Brandon University Dick and Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame
Mike Vaira was recruited to Brandon University by basketball coach Gary Howard in 1970. Gary had first come to know Mike as a youngster back in Sheridan, Oregon and convinced Mike that Brandon University would be an excellent choice to continue his university education and basketball. Mike played for the Bobcats from 1970 through 1975.
Mike led GPAC and the CIAU in scoring in 1973-74 with 26.5 points per game average. During the 74-75 season, Mike led GPAC with a 24.5 average and was the first Brandon University Bobcat to be honoured as a CIAU All-Canadian.
Mike is quoted as saying, “The five years I spent at BU were the best years of my life and if the rest of my life is as good as these years have been, I’ll be the happiest man in the world.”
