New York Islanders – as a contributing factor.

“The biggest thing I learned from playing in the ECHL was the professionalism,” Stovin said. “Every game, every day you were expected to be 110 per cent. There were no days off, and if you made a mistake, you were accountable for it.”

Coach Sirant is well-aware of Stovin’s accountability. It’s why he’ll be one of the leaders on a Bison men’s hockey team that has as good a chance as any to challenge for the Canada West crown in 2017-18.

2017-18 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

45

MEN’S HOCKEY

Spriggs with the U of M Bisons

Spriggs with the Charlotte Checklers

Spriggs with the Manitoba Moose

Byron Spriggs:

The Bison route to the pros

By Scott Taylor Photos by James Carey Lauder, Jeff Miller and Jonathan Kozub

B

ack in 2011, Byron Spriggs was a former Double A bantam goalie who was playing for the Vincent Massey Trojans in the Winnipeg High School Hockey League.

Today, he’s one of the finest goaltenders in Canadian university hockey and is the No. 1 netminder for the University of Manitoba Bisons heading into the 2017-18 campaign. He was also so good last season, that two American Hockey League teams – the Charlotte Checkers and Manitoba Moose – were quite comfortable using him as an emergency backup.

On March 9, Spriggs got his first taste of professional hockey, suiting up for the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers as an emergency back-up against the Manitoba Moose at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg. He didn’t play, but he had the best seat in the house as the Checkers beat the Moose 4-3. Then, on April 5, he had a chance to do it again, this time suiting up for the Moose in what turned out to be a 2-1 overtime loss to the Grand Rapids Griffins, the team that eventually won the Calder Cup in 2017.

“Those might have been the two best nights of my life,” said Spriggs. “It was always a dream of mine to get the opportunity, but to actually get out on the ice and do it was hard to imagine. As you know, I was never a player who was up there with the star players getting drafted and things like that so the eight hours I spent each day getting ready, practicing with the team, getting the uniform on and going out for the skate, made me believe that this is really possible.”

For Bison men’s hockey head coach Mike Sirant, Spriggs has earned every opportunity he’s received.

“As good as he already is, he’s still developing,” Sirant said. “One of the reasons we recruited him out of the Blues three years ago was that we believed he was player who was just going to keep getting better. He had a solid season in 2013-14, but had an even better playoff run. We just

46

believed he was going to continue to improve and find new levels.”

Sirant has already been proven right. In his first season with the Bisons, Spriggs played seven games. In Year 2, he played 15. Last season, he started 22 of 28 and was sensational. He was tied for sixth in Canada West in goals against average at 2.82, fifth in the conference with a .913 save percentage and third with three shutouts. He had a 12-8-2 record and was the major reason why the Bisons made the playoffs.

Not bad for a young man who is also a brilliant student, carrying “a high grade point average,” at the Asper School of Business.

Spriggs started playing the game with the Richmond Kings at the Silverstone Arena.

“I remember, my dad would get me up at 6 a.m. for a 6:50 game,” he laughed. “I started playing goal at seven with rented pads from the community centre – those old brown Coopers with a blocker the size of a pizza. But I really enjoyed playing goal and no one else wanted to do it. Since then, I’ve played just for the love of the game.”

Although that could be changing.

Spriggs played A-1 PeeWee, then Double A bantam and minor midget. In Grade 11 and 12 he played high school hockey at Massey and then he got an invitation to Blues camp. He says that to this day, he owes his career to Don MacGillivray.

“I guess he liked me,” Spriggs said. “He invited me out and let me stay on as the third goalie. Then I won the No. 2 goalie’s job and then he gave me a shot at No. 1 and we had that great run in the playoffs. That opened the doors for me at the U of M. I thank Don every day for the opportunities he’s given me.”

Those opportunities have paid off because Spriggs, as he’s matured, has developed an uncanny knack for improving at every level. If he has a good season with the Bisons this year, it’s very likely that the pros are next.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Bisons poised for another memorable season There is a certain buzz in the air every time that the Bison women’s hockey team is mentioned. Although it may just be the sounds of joyful exuberance blasting out the doors of yet another dressing room dance party, the excitement could also be based on the fact that the 2017-18 season should be a memorable one.

Sheridan Oswald

48

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

By Carter Brooks Photos by Jeff Miller

T

here is a certain buzz in the air every time that the Bison women’s hockey team is mentioned. Although it may just be the sounds of joyful exuberance blasting out the doors of yet another dressing room dance party, the excitement could also be based on the fact that the 2017-18 season should be a memorable one.

The Oswald sisters 9Sheridan and Courtlyn) of MacGregor, Manitoba know it.

Venla Hovi of Tampere, Finland can feel it. Head Coach, Jon Rempel, in his 14th season at the helm, can smell it brewing. While the league’s leading scorer from the 2016-17 season, Lauryn Keen can almost taste it.

“I really think this is our year to win it, and everyone in the room feels the same way,” said Courtlyn Oswald, a fourth year forward with the Bisons.

“We are a pretty veteran group this year, and we know how much it hurts to lose in the finals or the semis. We remember that feeling, and don’t want to feel it again. Our leaders have a lot of experience, and we have a strong group of rookies coming in – it’s time to really build upon the last few seasons.”

Oswald, who played in her third season with the Bisons last season, also spent the year providing guidance for her younger sister Sheridan, who joined the team as a rookie. It’s safe to say that the two had ample time together.

“We were literally together 24/7 throughout the past school year,” Courtlyn said. “We live together and pretty much just do everything together; we were actually in a few of the same classes before I got into my faculty. Our personalities are similar, but obviously when you’re dealing with your sibling you hold nothing back. So, we do clash heads at times, but other than that we get along pretty well.”

Most siblings don’t have the chance to play university hockey together, or live together for that matter, but that is not the only accolade that the Oswald sisters share.

“We actually got to play one year of Team Manitoba together during Courtlyn’s grade 12 season,” said Sheridan, the younger of the two Oswalds. “I think that being in my first year last season, she really helped me get in with the team and get to know the girls pretty well. Courtlyn has definitely been a really big influence on my first year and

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Courtlyn Oswald

We are a pretty veteran group this year, and we know how much it hurts to lose in the finals or the semis. We remember that feeling, and don’t want to feel it again.

-- Courtlyn Oswald, University of Manitoba Bison Women’s Hockey Team helping with getting my university career going.”

Once again joining the Oswald sisters in the fold this season will be Keen – a dynamic forward, very familiar with both the Bison program and the Oswalds.

Keen, who grew up in Manitou, Manitoba had an explosive third year for the herd, racking up nine goals and 25 assists for 34 points – a Canada West conference high. She also led the league with a +22 plus/minus rating.

“Lauryn just had one of those years that players have once in a blue moon,” said coach Rempel. “There wasn’t much more for her to do in a year individually.

She was the Canada West MVP, the Canada West leading scorer and the Bisons’ Female Athlete of the Year. Lauryn had some great chemistry while playing with a couple of really good players this past year.”

One of those players is 29-year-old Venla Hovi – a two time Finnish Olympian and bronze medalist. Hovi’s 12 years of international hockey experience easily trumps the accomplishments of her teammates, but according to linemate Keen, Hovi’s humility and lack of arrogance is what really makes her an asset to the team.

“She doesn’t put herself above anyone else,” Keen said. “Even though she has way more experience and is older than all of us, she acts like she’s one of us and is always positive with her feedback. It’s super nice having her on the team, and

Lauryn Keen

2017-18 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

49

WOMEN’S HOCKEY we work really well on our line together.”

Hovi, who plays the game out of “sheer appreciation and enjoyment”, is very excited about the Bisons’ upcoming season, plus the impending 2018 Olympics.

“I bring myself just as I am,” she said. “I try

She doesn’t put herself above anyone else. Even though she has way more experience and is older than all of us, she acts like she’s one of us and is always positive with her feedback.

Sheridan and Courtlyn Oswald

-- Lauryn Keen, University of Manitoba Bison Women’s Hockey Team Venla Hovi to be a good example as an athlete, showing quality and consistency in training, but also in my experience. I appreciate hockey more and more every year, whether it’s in Manitoba or Finland.”

Adding to an already potent lineup is something that coach Rempel specializes in. The 2017-18 recruiting class will add size and depth to a roster hungry for another deep playoff run.

Five recruits and one transfer player, including three young women from the Winnipeg Avros – goaltender Lauren Taraschuk, forward Émilie Massé and defenceman Brielle DacquayNeveux – highlight the incoming flock of talent for the upcoming season. Also joining those recruits from out of the city will be forwards Madison Cole (Lloydminster, AB) and Natasha Kostenko (Fannystelle, MB), defenceman Lauren Warkentin (Steinbach, MB), and goaltender Devan Johnson (Stonewall, MB).

“Coach Jon definitely brought in another great group of recruits this past year,” said Courtlyn Oswald. “I am already looking forward to seeing what this year’s team will be capable of, and I just can’t wait to get back with the girls.”

Get ready Manitoba, it’s very tough to stop a raging herd of Bisons.

50

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

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THANK YOU

Big gift for the Bisons L

ast season, the Bison women’s soccer team received the largest gift in the history of the program. Tom Stewart, founder of Eznet, and his wife Lynne donated $10,000 to create a bursary fund that would help head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas attract players to the Bisons.

“We are very thankful with Tom and Lynne Stewart from Eznet for their generous donation towards our Bison Women’s Soccer Scholarship Fund,” says Martinez Lagunas.

The gift will enhance the ability of the Bisons to attract and retain more top-level female Canadian soccer players at the local and national level, says Martinez Lagunas.

The donation will be matched dollar by the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative (MSBI), doubling its impact to a total of $20,000.

“Eznet is supporting the University of Manitoba because Vanessa Martinez Lagunas is one of the best women’s coaches in the world,” says Stewart. “We believe that Canadian companies have a duty to help provide incentives for Canadian student-athletes to stay in Canada.”

The aim is that this donation can set an example for other Canadian organizations to support amateur sports.

“We hope that other Canadian companies will follow the example of Eznet and will be inspired to also contribute to this noble cause,” says Martinez Lagunas. “Investing in university sport is a great way to give back to the community.”

An added benefit to giving If you can help someone, you help. That, in short, is the moral compass Shawn Preston has been taught to follow.

Preston is a strength coach for Bison Sports. He’s not an alumnus – he graduated from University of Maine – Presque Isle, and Old Dominion University – and he’s only been working here for two years, yet he already supports a scholarship for Bison Athletes, because he can.

“The money goes directly back to a scholarship for varsity athletes. My job is to take care of varsity athletes, so if there is something I can do to assist in that, you know, why not,” he says. “It’s not like it’s a massive contribution or anything. It’s just a portion of salary that comes off of each pay check and I think it’s something everyone can do.”

Preston supports a scholarship in the name of Coleen Dufresne, who served this university for 32 years, retiring as Athletic Director in August 2016.

“Even though I have only been here two years and worked with Coleen for one of them, she was a huge part of me coming here. So I felt it was a good act of service to put that money out there to represent her name,” Preston says.

Preston also sees an added benefit to giving: the varsity athletes he supports will advocate for the program, getting the attention of other high-caliber student athletes whom Preston can train, and support, and watch succeed. The same principal can apply to any student in any field of endeavour, he says.

If you would like to support a Bison team, visit give.umanitoba.ca.

IT TAKES A TEAM TO MAKE A CAPTAIN University of Manitoba Bison women’s hockey captain,

“Learning how to handle both high-level

Caitlin Fyten is known for her strength. Her powerful

sports and getting a degree has been very

plays in defence earned her a selection to the Canada

challenging. I have been able to develop

West and U SPORTS All Rookie teams in 2013. Since then, her respected leadership and strong voice in the dressing room has earned the third-year Environmental Studies student the role of team captain.

But Caitlin is quick to acknowledge her strength is a team effort – from friends, family, and Bisons supporters like you.

When you give to our scholarship fund, you provide students like Caitlin with the freedom and strength to tackle the challenging balance of academics and athletics.

Support your fellow Bisons, and take your place front and centre.

Make a gift today.

give.umanitoba.ca

relationships that will last me a lifetime as well as skills that will carry me beyond university.

I am incredibly grateful to all those that give to our program to make mine, as well as many other experiences, possible.”

Caitlin Fyten 3rd year, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Earth, Environment, and Resources 2016-17 recipient of Doug Hedley Memorial Award 2015-16 recipient of Mike Ridley Award

TRACK & FIELD

Alhaji Mansaray

Mansaray looks to jump into the record book in 2017-18

By Carter Brooks Photos by Jeff Miller

W

54

hen looking at the 2017-18 University of Manitoba Bisons track and field teams, it is hard not to notice high jumper/sprinter, Alhaji Mansaray. The highflying product of Sierra Leone is a three-time medalist at the U SPORTS Championship, and is coming off of a gold medal performance at this past year’s event as he enters his fifth and final season at Manitoba.

The most interesting part of it all was that Mansaray was originally recruited by the University of Manitoba Bisons’ Brian Dobie – Head Coach of the men’s football team.

“I played as a wide receiver and kick returner in football back in high school,” Mansaray said. “It was around that point that the high school track coach saw how fast I was and recruited me to run the 100. At first I didn’t want to do track because I was really focused on football, but eventually I turned my focus to track. It’s funny, because my first-ever recruit for the University of Manitoba came as a football player, not track and field.”

Not only can Mansaray run, but he can also jump. If you asked him, he would even tell you that jumping is now his specialty.

TRACK & FIELD

“My main event is the high jump,” he said. “I am alright at sprinting, but my high jumping just got way better over time. I started off as a sprinter and didn’t really know how to high jump, but now you could say that I am a high jumper who sprints on the side.”

Mansaray has now won national gold at the 2017 U SPORTS Championship and actually holds the Canada West high jump record of 2.17 metres, but his sights are still set on a larger goal.

“Starting in my first year, I was a contender to win gold,” he said.

I am alright at sprinting, but my high jumping just got way better over time. I started off as a sprinter and didn’t really know how to high jump, but now you could say that I am a high jumper who sprints on the side.

-- Alhaji Mansaray, Bison Track & Field Team Head Coach Claude Berube “Unfortunately it didn’t quite work out. The same thing happened each year until last year where I finally came out on top. But now that I got the gold, I want to break the U SPORTS record. The Canada West record is one thing, but I would love to break the big one, so that is definitely my next goal.”

The national record of 2.24 metres was set by Alex Zaliauskas in 1993, and has remained unbeaten since. But if anyone will be able to eclipse that mark, it will be Mansaray.

“Alhaji is a very gifted athlete,” said coach Berube. “He has twice been a medalist at the U SPORTS Championship, and this year he will be coming off of gold medal performance. He performs really well at his big meets, and he was also our fastest sprinter during the season. I think he is now nearly at that level – strength and conditioning wise – where he is going to contribute even more than he has already.”

Although the return of Mansaray will be exciting for the track and field team, there are also a handful of new recruits who coach Berube is expecting will provide future success down the road.

“We had a really strong recruiting class that I think is going to help both our men’s and women’s teams right away,” said Berube. “We have six runners coming in, Luc Deleau. Alec Dickson, Sebastien Regnier, Jacob Smith, Brianna Tynes and Sarah Smith who I am very excited to have commit to our program. Jumpers Josh Magri and Nathan Smith should also provide some depth within our system. There is definitely some great potential there.”

Whether records are broken or not, the 2017-18 track and field season should provide much excitement, including hosting the 2018 conference Track and Field Championship, for all those involved – student-athletes, coaches and spectators.

Alhaji Mansaray 2017-18 SEASON | UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS

55

CROSS COUNTRY

Growth expected for both cross country teams C

By Carter Brooks Photos by Jeff Miller

ross country running is a grueling sport with hardly any off-season.

Going from indoor track, to outdoor track, to cross country – with the odd marathon squeezed in between – makes for an extremely full calendar year. Throw in the rigors of daily university education and potentially a part-time job or two, and you will find out what it takes to be a U SPORTS cross country runner.

The 2017-18 University of Manitoba Bison cross country season will have a dedicated focus on building for the future. According to Head Coach Claude Berube, there is excitement this season for growth for both teams.

“Last year went well, and we definitely showed some improvements,” coach Berube said. “We lost a few key people from last season and we don’t quite have as much depth as previous years, but this year will be about gaining some experience, especially for our younger guys. Down the road I am expecting these young runners to step in and take the spots of our graduating athletes.”

Amongst the first and second year runners are two more experienced athletes that Berube – Head Coach of 21 years – expects to have standout seasons once again.

The first is a 21-year-old kinesiology student who spent two seasons running with Jacksonville University in Florida, but decided that returning to her hometown of Winnipeg would provide her with the best options going forward.

“The program in Jacksonville just wasn’t for me, so I came home and it was probably the best decision that I ever made,” Janine Zajac said. “The team here is fantastic. I have never really experienced a team dynamic like this before – they are like one big family. I hope to make a big impression at the U SPORTS level, and I really believe that our team can only go up from here. We have some experience and some fresh faces. It is really exciting!”

Claude Berube was more than thrilled to hear of Zajac’s decision to return home.

“Janine was one of the top middle distance runners in the high school system,” Berube said. “Obviously she went a different route for

56

a couple of seasons, but we are very excited to have her here now. This summer Janine has been training for longer races, and I think she is somebody who is going to be rising up on our team in the next couple of years.”

Zajac comes from a sporting background, as her mother Sue played volleyball for the Bisons.

The ‘Zajac’ name is also very popular within the Winnipeg hockey circles. Janine’s second cousin Travis plays in the NHL for the New Jersey Devils.

Being involved with hard working athletes is nothing new for the phys ed. hopeful. And one of those working the hardest in her eyes is teammate Daniel Heschuk.

“Dan is one of a kind,” she said. “He’s a great guy, and probably one of the nicest people I have ever met. But when you get him on the track or the cross country course, he is so tenacious. He’s so feisty and just gets the job done. It’s funny because when you talk to him he is so friendly, but when you get him on the track he just goes out there and does what he needs to do.”

Coach Berube is also shares that satisfaction in his reliable long distance runner.

“Heschuk – our fourth year runner from Neepawa – had a great cross country season last year,” Berube reflected. “Daniel made some big improvements over the summer last year and had a great cross country season. He’s a long distance runner, and at this time of the year he is really focusing on getting ready for another strong cross country season.”

Heschuk, who recently won the 2017 Manitoba Half Marathon, is champing at the bit for the university year to get underway.

“I am just hoping to take off from where I started this past cross country season,” he said. “2016-17 was a really great year for not just myself, but also the rest of the team. We had some really quality showings and had a lot of good teamwork. I set personal bests in both my eight kilometre and 10 kilometre races, so I was really excited about that. I hope that as a team we can all have the opportunity to hit new personal bests this year.”

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

Janine Zajac

Bisons’ Daniel Heschuk, winner of the half marathon event at the 2017 Manitoba Marathon

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CELEBRATING ALUMNI

Dr. Bill Lindsay:

Inducted into Bison Hockey Hall of Fame

By Scott Taylor Photo courtesy the University of Manitoba

B

ill Lindsay was a University of Manitoba hockey star from 1958-61.

But he was much more than just a hockey player. Dr. Bill Lindsay was also an outstanding student who was committed to his profession and the community of the world.

Lindsay not only completed his undergraduate studies at the U of M, he also attained his M.D. and graduated first in his medical school class.

He went on to finish his general surgery residency and cardio-thoracic surgical fellowship at the University of Minnesota and proceeded to serve as Chief Resident at the University of Minnesota Hospital. Upon completion of his residency and fellowship, Dr. Lindsay continued on at the University of Minnesota as a cardio-thoracic surgeon and as Assistant Professor of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.

In 1979, Dr. Lindsay co-founded Cardiac Surgical Associates and the Minneapolis Heart Institute

and also went on to co-found the St. Paul Heart & Lung Surgical Division and Cardiac Surgeons of St. Paul.

Dr. Lindsay later returned to Winnipeg to serve as Chairman of the Department of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Manitoba for seven years.

In addition to his remarkable career as a surgeon, Dr. Lindsay published author more than 60 scholarly articles while he served as a leader on numerous cardio-thoracic surgical boards and societies and has been instrumental in training many young surgeons.

Dr. Lindsay has retired from his surgical practice and currently resides with his wife Jo-Ann in the Twin Cities. He has three grown children and twelve grandchildren plus remains active on several boards and medical societies.

Lindsay was honored on Feb. 6, 2017 at a special fundraising Bison Hockey dinner featuring Winnipeg Jets broadcaster, and former NHL defenseman Shane Hnidy. The event was a celebration of the Bison women’s and men’s hockey programs and focused on the stars of the past and present.

In addition, at the dinner, Dr. Lindsay was inducted into the Bison Hockey Hall of Fame.

One of his sons attended the event and accepted the prestigious honour on behalf of his father.

“Dr. Lindsay was an outstanding two sport athlete in basketball and hockey who played for the Bisons from 1958-61,” said Bison men’s hockey head coach Mike Sirant. “Equally important to Dr. Lindsay’s selection to the Hall of Fame was the recognition that he brought to the University of Manitoba as an Alumnus through his impressive achievements in a distinguished medical career and the outstanding contribution he has made to society. We’re proud that Dr. Lindsay continues to be an avid supporter of Bison Men’s Hockey.”

CELEBRATING ALUMNI

David Onyemata:

From the Bisons to the NFL Saints

By Scott Taylor Photos by Jeff Miller and courtesy the New Orleans Saints

D

avid Onyemata had never played football before walked into the office of University of Manitoba Bisons head coach, Brian Dobie, just six years ago.

To go from football novice to the National Football League in only five years takes a very special person, but U of M Alumnus David Onyemata is a very special person.

“I’m still in the process of trying to make a name for myself right now,” Onyemata told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. “Maybe when I spend some time in the NFL or maybe once I’m done with my career and I’ve done all the things I have planned, I’ll be able to understand what has taken place and what it means.”

It was an incredible late-2015-early-2016 for Onyemata. A Nigerian immigrant who never played a down of Canadian football when he knocked

on Dobie’s office door in the fall of 2011, Onyemate became the first Bisons lineman to win the Metras Trophy as the nation’s best down lineman since Israel Idonije won it in 2002. Idonije, of course, went on to have a 10-year career in the National Football League and now Onyemata, who signed a four-year deal with the Saints, has finished his first full season in the NFL. On top of his Metras Trophy, Onyemata was also named to the 2015 CIS First All-Canadian Team, played in the East-West Shrine Game—a showcase event for NFL talent evaluators—on Jan. 23 in St. Petersburg, Fla., and then, on April 30, the Saints traded up (a deal with Washington) in the NFL draft to select Onyemata with the 120th overall pick (fourth round).

Onyemata, 24, was the first Bisons player ever taken in the NFL draft and just the 12th Canadian university player to be chosen.

“I am so excited to be a Saint,” he said, “I am still thankful to all of my Manitoba teammates and coaches for their support. This would not have been possible without their support.”

Dobie believes Onyemata could be “The Next One.” First Idonije made it to the NFL and played nine full seasons. Now, Dobie believes Onyemata, a 6-foot-5, 310 pound giant of an athlete, could be next.

“He has worked so hard on the field to learn the game,” said Dobie.

“For a couple of years he was getting by on size and power and his athleticism and I mean athleticism. This guy is an athlete. Yeah, he’s huge and powerful, but he’s also an athlete. He is amazingly quick and he has NFL feet. Now he just needs to take a more cerebral approach to the game and he’s doing that.”

Dobie will never forget the day Onyemata showed up at his office door.

It was as if God himself had sent Dobie the official “Heir to Izzy.”

“There was a knock on my door and when I opened it, I saw this 6-foot-5, 320-pound monster standing in front of me and immediately I said, ‘I hope you’re a football player,’” Dobie laughed. “I can’t tell you how heartbroken I was when he said, ‘I’ve never played football in my life.’ But then he said he wanted to learn and that intrigued me.

“When he showed up, he was obviously big and I knew immediately he was a foreign student. We talked for a while and I sensed right away that this was a great kid, with a great heart who would put everything he had into learning the game.

“So I made him a deal. I told him that kids just don’t show up at the CIS level and play football. That just doesn’t happen. But I also knew that when we recruited Izzy (Idonije), he’d had only one year of football experience playing stand-up rush end in a rural small-school nine-man league in Brandon. I believed David could learn.

“But I also wasn’t in a position to spend a lot of time teaching him the game. So this is the deal I made. I said, ‘You will be invited out to practice. You will not play in any games. We will have a coach or an injured player or a red-shirt player start teaching you what you need you know to be a defensive lineman. You will attend every practice and you will work hard in school. If you miss a practice, that’s it. I’m not going to waste my time or anyone else’s time teaching you the game if you’re not going to show up every day. Deal?’ He nodded and said we had a deal. I never expected anything to come of this experiment.

To say I have been

pleasantly surprised with David’s progress would be a gross understatement.

“All I can say to you is this: He’s special. He’s a really special young man.”

And now that “special young man,” has become the second University of Manitoba alumni to make it to the National Football League. It just might be one of the greatest sports stories of all time.

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ATHLETIC COUNCIL The University of Manitoba Athletic Council (UMAC) is a council made up of Bison athletes for Bison athletes. UMAC believes in giving back to the community through its Bison Book Buddies and Bisons Against Bullying programs. For more information, please email or visit our website.

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JUNIOR BISONS

Competitive development that’s fun

By Scott Taylor Photos by Jeff Miller

U

niversity of Manitoba Bison women’s volleyball coach, Ken Bentley, knows the importance of the university’s Junior Bison program as well as anyone.

“The Junior Bison Girls Volleyball program offers a multitude of development opportunities from the elite level of training and performance to the introduction of the game through private lessons, club volleyball teams, camps, mini volleyball, and beach volleyball,” Bentley said.

“Our varsity student-athletes also provide strong female role models for our Junior Bisons athletes to emulate through their participation in coaching both camp and club programs.”

And it certainly hasn’t hurt that many of his own U of M volleyball stars, have started their careers playing in the Junior Bison program. After all, the Junior Bisons programs at the University of Manitoba are available to youth and teens ages 8-18.

According to program coordinator, Lisa Peters,

“We have a variety of sports offerings for male and female athletes.

The mission of all Junior Bison Club programs is straightforward,” she added. “To be the instructional and high performance organization of choice for players and coaches who seek and promote personal and team development skills, while raising the level of awareness and competitive play in junior high, high school, club and league environments.”

According to Bison women’s hockey coach, Jon Rempel, the program could not be better for young athletes who are just trying out a sport for the

opportunity to have a beneficial and worthwhile experience they might not have a chance to do in other situations. We are proud of the growth our program has experienced and are continuing to find ways to make it bigger, better and stronger.”

Currently the Junior Bison program offers girls volleyball, girls basketball and girls and boys hockey. This year, five young Junior Bison volleyball players – Light Uchechukwu, Anna Maidment, Jayda Nault, Julia Tays and Ayiya Ottogo were selected to play for Manitoba’s Canada Games Indoor Women’s Volleyball Team.

As well, the Bison 16U Girls won the gold

first time or for the ones who are really starting to develop high-level skills.

“The Bison Women’s Hockey Junior Bison program plays an integral role in our hockey and overall community by offering an opportunity for young female players to get an introduction on a smaller scale to what it’s like to be a varsity athlete,” Rempel explained. “The practice-to-game ratio, the introduction to Strength and Conditioning principles and the exposure to being coached by current and former Bison female coaches are all part of what we provide to players in our club programs. These are unique to our program and offer a different philosophy than most spring programs in which the emphasis is on winning along with game and tournament play and not on overall skill and personal development.

“We also offer the chance for anyone to try out each year and our program does not hand select players to be involved which is also unique. We believe this offers certain children and families an

medal at the 2017 Volleyball Canada National Championships as Katreena Bentley was named tournament MVP and Erika Vermette and Uchechukwu were named to the All-Star team.

“Regardless of age or level, the Junior Bison program meets the needs of the community in every way,” added Coach Bentley. “The program also integrates an introduction to strength and conditioning at our varsity weight room on campus, exposing our Junior Bisons to the off-court training required by our Bison Women’s Volleyball Team. Each component of our programming offers a continuous cycle of development throughout the year regardless of the level and age of the athlete.”

The Junior Bison program provides athletes with the opportunity for advanced levels of skill development and competition in sport and is, without argument, one of the finest youth sport programs in the country.

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FACILITIES

Berube: New James Daly Fieldhouse is ‘jaw-dropping good.’

By Scott Taylor with notes from Garrick Kozier, UM Today Photos by Jeff Miller

F

or University of Manitoba track and field head track coach Claude Berube, the new James Daly Fieldhouse inside the University’s Max Bell Centre is “Jaw-dropping good.”

In fact, after closing down for just a little more than a month for renovations in spring 2017, the Fieldhouse has reopened, sporting a newly resurfaced track. For Berube, it’s a building that the University should be “proud to show off.”

And the U of M will get to show it off at the 2018 Canada West Track & Field Championship in February and at the 2019 U SPORTS National Track & Field Championship held in March.

“This is a huge thing for us,” said Berube proudly. “The last time it was re-done was for the Pan Am Games back in 1998-99. It’s been 20 years and we’re thrilled that the University has stepped up and got the job done a little earlier than originally planned.

“We had a chance to bring the Canada West Conference championships to Winnipeg in 2018 and it’s likely we’ll have the U SPORTS Championship here in 2019, so it’s now high-level competition ready. We could have held meets here and we have, but now it’s

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really an incredible building.”

For those who haven’t been to the Max Bell Centre, the complex houses both the James Day Fieldhouse and the Wayne Fleming Arena. The Fieldhouse has a high-performance 200-metre banked track and has a seating capacity of 1,350. The arena includes an NHL-sized ice hockey surface with a seating capacity of 1,400.

The renovated venue opened with convocation back in early June, but the athletes were right back training the next day.

“This place gets used,” said Berube. “We have soccer groups, baseball and even rhythmic gymnastics on the infield. It’s a very busy place.

It needed an upgrade and I have to tell you, it got one. It just looks awesome.

“Our first event in the new building will be our Brown & Gold Intra-Squad meet and then we’ll have a conference meet and the Canada West meet. But I’m so proud to open the refurbished Fieldhouse with our Brown & Gold meet. We’ll have our Brown & Gold studentathletes competing on this jaw-dropping new Brown & Gold track. I’m really getting excited about it.”

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS | 2017-18 SEASON

Highlights of the recent renovation include: • Resurfacing

of the existing synthetic running track surface in the entire James Daly Fieldhouse. The fieldhouse includes a 6-lane, 200-metre high performance banked track on the oval with 10 lanes on the infield sprint straightaway. The infield of the track is an excellent venue for tennis, ssoccer and many other indoor sports. The last resurfacing (oval and infield) was done in 1998 and the outfield is from 1981.

• All line and event markings will be in conformance with all IAAF Track and Field specifications, as well as three tennis courts as per the International rules for tennis.

• Addition of two sprint lanes outside of the oval and a jogging/warmup lane outside of the oval.

• Upgraded storage area.

• Addition of an enclosed weight room area.

• Upgraded throws area.

• New telescopic and retractable bleachers that are electrically operated with a seating capacity of 1,000.

O G !

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BYRON SPRIGGS

ADAM HENRY

4th year Asper School of Business student, Bison athlete

3rd year Asper School of Business student, Bison athlete

Owner, Byron Spriggs Goaltender Development Camps

2017/18 UM Athlete’s Council Executive

Find out how you can achieve your leadership goals at umanitoba.ca/asper

2010/2011 WHSHL Platinum Promotions & The Travis Price Hockey Spirit Scholarship awards

Emergency backup goaltender for the AHL Charlotte Checkers and Manitoba Moose 2016/17 Bison Men’s Hockey MVP 2016/17 Mike Ridley Award 2013/2014 RBC Manitoba Junior Hockey League Scholarship

2016/17 Bison Assistant Captain 2016/17 Wayne Fleming Legacy Athletic Scholarship 2016/17 Bison Alumni Award 2016/17 Mike Ridley Award 2015/16 Canada West and U SPORTS All-Rookie teams 2015/16 U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian 2015/16 Bison Best Defenseman