On January 11th and 12th, put on your BU colours and join us for events and prizes in the new 25-million dollar Healthy Living Centre (HLC).

Activities include Bobcats basketball, facility tours, Kids Carnival and tailgate party. Giveaways include an iPad, University tuition and Bobcat rally towels. Meet radio personalty Tyler Glen from Star-FM. Be a part of raising the Bobcat championship banners in the new gymnasium.

Friday kicks off at 4 pm with the ‘Ten Dollar Tailgate’ followed by exciting Women’s and Men’s Bobcat Basketball. There’s an after-game social, too, featuring The Young Pixels.

On Saturday, tour the new Healthy Living Centre between 3:30 and 5 or wear blue and gold, and receive free admission to that night’s Bobcat games.

“Henry was a sports enthusiast,” says BU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Deborah Poff. “During his student days at Brandon University, Henry was a remarkable athlete and passionate supporter. He stayed connected to BU sports through his entire life and recruited top athletes to campus. Our University is a better place because of Henry Champ’s dedication and commitment.”

A native of Hartney, MB, Henry Champ attended BU in 1957 and 1958. He would travel the world through the next five decades; one of the world’s top foreign correspondents reporting from places including El Salvador, Nicaragua, Chile, the Middle East, Vietnam and Washington, DC. Despite his globe-trotting career, Henry never forgot his Wheat City roots, serving BU in many capacities including as member of the Brandon University Foundation. In 2005 he was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree for his service.

Installed as BU’s sixth Chancellor in November 2008, Henry enjoyed visiting and reminiscing about his own time spent on campus. Thanks to online broadcasting, he rarely missed a Bobcats game and took part in a Bobcat Booster Club meeting days before his passing in September.

Henry had a special interest in recruiting international students to BU – including Bobcat point guard Ilarion Bonhomme, Canada West Rookie of the Year in 2012.

Opened in 1965, the Henry Champ Gymnasium has been home to four Canadian university national championship teams. The storied space is currently being modernized as part of BU’s $24.3-million Healthy Living Centre, with the gym scheduled to be ready in the spring of 2013.

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For more information, please contact:

Glen Kirby, Communications Officer
Brandon University
270-18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
T: (204) 727-9762
kirbyg@brandonu.ca

Randy Preval will be joining fellow New Yorker and friend Rob McLean in Brandon next month, as the two will head north of the border, and help a relatively young Bobcats team at the same time.

“Rob called me one day explaining that he spoke to Luke (Reynolds, Bobcats assistant coach) about me, and how he also wanted to continue on our journey around the world playing the sport we loved. Next stop he said was Canada,” says Preval.

“I like the CIS rules over the NCAA rules. They’re better suited for a player like myself. I feel like I have a lot to learn from Brandon’s coaching staff and I want to contribute all I can to the team,” Preval adds.

The 6-foot-6 middle from Queens Village, New York is a relative new-comer to the game. After making the transition from basketball to volleyball in his final year of high school he led Cardozo High to an undefeated 27-0 season and a PSAL (Public Schools Athletic League) title. It became quickly apparent that Preval was meant to play volleyball.

“Randy’s a real athletic middle. He’s going to solidify that position for us. He’s big, he’s quick, he jumps very high and he is definitely going to bring some energy to our team,” says Wilson.

“I think he’ll be quick to adapt to the way our game is played in Canada, and he’ll be surrounded by good team mates. I think his learning curve will happen quickly and he will contribute right away.”

Preval was named the 2010 All-Western State Conference Most Valuable Player following a break-out season with the Long Beach State City College Vikings.

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
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For more information, please contact:

Grant Wilson
Men’s Volleyball Coach
Brandon University
(204) 761-6950
wilsong@brandonu.ca

The event took place in front of the new Healthy Living Centre (HLC) on Louise Avenue. Dr. Tom Breneman, BUILD Campaign Chair and Jared Jacobson BUILD Local Division Chair, were also present during this important historical event.

“Brandon University is very excited to have the opportunity to share this new facility with the community. This much-needed centre which has been dreamed about for years is now coming to fruition. We look forward to opening the doors of the Healthy Living Centre in the fall – for our BU community, athletes, students and member of the Brandon Community,” said Dr. Poff.

The Community Access Agreement will open the new fitness facility’s doors to the general public, upon its completion. The HLC will soon be providing a national-level competition space for volleyball and basketball. Along with becoming the new home of the Brandon University Bobcats and campus athletics, the HLC will be the focal point of student fitness and sporting activities. However, the highlight of the signing event is the announcement that the fitness centre, the walking and jogging track, the three hard-court gyms, the recreation sports programs and much more will soon be available to residents of Brandon and the region.

“With its soon-to-be-opened Healthy Living Centre, Brandon University will bring its athletic and fitness offerings up to a new standard of excellence,” said Mayor Decter Hirst. “The signing of this Community Access Agreement means that all Brandon residents will have the opportunity to experience that same standard. I’m extremely pleased that students and citizens from all walks of life will soon be able join each other in the pursuit of overall community health.”

A short tour of the building took place following the signing. The construction of the HLC, which began in August 2011, is expected to open in late fall. Plans include a renewal of BU’s existing gym to add to the total space available for athletic and fitness programs.

“This new facility is a wonderful asset for our community. I’ve heard many comments on how much people are looking forward to walking or jogging indoors this winter,” said Dr. Breneman BUILD Campaign Chair. “I can also say that I look forward to watching a BU Bobcat game from the new spectator seats in the gym.”

Jared Jacobson, BUILD Local Division Chair, echoed those comments and added: “This project is one that I feel will make a huge difference in our community. In fact, that’s why I’ve volunteered to help. As we move forward in engaging the community in supporting this project, it is critical that people know of the opportunity that this facility makes possible. From fitness training to space to hold competitive basketball or volleyball games, the addition of this new building to the Brandon University campus is important to the community and to the University.”
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Growing up in East Northport, New York (about an hour down the road from Manhattan) McLean’s first love was baseball. It wasn’t until his sophomore year in high school that he had to choose between baseball and volleyball. Suffice it to say volleyball won, and the sport has helped him win in return.

As a member of the Long Beach City College Vikings, McLean won a California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state championship this past season, earning tournament MVP honours in the process.

McLean was also named to the All-Western State Conference first-team and to the state championship all-tournament team.

McLean’s goal as a young athlete was to play volleyball for the University of Hawaii, hence the reason he moved across the country to play for Long Beach City College, however after a sales pitch by Bobcats coaching staff McLean made the decision to commit to Brandon University.

“Choosing Brandon was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in my life, but I want to play professionally one day and I know that Brandon University will help provide that opportunity,” says McLean.

It’s a decision the Bobcats’ coaching staff are thankful for, and they look forward to seeing McLean don Bobcat blue and gold.

“Rob came up here on a recruiting visit about a month ago and saw this as a real good opportunity for him to continue his volleyball career and education,” says Russ Paddock. “We liked what we saw from his visit, and were able to watch some of his college games online, so he certainly fits what we need for next year.”

What McLean provides is incredible athleticism and a solid offensive attack for the Bobcats.

“Rob is not real big, but he is very physical and jumps very high. His serve receive is solid as well, so him and Sam (Tuivai) together gives us two very quality players out there that could potentially play left side or right side. With Rob’s experience we’re very confident that he will be able to step in and contribute right away,” Paddock adds.

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
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For more information, please contact:

Grant Wilson
Men’s Volleyball Coach
Brandon University
(204) 761-6950
wilsong@brandonu.ca
OR
Russ Paddock
Athletic Director
Brandon University
(204) 727-7382
paddockr@bradndonu.ca

The one day camp is open to all boys and girls, from Grades 4 through 12 and will be held from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm at the SVRSS gym in Swan River.

All funds raised from the one-day clinic will go to the Brunel family from Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba, who have been fighting incredible hardships for the past year. The family’s youngest child Larsen is battling leukemia, and while he was undergoing treatment in Winnipeg the family home in Ste. Rose burned down this past April.

The Bobcats hope to have as many participants as possible to help the Brunel family.

“As a team we are excited and honoured to host this event for the first time,” says head coach Gil Cheung. “The opportunity to visit Swan River and work with young athletes in that part of the province is great for us, but more importantly it’s a privilege to be part of an event that supports the Brunel family in their time of need.”

The Bobcats will run the one-day instructional camp teaching younger participants the fundamentals of shooting, ball-handling, passing, spacing and team concepts, while the older participants will focus on more advanced skills and offensive and defensive concepts.

To register for the one-day clinic or to make a donation to the fundraising efforts for the Brunel family call (204) 734-3847.

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
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For more information, please contact:

Gil Cheung
Men’s Basketball Coach
Brandon University
(204) 571-8594
cheungg@brandonu.ca

Roy Ching of Nelson, New Zealand has committed to the Bobcats starting in the 2012-13 season. Ching and Glue are not only countrymen, but they are also from the same town. Ching is now hoping to follow in Glue’s footsteps and find success in the CIS.

“Roy is a friend of Ben, so he certainly recommended him as a potential player on our team,” says Russ Paddock, who is putting next year’s roster together for Grant Wilson who will assume head coach responsibilities on July 1.

“He’s a bigger setter, so a bit of an alternative to our current setters, which basically just gives us another option in that regard. He’s a big physical kid, who is an exceptionally strong student. He’s been going to university in New Zealand and he’s been looking for an opportunity to advance his volleyball career and study at the same time,” Paddock adds.

Ching and Glue have history together, having both played for the Shirley Volleyball Club in their homeland as well as for the New Zealand men’s national squad. Current Bobcat Sam Tuivai was also a team mate of theirs on the national team in their home country.

“Ben said some great things about playing in Brandon. It’s a great team atmosphere and a high level of competition and I wanted to join a team that wanted to be the best and could compete with the best,” says Ching.

Ching also represented New Zealand on the U20 national team in 2010 and the U17 team in 2009, for which he was named team MVP.

“I’m looking forward to playing with a team that is committed to being the best and getting back into study. I’m also looking forward to playing somewhere where people actively support and watch volleyball,” says Ching.

Ching will round out a trio of setters on the Bobcat’s roster joining fifth-year Garrett Popplestone and sophomore David Stasica of Winnipeg. Paddock has brought Ching in to try and provide an alternative to the two returning setters.

“He’s a good compliment to them (Popplestone and Stasica). Both Garrett and David are smaller setters with lots of good qualities in terms of leadership and setting ability, so we expect Roy to provide us just a bit of a different option and a bigger block at the net. Where he takes his game in terms of his setting ability we will see once he gets here,” says Paddock.

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
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For more information, please contact:

Grant Wilson
Men’s Volleyball Coach
Brandon University
(204) 761-6950
wilsong@brandonu.ca
or
Russ Paddock
Athletic Director
Brandon University
(204) 727-7382
paddockr@bradndonu.ca

Part of Paddock’s responsibility is to put together the roster for the 2012-13 season, and Paddock is doing exactly that in adding 6-foot-3 left-side Scott Vercaigne of Winnipeg.

Vercaigne will be graduating from Collège Jeanne-Sauvé at the end of June where he has been an out-side hitter with the senior boys varsity volleyball team for four years.

Vercaigne’s accomplishments are not limited to the high school ranks. He recently helped the 204 Volleyball Club to an appearance at the U18 club volleyball national championship final in Toronto. He has found success in other sports as well, primarily hockey, where he was a member of his high school team for the past two seasons.

“Everyone that has coached Scott speaks very highly of his work ethic. We needed more depth at left-side and we’re very fortunate that Scott is joining our program,” says Paddock.

“He’s coming off a very strong season both with his high school team and his club team and we feel that he will fit well into our line-up,” Paddock adds.

Paddock expects Vercaigne’s determination to come in handy to the Bobcats this year, as they lose two experienced out-side hitters in Ben Glue and Paul Robidoux – two players who logged a lot of time on the floor for the ‘Cats this past season. Vercaigne also looks at some of the athletes to have played the position at Brandon University since the program’s inception, and hopes to have similar success.

“I definitely see the history of the program and the caliber of players that have played at Brandon University as motivation,” says Vercaigne. “If I can be like any of those good players then I know it will help accomplish my goals, but for my first year next year I just want to contribute to the team and help the program compete.”

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca /  www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
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For more information, please contact:

Grant Wilson
Men’s Volleyball Coach
Brandon University
(204) 761-6950
wilsong@brandonu.ca
or
Russ Paddock
Athletic Director
Brandon University
(204) 727-7382
paddockr@bradndonu.ca

Wilson has been an assistant to Russ Paddock since the program was added to BU’s athletic program in 2005, however this is the first dramatic change to the coaching structure since the team’s inception.

Paddock is stepping aside for a one-year term after moving into the permanent Athletic Director role back in March.

Wilson’s list of accomplishments extend beyond his work with the Bobcats. He was named the Manitoba Volleyball Association Developmental Coach of the Year in 2001 and was a finalist for the Sport Manitoba 3M Coach of the Year in 2004.

“I’ve always aspired to coach at the highest level. When the program was started I was short-listed for the head coach position then, and Russ and I have always worked in tandem. Russ and I are very similar in terms of philosophy, so in terms of how the program is run things won’t change that much,” says Wilson.

Wilson is a graduate of Brandon University where he earned Bachelor of General Studies and Bachelor of Education degrees. Since then he has been teaching full-time within the Brandon School Division for 19 years. Wilson, a father of one, is currently a Grade 8 teacher at Brandon’s King George School, a post he will be taking a one-year leave of absence from to lead the Bobcats.

“In a one-year stint there’s only so much you can do, so my goal is to maintain the consistency and competitiveness of this program,” says Wilson. “Our goal has always been to play our best volleyball come February and March, and obviously the goal for any program is to win a national championship, but only one team can do that, so our goal has always been to have the team playing to the highest level at the end of the year. That won’t change.”

As well as being a BU alumnus he also holds a Master of Sports Science degree from the United States Sports Academy.

Wilson has been on the sidelines as an assistant for both of the Bobcats’ runs at CIS national championship medals, which included a bronze medal in 2009 and a silver medal in 2011.

“Grant will have control of the team next year, but I certainly won’t be far away,” says Paddock. “I think it will be fairly easy for him to adjust. There aren’t many seven-year assistant coaches at the university level. He’s been contributing to the program and had opportunities to lead the team in the past, and we’ve worked together for about 15 years since coaching provincial teams in the 90s, so I’m sure that he is going to excel and do a great job.”

“Grant will be the head coach and the one making the decisions, and if there is a way I can support that then I will certainly do that. I trust his judgment. I know he will do things a little differently than I do but I’m more than confident in his abilities,” Paddock adds.

Wilson will officially begin his one-year term on July 1, after the completion of his teaching duties for this school year.

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
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For more information, please contact:

Russ Paddock
Athletic Director
Brandon University
204) 727-7382
paddockr@bradndonu.ca
or
Grant Wilson
Men’s Volleyball Coach
Brandon University
(204) 761-6950
wilson.grant@brandonsd.mb.ca