Bobcat grad Kevin Miller will represent Canada for the second year in a row .

Former five-year Bobcat Kevin Miller has cracked Canada’s national volleyball B team for the second year in a row.

The Russell, Manitoba product is one of 21 players chosen to represent Canada as a member of the national B team who will play in the Pan Am Cup July 7-15 in the Dominican Republic.

Miller joined the national program last summer and spent the past season training at the national performance centre in Gatineau, Quebec. That opportunity gave Miller a chance to play for Canada at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Miller’s list of accomplishments precede joining the national team. He finished a spectacular career as Bobcat ranking second all-time at Brandon University in career kills and points. Miller also helped the Bobcats to two CIS national medals, a bronze in 2009 and a silver in 2011. At the 2011 tournament in which the Bobcats won a silver Miller was named a CIS tournament all-star.

Carrera Lamoureux reaches for a pass in a MCAC game last season.

BRANDON, MB – In just a few short weeks on the job, Bobcats women’s basketball coach Novell Thomas has been busy on the recruiting trail.

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.”

Maegan MacKay (11) dribbles past a defender as a member of the Balfour Collegiate Redmen.

BRANDON, MB – A little over one week after announcing his first recruit as head coach of the Bobcats women’s basketball team, Novell Thomas has gone back to the Queen City for his second recruit.

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.”

Isaiah James (top right) blocks a shot in his first conference game as a Bobcat in 2010.

BRANDON, MB – After a one-year hiatus the Brandon Bobcats men’s basketball team is pleased to welcome back 2010-2011 team Most Valuable Player Isaiah James.

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.”

Brendan White leads a participant through a drill at the 2011 rural volleyball clinic in Glenboro. (Photo courtesy Ed Torz)

BRANDON, MB – The Bobcats men’s volleyball team will once again be hosting a series of one-day rural volleyball clinics in the fall of 2012.

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.

If your school would be interested in participating in one of these clinics please contact:
lukereynolds_7@hotmail.com or
paddockr@brandonu.ca or
packwoodm@brandonu.ca.

Peterson Suffrard is one of two Montreal products to recently commit to the Bobcats men's basketball team.

BRANDON, MB – Bobcats men’s basketball coach Gil Cheung has started to reload after graduating two key players from this past season. The Bobcats lose fifth year starters Kyle Vince and Donovan Gayle, so Cheung has signed his first two recruits of the 2012-2013 season, both of which play a similar style to the pair they are replacing.

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 Ecole 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.

Regina product Ambrea McDonald-Okoro is the first recruit to join the womens basketball program under Head Coach Novell Thomas.

BRANDON, MB – Brandon University women’s basketball coach Novell Thomas has signed his first recruit.

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 where 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.”

Jeremy Davies of Calgary is the first recruit to commit to the Bobcats men

BRANDON, MB – The Brandon Bobcats men’s volleyball coaching staff have found their first recruit of the year. Jeremy Davies of Calgary has signed a letter of intent to join the Bobcats in the fall of 2012.

The 5-foot-9 libero has been a member of the Dr. E.P. Scarlett Lancers for the past three seasons. In his first season (grade 10) with the Lancers he helped the team to an undefeated season earning shared MVP and school athlete of the year honours. In Davies’ three seasons the team has won two city titles and two provincial titles.

Davies is anticipated to contribute in his first year with the ‘Cats. Returning fifth-year libero Scott Neufeld will be entering his final year of eligibility and Davies is expected to be the long-term replacement as starting libero for the Bobcats.

“Jeremy’s one of the top players in his position in Alberta, and maybe in the country. He’s had success in beach volleyball, high school volleyball and club volleyball. He’s been on winning teams and had a key role on those teams,” says Russ Paddock. “He’s been a libero his whole life. He has good instinct and good technique and we’re confident that he’s going to have a role with us next year and be an excellent replacement for Scott Neufeld down the road.”

Davies has played libero for most of his volleyball career, earning an impressive list of accomplishments in the process.

Paddock feels that Davies’ skills will directly translate to success at the university level.

“He’s comfortable controlling the back court and taking charge. He’s not a real loud person but he’s quite willing to take responsibility in directing the serve receive in the back row. He knows his role and when he gets digs, which he seems to get a lot of, he’s able to energize his team at the same time.”

Davies was actively recruited by a number of Canada West universities, but ultimately chose Brandon University thanks to BU’s small class size and Healthy Living Centre which is currently under construction.

“The privilege to play at such a high level means a lot to me,” says Davies. “This has always been a goal for me, and I’m very excited for the opportunity to experience life as a university athlete, especially as a Bobcat.”

Davies recently won another Alberta provincial title as a member of the Canuck Stuff volleyball club. For his efforts Davies was named a tournament all-star.

Kendra Bommersbach is the latest recruit to join the Bobcats women's volleyball team.

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.”

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.

Here 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

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