BU Event Becomes International Sensation!

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BRANDON, MB – It’s being called ‘the shot seen around the world’. Millions have watched the video showing a Brandon University (BU) coach drain a basketball shot from half-court to win tuition for a student.


The event, held last Friday during the Brandon Bobcats final weekend of regular season play, has turned BU coach Gil Cheung and physical education student Mason Kaluzniak into celebrities. More than a million people watched ‘the shot’ on YouTube in the first three days after the video was posted.  Media outlets including CTV, CBC, Global, TSN, ESPN, USA Today and CNN have carried the story, many interviewing both Cheung and Kaluzniak.

“This was a lot of fun for everyone involved,” says Cheung, Bobcats head coach and former player. “I’m just happy I was able to make the shot for Mason.”

A spectator at Friday’s Bobcats game, Kaluzniak was selected to compete in the shoot-for-tuition contest but opted to have Cheung – his former instructor – throw on his behalf. Cheung had led the Bobcats to a pair of national championship finals as a student and team captain.

BU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Deborah Poff is excited for both Kaluzniak and Cheung. “Mason was genuinely enthused about winning his tuition,” says Poff, “and Gil is a BU alumnus who really cares about our students, University and city. We’re pleased for everyone.”

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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For more information, please contact:

 

Matt Packwood
Sports Administration Assistant
Brandon University
204-727-7375
packwoodm@brandonu.ca
Glen Kirby
Communications Officer
Brandon University
204-727-9762
kirbyg@brandonu.ca

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Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.