Brandon University Dick and Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame
John Bukich was recruited to join the Bobcats by way of St. Thomas, Ont.
He helped the Bobcats claim the Great Plains Athletic Conference title and a national silver medal 1983-84. He concluded his five-year career as a GPAC second-team all-star after finishing fourth in the nation in rebounding in 1985-86.
Bukich quickly found his next opportunity after landing a teaching and coaching post in Sprague, Man. with the Ross L. Gray Raiders. The Raiders had a long history of success at the varsity girls' level throughout the 1970s and 1980s and Bukich added to that legacy by leading Ross L. Gray to a provincial 'A' championship in 1989. The dynasty was enshrined into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Bukich and the Raiders made the jump to the 'AA' level in 1991-92 and captured the school's first-ever varsity girls' title.
He was named Basketball Manitoba's Girls' Coach of the Year twice at Ross L. Gray before continuing his teaching and coaching career at Selkirk Junior High.
Bukich spent the next 19 years growing the game in Selkirk. He established basketball clinics for youth and founded a girls' club team for advanced players.
He coached the Eastman regional boys' and girls' teams for a decade and captured the under 17 boys' provincial title in 1996.
Bukich also refereed for 15 years on top of his coaching and teaching duties.
Basketball Manitoba recognized him with a 30-year service award in 2020.
