Thomas is pleased to announce the commitment of his third recruit of the year in Winnipeg product Carrera Lamoureux.

Lamoureux is transferring to Brandon University from Canadian Mennonite University where she played with the Blazers for the past two seasons.

“Carrera was a surprise because she showed up at our ID camp and instantly demonstrated the level of skill of an everyday CIS player,” says Thomas. “While participating in drills she made some good decisions and was always looking to push the ball up court.”

In her two seasons in the MCAC (Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference) Lamoureux earned league all-star selections twice. Following an impressive performance in Brandon against Assiniboine Community College last November, Lamoureux earned MCAC Athlete of the Week honours. She was also named the MHSAA (Manitoba High Schools Athletics Association) AA Female Basketball Player of the Year in 2010.

The graduate of The King’s School in Winnipeg is looking forward to the opportunity to jump to the CIS and help the Bobcats continue to improve.

“It’s impossible to be excited for only one aspect of joining the Bobcats and attending Brandon University,” says Lamoureux. “Besides having the opportunity to play alongside talented and hard-working team mates, I am also looking forward to being coached by Novell. I am both eager to be mentored by him, as well as honoured to be a part of his plans for the future.”

Lamoureux joins fellow new Bobcats in Ambrea McDonald – Okoro and Maegan MacKay from Regina, both of whom will be first-year players from high-school. Lamoureux will provide experience to a relatively young team, and a passion to improve both herself and the group.

“I’ve had some great conversations with her and what’s most impressive is her drive and determination to improve and contribute,” adds Thomas. “CIS basketball is a big jump up from the college game but I’m confident that she’ll adapt quickly.”

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
                                                            -30-

For more information, please contact:

Novell Thomas
Men’s Basketball Coach
Brandon University
(204) 570-3086
thomasn@brandonu.ca

Regina’s Maegan MacKay of Balfour Collegiate has signed a letter of intent to play for Brandon University starting in the fall of 2012.

“I really am excited about the opportunity to come and hopefully make an impact,” says MacKay. “Novell has a lot of basketball experience and I know I can learn from him. I know the program has faced some struggles in the past few years, so I want to come be part of where the team is headed.”

The 5-foot-10 guard is an athletic perimeter player who has the ability to drive to the basket.

“Maegan has a very strong skill-set. She will provide us with perimeter scoring and I see her as the type of player who will stretch the defense,” says Thomas. “I think she has a high basketball IQ. She can shoot the three and she can get her shot off quickly. She also has the ability to drive to the hoop.”

MacKay is set to graduate from Balfour this June, where she has played for the girls varsity basketball team for four seasons, earning individual accolades including team rookie of the year in her grade nine year and the team’s leadership award in her grade 10 season.

Despite being a young player, experience is not something MacKay lacks. She first started playing club basketball when she was in grade five. Add her extraordinary work ethic to the mix, and MacKay is set to thrive at the university level.

“Maegan trains very hard and I’m expecting her to be stronger and ready for training camp in September. I see her as a contributor in her first year. However, she’ll have to compete for playing time like everyone else on the team,” adds Thomas.

Like any university athlete, MacKay has set goals for herself, but her primary commitment is to her improvement and the team.

“My goals are simple. I just want to keep getting better as a player and help turn this program around. I know that I probably won’t start or play as much in my rookie year, but I just want to contribute as much as I can to the team and make myself better as a player.”

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
                                                         -30-

For more information, please contact:

Novell Thomas
Men’s Basketball Coach
Brandon University
(204) 570-3086
thomasn@brandonu.ca

The 6-foot-7, high-flying forward soared into Brandon in September of 2010, leading the team in field-goal percentage, steals, and blocked shots in his first season as a Bobcat. Add those stats to a number of highlight-reel dunks, and James is sure to give Bobcat fans something to cheer about this season.

“We’re really looking forward to having him back. From a coaching stand-point I think we really missed his leadership and his ability to get out in transition,” says Bobcats head coach Gil Cheung. “I know Isaiah is really excited to return, and he brings a lot to the table for us. We missed an inside presence this season and with the personnel we’ve brought in and the young players that we’re currently developing having him back will really help us.”

The product of San Jose, California will enter his fourth-year of eligibility and is expected to anchor a solid front-court for the Bobcats.

“Isaiah is one of the best defenders in the country and I think he fits in perfectly on the offensive end. A lot of our current players are able to create and get Isaiah some easy looks and hopefully some exciting plays down low.”

After sitting out last season for personal reasons, James is excited to return to Brandon and what he refers to as his “Canadian home”.

“I missed it. I didn’t miss winter in Canada, but I really like the people in Brandon,” says James. “I was talking with Jordan (Reaves) a lot and he was pushing for me to come back. I’ve made great friends in Brandon, it’s a great community, a great school, and I’ve always felt real comfortable in Brandon.”

James adds that watching last year’s version of the Bobcats come together made his decision to come back an easy one.

“I definitely kept my eye on the team, and the pieces that coach Cheung has put together. My ultimate goal is to win a championship and help build Brandon into the team that people remember, but first and foremost I want to have a successful season as a team.”

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit:
www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
                                                          -30-

For more information, please contact:

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

In September and October of 2011 the Bobcats visited more than 20 rural schools, and will look to repeat the success of last year’s program again this fall.

The program focuses on general skills (ball control, serving, passing, blocking, and spiking) in the morning before switching the focus to game tactics and team play in the afternoon. The clinics are led by members of the Bobcats men’s volleyball program and coaching staff.

The training at the clinics will cater to all skill levels and will raise the standard of play for all involved as the program is designed to ensure each individual is challenged and improved as the day goes on.

Best of all, the clinics will be held in rural communities, so the Bobcats will come to you.

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit:
www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
                                                      -30-

For more information about the clinics or to register your school contact, please contact:

Luke Reynolds
Men’s Volleyball Assistant Coach
Brandon University
(204) 727-7375
Lukereynolds@hotmail.com

Peterson Suffrard and Jude Molin, both of Montreal, have signed letters of intent to join the Bobcats for the upcoming season. Although the two are from the same city, that is where the similarities end, especially on the basketball court.

Suffrard plays a similar game to Gayle, but in a much bigger body. Suffrard is a 6-foot-7, 276 pound forward who is known for using his big body to bruise in the paint. Molin is a 6-foot-4, 190 pound forward who shares some of the same traits as Vince; a tireless work ethic and the ability to excel at the perimeter.

“I am extremely excited to be able to add Jude and Peterson to our Bobcat program. They are both hard-working, tough kids who will be able to physically step in and contribute right away,” says Cheung.

Molin and Suffrard will join fellow Montrealers Pacome Matulu and Ali-Mounir Benabdelhak on next year’s Bobcats roster.

“Both players fill a need for our team to continue to improve, but most of all they are young men who have character and are team guys. I know Ali and Pacome will help with their transition to the community and University as they know of each other from the basketball scene in Montreal,” Cheung adds.

Suffrard comes to Brandon from Montreal’s École Louis Joseph Papineau, while Molin was a stand-out with Brookwood Elite.

“I’m good friends with Pacome and Ali and they both had great things to say about Brandon University,” says Suffrard. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to earn a degree while playing for such a great program.”

“Having this opportunity is something I am thankful for,” says Molin. “After reaching my goal of making a CIS team I will now continue to work hard to prepare for what will be an exciting time for me in Brandon.”

Both Suffrard and Molin are expected to arrive in Brandon in August prior to the opening of Bobcats training camp.

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

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Gil Cheung

Men’s Basketball Coach

Brandon University

(204) 571-8594

cheungg@brandonu.ca   

 or

Matt Packwood

Sports Administration Assistant

Brandon University Bobcats

Brandon, MB

(204) 727-7375 – Office

(204) 570-0842 – Cell

Email: packwoodm@brandonu.ca

Ambrea McDonald-Okoro, a former Saskatchewan Provincial team player, has signed a letter of intent to join the Bobcats for the 2012-2013 season. The 5-foot-11 post currently attends Winston Knoll Collegiate in Regina, from which she will graduate from in June.

“Ambrea is a bright young woman who has great work ethic. I’ve been watching her play since early February and even since then she’s improved,” says Thomas. “She’s a good player now and still has the potential to become better. I’m excited to work with her moving forward.”

McDonald-Okoro is the Bobcats’ first signing under Coach Thomas, who has indicated just how significant and memorable this signing is.

“I’ll remember this recruit for the rest of my life. Throughout the process I’ve been honest to the recruits and their families. I’ve acknowledged the program’s history, but ultimately I wanted it to be clear that I’m determined to make changes,” added Thomas. “Ambrea and her family believe in me and my vision and for that I’m grateful.”

McDonald-Okoro steadily improved in her three years as a Wolverine. As a Bobcat, she will be expected to contribute by scoring in the post as well as playing solid defense. McDonald-Okoro is excited for the opportunity to learn on the court and in the classroom.

“I decided to sign with the Bobcats for a few reasons. Firstly, I met Coach Thomas in February and from talking to him, I felt I would have a good opportunity to improve as a player and gain more experience,” says McDonald-Okoro. “I also appreciate that Brandon University is small and has more intimate class sizes. I’m really looking forward to being a part of the basketball program and being a student at BU.”

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
                                                           -30-

For more information, please contact:

Novell Thomas
Women’s Basketball Coach
Brandon University
(204) 727-7431
thomasn@brandonu.ca

BRANDON, MB – Brandon University women’s volleyball coach Lee Carter has picked up another Manitoba recruit to add to next year’s crop of first year players.

Winnipeg product Kendra Bommersbach of Miles Macdonnell Collegiate has signed a letter of intent to join the Bobcats.

“Kendra is an extremely dedicated volleyball player, and we’re excited to have her join us,” says Carter. “Like any first year student-athlete she will have a lot to learn next year, but she will come into the season fighting for a starting spot. Her ability to read the game is incredible. She has extremely fast feet, and really reads the game well. You can’t teach the ability to read the game the way she can.”

Bommersbach is coming off a successful season in which she led the Miles Mac senior varsity girls volleyball team to a AAAA Provincial semi-final while playing at left-side. On top of her high school athletics commitments, she has played the past two seasons with the Storm volleyball club after playing with the Cougars volleyball club prior to that.

Bommersbach is the fifth Manitoba player to commit to next year’s team, joining Brandonites Jodie Baker, Mary Thomson and Gillian Leech, as well as Russell product Jasmine Lafournaise, and has played with Baker, Thomson, and Leech for the past three seasons at the club level.

“I’m really excited to have this opportunity to join the Bobcats,” says Bommersbach. “I’ve played with some of these girls before, and after talking to some of the current Bobcats it made Brandon feel like home.”

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to play at a higher level and make the jump to the CIS level.”

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

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Lee Carter

Women’s Volleyball Coach

Brandon University

(204) 727-7348

carterl@brandonu.ca      

The two recently ended their playing careers with BU Athletics after each spending three years with the Bobcats. Sloane graduates with a number of school records including hitting percentage for a season (.507) which he set in 2010-2011. Ruether was among the Canada West conference leaders in kills, digs, and points, and led this year’s Bobcat squad in kills and points.

Other major award winners include Kyle Vince who took home the Doug Crandle Memorial Award for student-athlete achievement for the second straight year. The fifth-year product of J.H. Bruns Collegiate in Winnipeg also just completed his playing career as a Bobcat and will go down as one of the best 3-point shooters in school history.

Fellow men’s basketball player James Elias was the recipient of the Jim Casey Award for Sportsmanship while first-year women’s basketball player Kaela Cranston won the H.S. Perdue Award.

Canada West rookie of the year Ilarion Bonhomme was awarded the Jerry Hemmings men’s basketball MVP, while fellow rookie stand out Aimee Johnston was named the women’s basketball MVP. Johnston also took home team rookie of the year honours.

Sloane was named men’s volleyball team MVP, while sophomore outside hitter Tori Dakin was named women’s volleyball team MVP.

The following is a complete list of all award winners from the 2011-2012 season:
Women’s Basketball
Rookie of the Year – Aimee Johnston
Leadership Award – Raisa Rybinski
Tracy McLeod Inspirational Award – Jayla Bousquet
Most Valuable Player – Aimee Johnston

Men’s Basketball
Rookie of the Year – Ali-Mounir Benabdelhak
Leadership Award – Jordan Reaves
James O Dolling Inspirational Award – Donovan Gayle
Jerry Hemmings Most Valuable Player – Ilarion Bonhomme

Women’s Volleyball
Rookie of the Year – Shanlee McLennan
Daryle McCannell Inspirational Award – Kellie Baker
Leadership Award – Claire Willerton
Most Valuable Player – Tori Dakin

Men’s Volleyball
Rookie of the Year – Ben Glue
Leadership Award – Garrett Popplestone
Bill Gadd Inspirational Award – Sam Tuivai
Most Valuable Player – Jon Sloane

Major Awards

H. Stuart Perdue Memorial Award – Kaela Cranston
Jim Casey Memorial Award – James Elias
Doug Crandle Award & the Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete Achievement Award – Kyle Vince
Student Union Service Award:
Alanna Johnston
Chantel Gaslard
Jordan Reaves
James Elias
Dan Boutwell
Jon Sloane
Lindsay McLaughlin
Kellie Baker
Claire Willerton
Jaryn Ruether

Nancy Stanley Award Outstanding Female Athlete – Jaryn Ruether
R.J. McCarthy Award Outstanding Male Athlete – Jon Sloane

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
                                                         -30-

For more information, please contact:

Matt Packwood
Sports Administration Assistant
Brandon University
(204) 727-7375
packwoodm@brandonu.ca

The camp will be an open session with basketball games and skill assessment for current high school and college female basketball players who are interested in playing at the university level.

“This camp will be an excellent opportunity for future and prospective female basketball players to showcase their skills, especially if they feel that they have the ability to play at the next level,” says Thomas.

“Coaches always have their eyes open looking for potential players,” adds Thomas. “We know there is talent in the Westman region, and now we want those players to be able to demonstrate their abilities.”

Participants are asked to bring a reversible (dark/light) jersey, or separate light and dark tops. There is no cost to attend the identification camp, but participants are asked to have a minimum experience level of senior varsity high school.

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
                                                             -30-

For more information, please contact:

Novell Thomas
Women’s Basketball Coach
Brandon University
(778) 228-1296
thomasn@brandonu.ca

BRANDON, MB – Brandon University is pleased to announce that Russ Paddock has been named Athletic Director of Brandon University effective immediately.

After spending the past nine months as acting Athletic Director, Paddock will now assume the role on a permanent basis.

“It’s an important time in the Bobcat program right now. I certainly believe that we have a great team of staff in place with our current group in the athletic department at Brandon University. I also believe we have some exciting opportunities with the possibilities that exist with the Healthy Living Centre,” says Paddock. “I think it’s really important to take advantage of those, and look to the future.”

Brandon University is set to open the HLC in the fall of 2012, and Paddock will be tasked with over-seeing all Bobcat-related events and programs over the years ahead.

“We are looking to bring a bigger bang to our events. We have an opportunity to make the Bobcats games more enjoyable to those in attendance by increasing the overall fan experience,” adds Paddock.

“Russ has done a great job in an acting capacity over the past number of months. He showed us that he is more than capable, has a vision for the program, and will do a great job leading Brandon University Athletics over the years to come,” says Scott Lamont, Brandon University’s Vice President of Administration and Finance.

Paddock has built the Bobcats men’s volleyball program into a perennial national contender since the team’s inception in 2005, garnering two CIS national championship medals in seven seasons. Prior to his time as head coach at BU, Paddock was Athletic Director at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Winnipeg.

Paddock has two bachelor degrees from the University of Manitoba as well as a Masters in Sports Science from the United States Sports Academy. Paddock is a former professional volleyball player, and a former member of the Canadian national volleyball team.

For more information on Brandon University Bobcats Athletics visit: www.gobobcats.ca / www.facebook.com/bubobcats / www.twitter.com/bubobcats
                                                          -30-

For more information, please contact:

Russ Paddock
Athletic Director
Brandon University
(204) 727-7382
paddock@brandonu.ca
or
Scott Lamont
Vice President, Administration and Finance
Brandon University
204) 727-9707
lamont@brandonu.ca