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Alumni Spotlight Archives
Dany Charlery   Â
January 2023Â Â Â
Charlery humbly went about his business as he returned to his old stomping grounds, even though his supporters believe he can leap tall buildings in a single bound.
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Nathan Grant  Â
January 2023Â Â Â
The former Bobcat and current head coach of the Laval Rouge et Or returned to Manitoba for a holiday tournament and the trip was pure nostalgia.
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Ryan Vermette  Â
November 2022Â Â Â
Ryan Vermette was fearless as a Bobcat hockey player and often went over the edge.Â
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The Crandle's   Â
November 2022Â Â Â
Doug and Marg Crandle were loyal Bobcat supporters and long-time educators in Brandon.
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Ashley Hunter (nee Creighton) Â Â Â
October 2022Â Â Â
She was a dominate middle blocker with the Bobcats before following family footsteps into law enforcement.
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Andy Murray   Â
August 2022Â Â Â
Watch Andy Murray's journey through the coaching ranks.
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Amanda Fortin  Â
May 2022Â Â Â
Nothing came easy during Amanda Fortin's BU basketball career.
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Brian 'Mick' McMillan  Â
May 2022Â Â Â
Former Bobcat PA announcer Brian 'Mick' McMillan overcame early setbacks to become a community leader.
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Sarah Lopes Â
April 2022Â Â Â
Sarah Lopes was raised with military roots and might have been the next 'Karate Kid', but pursued her passion for basketball instead.
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Craig Malaschuk Â
April 2022Â Â Â
From wearing Bobcat blue and gold, to representing the Maple Leaf, Craig Malaschuk has a mighty impressive resume.
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Meaghan Robertson Â
February 2022Â Â Â
Meaghan Robertson gained a great appreciation for volleyball as she went through each step in her career. The former Crocus Plainsmen high school star looks back on her time in Bobcat blue and gold.
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Bobcats connected to WHSHLÂ
January 2022Â Â Â
A timely transition of Bobcats venturing into the coaching ranks helped legitimize the upstart Westman High School Hockey League in 1989. Since then, many BU alum have stepped behind the bench and the tradition continues over 30 years later.
Bobcats linked to WHSHL - Alumni LegacyÂ
Derek HenkelmanÂ
January 2022Â Â Â
Being behind the bench with the Westman High School Hockey League's Swan Valley Tigers was a new venture for Derek Henkelman heading into the 2021-22 season. The former Bobcat blueliner looks back on the steps he took to become a lifelong coach and educator.
Derek Henkelman Alumni SpotlightÂ
David DominiqueÂ
January 2022Â Â Â
David Dominique wore 00 on the back of his jersey and his heart on his sleeve as a Bobcat and won three straight national championships in the late 1980s. The American import was a Great Plains Athletic Conference All-Star in 1989 and was inducted into the BU Sports Wall of Fame in 2014.
David Dominique Alumni SpotlightÂ
Jacob Hall
December 2021Â Â Â
Jacob Hall passed away at the age of 45 after a long battle with cancer in December 2021. Hall was recruited out of Mission, B.C. where he was a high school league scoring champion. He helped Brandon win the 1996 national title and led the Bobcats back to the final in 2000. He went on to a teaching career overseas.
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Jacob Hall Alumni Tribute
Kelly De RooÂ
December 2021Â Â Â
Kelly De Roo was captain of BU's inaugural Canada West volleyball team. She was recognized in December 2021 by the MHSAA for her commitment as coach of the Vincent Massey Vikings.
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Kelly De Roo Alumni Profile
Janet Lumsden
September 2021Â Â Â
Janet Lumsden became a legendary scoring sensation with the Bobcat women’s basketball team in the 1980s. The former four-time all-Canadian was recruited to play for Brandon University after representing Nova Scotia at the 1979 Canada Winter Games. Since BU, she has spent over three decades teaching in Arizona where she has worked with students with intellectual disabilities.
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Janet Lumsden Alumni Profile
Larry Rodenbush
August 2021Â Â Â
Larry Rodenbush spent over three decades coaching and teaching in Brandon following a standout football career with the Bobcats from 1968 to 1972.
Larry Rodenbush Alumni Profile
Gillian Leech
August 2021Â Â Â
Gillian Leech was linked to sports and business from the start and carried on both traditions, first with the Bobcats and then family-owned Leech Printing.
Gillian Leech Alumni Profile
Melanie Thompson
June 2021Â Â Â
Being a Bobcat was natural for Mel Thompson, who has a long history of family members that wore blue and gold just like her. Before coming to BU, Thompson led her Elton Sabres to back-to-back provincial high school titles and was chosen as tournament MVP at both championships.
Mel Thompson Alumni Profile
Becky Birch (nee Young)
May 2021Â Â Â
Becky Birch (nee Young) has a long list of family members, teammates and coaches that assisted her in becoming a Bobcat volleyball standout.
Becky Birch (nee Young) Alumni Profile
Tony Franklin
May 2021Â Â Â
Tony Franklin played five seasons with the Bobcats from 1988 to 1993, before becoming a lifelong coach and educator in western Manitoba. The Deloraine, Man. product was named Sport Manitoba Coach of the Year in 2009 and led Manitoba's female hockey team into the 2011 Canada Winter Games.
Tony Franklin Alumni Profile
Bruce Thompson
May 2021Â Â Â
Former Brandon Wheat King Bruce Thompson served as captain of the Brandon University Bobcats before spending over a decade behind the bench in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He was named coach of the year three times and was inducted into the SJHL Hall of Fame in 2019.
Bruce Thompson Alumni Profile
Marsha Murdock
May 2021Â Â Â
Marsha Murdock balanced the highs and lows during her basketball journey. The Winnipeg product grew up in a tough neighbourhood before becoming a star player and provincial high school champion with the Oak Park Raiders. Murdock was BU’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2004 and embarked on a new challenge as she hiked 900 kilometres through Spain in 2013. Murdock faced her biggest obstacle, two years later, as she overcame a devastating concussion after a minor car accident.
Marsha Murdock Alumni Profile
Tina Moody
April 2021Â Â Â
Tina Moody has always been a Bobcat. Her early days were spent at the BU gym as her Dad, Bill, coached the Bobcat women’s basketball team in the 1980s. Tina had a standout high school career with the Vincent Massey Vikings before wearing blue and gold. Moody spent four years with the Bobcats and overcame adversity after suffering a major knee injury in her third year.
Tina Moody Alumni Profile
Allan Robertson
April 2021Â Â Â
Allan Robertson was a rock on the western Manitoba sports scene. Robertson represented Canada’s national men’s baseball team in 1967 at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg before coaching Manitoba to a pair of silver medals at the Canada Summer Games in 1973 and 1985. The former Brandon College Cap also served as high school principal in Hamiota for 32 years and later served as the town’s mayor for close to a decade.
Allan Robertson Alumni Profile
Colin Ryder Â
April 2021Â Â Â
Former Canada West all-star Colin Ryder turned pucks aside as a Bobcat before pursuing a career in law enforcement with the RCMP.
Colin Ryder Alumni Profile
Crystal Cornish Â
March 2021Â Â Â
Crystal Cornish brought an energetic spirit to the Bobcats and it has continued to serve her well. The Winnipeg product has had a creative career path in HR starting with the meat packing industry and now online retailer, Amazon.
Crystal Cornish Alumni Profile
Frank BojarskiÂ
March 2021  Â
Frank Bojarski was a treasure hunter in his younger days and struck it big as a Bobcat. The Red Lake, Ont. product served as co-captain when the Bobcats captured the 1988 national men's basketball championship.
Frank Bojarski Alumni Profile
Erin HenningÂ
March 2021  Â
Erin Henning started with the Bobcat women’s volleyball team from the ground up. The journey gave her the tools she needed to run the family-owned Windsor Plywood back home in Alberta.
Erin Henning Alumni Profile
Joe ParksÂ
March 2021  Â
Joe Parks was a multi-sport star for the Bobcats and also stepped on the field for NFL training camp with the Miami Dolphins. The American import was MVP of the Bobcat football team in 1972-73. Years later, he was named to the university’s all-time all-star team as a wide receiver.
Joe Parks Alumni Profile
Shannon LarkinsÂ
March 2021  Â
Shannon Larkins was named rookie of year of the Bobcat women’s basketball team in 1987-88 and earned most improved player the following season. It was in her fourth year that a defining moment came along when she tore her ACL. She battling back from the injury and the adversity led to a change in her career path.
Shannon Larkins Alumni Profile
Mario JosephÂ
February 2021  Â
Mario Joseph crushed it in his two seasons as a Bobcat being named a Canada West all-star and winning BU's Jim Casey award for sportsmanship. Today, he's home in Montreal and coaching the UQAM Citadins.
Mario Joseph Alumni Profile
Joel SmallÂ
February 2021  Â
Former Canada West all-star Joel Small rewinds the clock to 2009 when the Bobcats punched their ticket to nationals for the first time. The Brandon University Sports Wall of Famer now coaches the ACC Cougars men's volleyball team.
Joel Small Alumni Profile
John Carson
February 2021  Â
John Carson soared to legendary heights as a Bobcat from 1982-1987. He arrived at BU by way of Huntersville, North Carolina and became a five-time first-team all-Canadian. The Manitoba Sports Hall of Famer finished his iconic career by leading Brandon to the program’s first-ever national championship.
John Carson Alumni Profile
Gladwyn Scott
February 2021  Â
Gladwyn Scott was a Brandon College Cap in 1953-54 and again in 1960-61. He later became an iconic community leader and multi-time Hall of Famer.
Gladwyn Scott Alumni Profile
Jim Mann
January 2021Â Â Â
92-year-old Jim Mann reflects on his storied hockey journey, which included a league championship as Bobcat head coach in 1969.
Jim Mann Alumni Profile
Al Hart
January 2021Â Â Â
An injury kept Al Hart from playing his final Canada West men's volleyball match, but that hasn't changed his tune about his time spent as a Bobcat.
Al Hart Alumni Profile
Jennalee Mambru (nee Burch)
January 2021Â Â Â
Jennalee Burch idolized the Bobcats as a youngster and later became a role model in her own right overseas. She hit the big time on YouTube during the COVID-19 pandemic with creative videos for online learning.
Jennalee Burch Alumni Profile
Dave Schettler
January 2021Â Â Â
Dave Schettler reflects on his big decision 34 years ago to join the Bobcats, which paved the way from him to become principal at Blumenort School.
Dave Schettler Alumni Profile
Tyson Ramsey
December 2020Â Â Â
Tyson Ramsey served as Bobcat captain and earned Academic All-Canadian honours before rising through the coaching ranks with the Brandon U18 Wheat Kings and the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Virden Oil Capitals.
Tyson Ramsey Alumni Profile
Doug Scotchburn
December 2020Â Â Â
Doug Scotchburn has had a unique journey, going from Brandon University to the Middle East. The former Ontario high school all-star was a five-year Bobcat and overcame a major knee injury in 1991. He returned to win BU’s Jim Casey award for sportsmanship in 1993 and helped the Bobcats reach the national semifinals as a senior in 1994.
Doug Scotchburn Alumni Profile
Dave Whistle
December 2020Â Â Â
Dave Whistle was a Canada West all-star with the Bobcats, before finding success behind the bench overseas. The British Ice Hockey Hall of Famer and current coach at Okanagan Academy steps into the Alumni Spotlight.
Dave Whistle Alumni Profile
Jody Jury
December 2020Â Â Â
Jody Jury grew up a farm kid and played with the Bobcats from 2000-2003. She won BU's Female Athlete of the Year award in her final season in blue and gold, before joining the Saskatchewan Huskies and captured a Canada West championship in 2006. Now, a four-legged friend has the Neepawa product shooting for a new goal.
Jody Jury Alumni Profile
Shaun Funk
December 2020Â Â Â
The Winkler, Man. product played with pride as a Bobcat and that passion carried over into his current role with Youth for Christ. Funk was mainly a role player, but stepped into the starting lineup in the second-half of the 2010-11 season and finished in the top 10 in Canada West in blocks per-set. The Bobcats earned a national silver medal and Funk was named the team's most inspirational player.
Shaun Funk Alumni Profile
Scott Hlady
November 2020Â Â Â
Scott Hlady has endured ups and downs during his sports career. Injuries during his time with the Wheat Kings made him turn his attention to the diamond where he had a brief stint with the National Baseball Institute. He returned home and gave hockey another try with the Bobcats. He played five seasons with BU before becoming a community booster. Hlady has since re-joined the Wheat Kings as the club’s equipment manager.
Scott Hlady Alumni Profile
Rick Lindquist
November 2020Â Â Â
Rick Lindquist's passion for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs is cut from the same cloth as playing for the Brandon University men’s hockey team. As a Bobcat from 1981-1986, he quietly went about his business and became the program's all-time leader in career goals with 86. The former principal and Ontario high school coach leans on life lessons to battle through multiple sclerosis.
Rick Lindquist Alumni Profile
Dave Malowski
November 2020Â Â Â
Dave Malowski won back-to-back U SPORTS national titles as a Bobcat player in 1987 and 1988 and added a third to his resume 30 years later as an assistant coach with the Carleton Raven women's team. Beyond university basketball, Malowski made history in 2008 when he guided the Crocus Plainsmen to the program’s first-ever AAAA varsity girls’ provincial championship.
Dave Malowski Alumni Profile
Doug Roach
November 2020Â Â Â
Doug Roach spent four seasons between the pipes for the Bobcats and was named the team’s MVP in 1989-90. He later served as commissioner of the Rural Manitoba High School Football League and Westman High School Hockey League and also coached football and hockey with the Virden Golden Bears. Before his time at BU, Roach won the SJHL title and ANAVET Cup with the Estevan Bruins.
Doug Roach Alumni Profile
Keith Vassell
November 2020Â Â Â
An emotional interview with TSN's Rod Smith capped off a defining moment for Keith Vassell following his MVP showing at the 1996 U SPORTS national championship. The former Canadian national team standout is now the founder and director of The Rock Sports Academy in his home province of Ontario.
Keith Vassell Alumni Profile
Brad Traves
November 2020Â Â Â
Brad Traves' journey from Brandon University to the Ontario Provincial Police and Barrie Police has been rewarding yet challenging as he battled mental health issues. Traves played in the OHL and Junior B ranks before patrolling the Bobcat blue-line in the early 1990s. He has spent the last 25 years in the police force back in his home province and has become an advocate for mental health.
Brad Traves Alumni Profile
Garrett Popplestone
October 2020Â Â Â
There was no off-season for Garrett Popplestone. The multi-sport star excelled year-round with his proudest moment coming in 2013 when his hometown Bobcats won Canada West in a title run he defined as 'electrifying'. He also captured championships with the Neelin Spartans and the Brandon Cloverleafs.
Garrett Popplestone Alumni Profile
George Birger
October 2020Â Â Â
Our alumni are remembering a special man, who lived a special life. Former Brandon University Athletic Director George Birger passed away October 10, 2020 at 91. Jerry Hemmings, Andy Murray and Janet Lumsden share their memories.
George Birger Alumni TributeÂ
Tom Ford
October 2020Â Â Â
Tom Ford came to Brandon University from Watertown, South Dakota and helped the Bobcats earn their first-ever win over the Manitoba Bisons in 1973. After BU, Ford worked at the Calgary Board of Education for over three decades and later saw his children excel in sports. His son Todd was a 2002 NHL draft choice of the Toronto Maple Leafs and daughter Perri was an academic all-American at the University of Texas at Arlington.
 Tom Ford Alumni Profile
Barb Coulter (nee Rohleder)
October 2020Â Â Â
Barb Coulter (nee Rohleder) played four seasons of BU basketball in the 1980s before a 33-year teaching and coaching career. Coulter guided the Crocus Plainsmen to their first varsity girls’ city title in 17 years in 1999 and was named Basketball Manitoba’s JV coach of the year in 2004. As a Bobcat, Coulter captured the H.S. Perdue award for sportsmanship and helped her Bobcats to a runner-up finish for the Great Plains Athletic Conference title in 1980-81.
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Barb Coulter (nee Rohleder) Alumni Profile
Richard Kidd
September 2020Â Â Â
Richard Kidd was a champion in the Winnipeg High School Football League and Manitoba Junior Hockey League before becoming a five-year Bobcat in the 1990s. The Athletic Director at Alberta's Penhold Crossing Secondary School also reflects on a quick, but rewarding cup of coffee with Canada's 1994 Olympic team.
Richard Kidd Alumni Profile
Garry Smith
September 2020Â Â Â
Garry Smith played three seasons with his hometown Bobcat football team in the 1970's and captured the Jim Casey award for sportsmanship. His BU experience helped him become a physical education supervisor in Turtle River School Division and principal at McCreary.
Garry Smith Alumni Profile
Greg Thompson
September 2020Â Â Â
Former Bobcat captain Greg Thompson goes back in time in our latest Alumni Spotlight. He also reflects on his minor hockey days in Oak River and being commissioner of the Manitoba AAA U18 Hockey League. Â Wheat King legend Marty Murray also remembers his coaching impact with the Southwest Cougars.
Greg Thompson Alumni Profile
Greg Walker
September 2020Â Â Â
Ontario’s Greg Walker red-shirted the 1996 season when the Bobcats were crowned U SPORTS champions and played a prominent role in BU reaching the 2000 national final. The former GPAC all-star worked in the film industry for close to a decade before becoming involved in computer sales and technical support.
Greg Walker Alumni Profile
Bobcats help hockey grow Down Under
August 2020Â Â Â
Once upon a time, over a dozen Bobcats from the 1970s packed up their gear for an Australian adventure and left a legacy on ice hockey Down Under. Hear from Chuck Naish (pictured left), Craig Campbell and Mike Johnston about their experiences. The other former Bobcats that played and coached were Ralph Bradbury, Harley Campbell, Lindsay Dyck, Jim Fuyarchuk, Jack Richardson, Bill Rose, Darry Stevens, Rob Smith, Jeff Taylor and Glen Williamson.
Bobcats help hockey grow Down Under - Alumni Profile
Ken Schneider
August 2020Â Â Â
Ken Schneider was raised on a farm near Weyburn, Saskatchewan before his hockey journey began in Brandon. The former Wheat Kings’ captain spent two seasons with the Bobcats in the 1980s, which included a Great Plains Athletic Conference championship. He continued his winning ways as a coach capturing the Allan Cup and the Manitoba AAA U18 hockey title.
Ken Schneider Alumni Profile
Jack Maw
August 2020Â Â Â
Athletic alumni pay tribute to the late Jack Maw. The longtime Bobcat supporter and former College Cap basketball player died August 16, 2020 at the age of 75. Maw was a minor official at BU games for 20 years and coached at Earl Oxford School.
Jack Maw Alumni Tribute Profile
Tara Pitz (nee Dale)
August 2020Â Â Â
Tara Pitz (nee Dale) quickly learned the value of community leadership while excelling in high school sports. The former GPAC all-star played five seasons with the Bobcats before becoming a teacher and coach in western Manitoba.
Tara Pitz (nee Dale) Alumni Spotlight Profile
Laurie Blades (nee Wilson)
August 2020Â Â Â
Laurie Blades (nee Wilson) won a national canoe championship in 1978, but later found her true calling on the court with the Bobcats where she became a GPAC all-star.
Laurie Blades (nee Wilson) Alumni Spotlight Profile
Larry Gillis
August 2020Â Â Â
Larry Gillis won three league titles as a player and coach with the Bobcats before giving back to his community. Gillis got involved in establishing the Westman High School Hockey League in 1989 and his Crocus Plainsmen won the championship the first two years.
Larry Gillis Alumni Spotlight Profile
Mike Cooper
August 2020Â Â Â
Mike Cooper's Bobcat career went full circle, playing five seasons on the blue-line before joining the coaching staff. The BU Sports Wall of Famer is featured in our Alumni Spotlight.
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Mike Cooper Alumni Spotlight Profile
Brad White
August 2020Â Â Â
Brad White's Bobcat career included a Great Plains Athletic Conference title and reaching the top ranking in Canada. The long-time educator and coach is featured in our Alumni Spotlight.
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Brad White Alumni Spotlight Profile
Maria NickelÂ
July 2020Â Â Â
The former Bobcat hockey trainer has a story that is almost out of this world. She chats meeting Tom Glavine at Atlanta Braves' spring training and her quest to fly to the moon with the Canadian Space Agency.
Maria Nickel Alumni Spotlight Profile
Peter GerlingerÂ
July 2020Â Â Â
The Bobcat great goes back in time to reflect on his legendary hockey career with BU. He also chats about coaching high school hockey in western Manitoba and giving back to the game.
Peter Gerlinger Alumni Spotlight Profile
Roy Cousins
June 2020Â Â Â
The former GPAC all-star and current Ontario school principal shares Bobcat memories, his experience with racism and hope for equality.
Roy Cousins Alumni Spotlight Profile
Jim Ferguson
June 2020Â Â Â
The former Jim Casey award winner captured back-to-back GPAC titles with the Bobcats before continuing his winning ways as a high school hockey coach.
Jim Ferguson Alumni Spotlight Profile
Dave Bauman
May 2020Â Â Â
Dave Bauman was the first-ever American recruit to join the Bobcats in the late 1960s. He became a three-time BU Athlete of the Year while excelling in basketball and football. His son, Chris Bauman, followed in his gridiron footsteps and played in the CFL.
Dave Bauman Alumni Spotlight Profile
Patrick Thompson
May 2020Â Â Â
The former Elton Sabre joined the Bobcats for their first-ever Canada West season. The 2006 Jim Casey award winner for sportsmanship coaches the Vincent Massey Vikings, volunteers on the BIRT Cup golf tournament committee and has provided commentary on WCGtv for Bobcat broadcasts.Â
Patrick Thompson Alumni Spotlight Profile
Erin Visch-Krahn
May 2020Â Â Â
Erin Visch-Krahn was with BU from the beginning and it guided her down a path to become an international teacher and coach.
Erin Visch-Krahn Alumni Profile
Yul Michel
May 2020Â Â Â
The former two-time Canada West Defensive Player of the Year reflects on the Bobcats' run to the 2007 national championship final.
Yul Michel Alumni Spotlight Profile
Tim Lenardon
May 2020Â Â Â
The Bobcat Wall of Famer climbed the ladder to the NHL thanks to a strong upbringing and lifelong buddies. Lenardon reflects on his standout three-year BU career and his current 20-year run as a scout with the Vancouver Canucks in our latest alumni spotlight.
Tim Lenardon Alumni Spotlight Profile
Patty Wood Kinvig
May 2020Â Â Â
The former GPAC all-star and BU Female Athlete of the Year displayed true grit by overcoming serious illnesses as a Bobcat.
Patty Wood Kinvig Alumni Spotlight Profile
Lloyd McKinney
May 2020Â Â Â
McKinney was a three-year Bobcat and went on to play overseas before returning to Manitoba where he wore many hats including school principal and general manager of a ski resort.
Lloyd McKinney Alumni Spotlight Profile
Kenny Fields
April 2020Â Â Â
The two-time high school all-American was about to throw in the towel on his basketball career, but an opportunity to become a Bobcat changed the course of his life for the better. Since his BU days, the former GPAC all-star has become community focused working with the Salvation Army and troubled youth in the school system.
Kenny Fields Alumni Spotlight Profile
John Bukich
April 2020Â Â Â
The former GPAC all-star reflects on his five-year Bobcat career in the 80s in our latest Alumni Spotlight. He also chats about recently being recognized by Basketball Manitoba with a 30-year service award.
John Bukich Alumni Spotlight Profile
Maurice Carter
April 2020Â Â Â
Maurice Carter came to BU from Chicago and was a two-time GPAC all-star in the late 90s. Post-Bobcats, he had a lengthy playing career overseas before becoming owner of a semi-pro team.
Maurice Carter Alumni Spotlight Profile
Andrea Brown Pimlott
April 2020Â Â Â
Andrea Brown Pimlott looks back on her Bobcat career in the 90s and the role models in her life. She played five seasons and was named BU's Female Athlete of the Year in her senior year.
Andrea Brown Pimlott Alumni Spotlight Profile
Josh Masters
April 2020Â Â Â
Josh Masters credits the Bobcats in helping him battle through personal challenges. He also reflects on his legendary shot at U SPORTS nationals.
Josh Masters Alumni Spotlight Profile
Claire Booker
April 2020Â Â Â
Claire Booker came from England to play for the Bobcats in the 1980s and became a GPAC all-star and BU's Female Athlete of the Year.
Claire Booker Alumni Spotlight Profile
Simon Olivier
April 2020Â Â Â
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Quebec's Simon Olivier has had a successful hockey journey since his breakout rookie season with the Bobcats in the 90s. Olivier also chats about being named coach of the year in Quebec's Junior 'A' circuit and his son making it to the National Hockey League with the Nashville Predators in November 2019.
Simon Olivier Alumni Profile
Glen 'Ab' Williamson
April 2020Â Â Â
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Glen Williamson reflects on his five-year Bobcat hockey career from 1975-1980, which included winning the Jim Casey award in his senior season. The Souris product went on to coach at the international level and also spent time as an assistant with the Winnipeg Jets in the 1990s.
Glen Williamson Alumni Spotlight Profile
Vern Mott
April 2020Â Â Â
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BU Sports Wall of Famer Vern Mott reflects on his all-Canadian season in 1980-81 with the nationally #1 ranked Bobcats. The former all-star netminder also comments on representing Norway at the 1988 Olympics.
Vern Mott Alumni Spotlight Profile
Gary Clark
March 2020Â Â Â
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Former two-time GPAC champion and all-star goaltender Gary Clark on his 30-plus year coaching career overseas.
Gary Clark Alumni Spotlight Profile
Len Sitter
March 2020Â Â Â
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Len Sitter is among Football Manitoba's 2020 Hall of Fame induction class. Sitter was MVP and captain of the Bobcats before going on to a legendary coaching career with the St. Paul's Crusaders.
Len Sitter Alumni Spotlight Profile
Tom Price
January 2020Â Â Â
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Bobcat alum Tom Price on his unique basketball journey of being a player, coach and an official. He also owns two businesses in Brandon -- Chopped Leaf and Booster Juice.
Tom Price Alumni Spotlight Profile
Chad Jacobson
November 2019Â Â Â
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The former Neelin Spartans' star played two memorable seasons with his hometown Bobcats before moving on to become lead assistant coach with the Saskatchewan Huskies.
Chad Jacobson Alumni Spotlight Profile
Rick DeGagne
November 2019Â Â Â
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The Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame's 2020 induction class includes Bobcat alum Rick DeGagne. He was a standout player with the Minto Mustangs for 14 seasons and helped the club win a western Canadian championship in 1988. DeGagne’s decorated sports career includes a GPAC title with the BU men’s basketball title in 1979-80 and multiple provincial high school baseball crowns as coach of the Crocus Plainsmen.
Rick DeGagne Alumni Spotlight Profile
Russ Shaw
November 2019Â Â Â
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Bobcat hockey alum Russ Shaw on overcoming cancer, his journalism career and the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame inducting his hometown Cardale Cougars.
Russ Shaw Alumni Spotlight Profile
Mike McEwen
March 2019Â Â Â
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Mike McEwen's
curling track record includes sweeping success while representing Brandon University. He led his BU rink to a national championship in 2002 and followed that by representing Canada at the World University Games the next year. The BU Sports Wall of Famer was back in his hometown in 2019 when Brandon hosted the Brier and McEwen played for Manitoba.
Mike McEwen Alumni Spotlight Profile
Sara Gillis (nee Conlin)
January 2019Â Â Â
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The journey to become a basketball builder began at Brandon University with the Bobcats for Sara Gillis (nee Conlin). The former BU Female Athlete of the Year won back-to-back AAA provincial championships as coach of the RD Parker Trojans in 2015 and 2016.
Sara Gillis (nee Conlin) Alumni Spotlight Profile
Jude Kelly
January 2019Â Â Â
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Bobcat Wall of Famer Jude Kelly was back at his alma mater in January 2019 to complete a special chapter in his Brandon University basketball journey.
Jude Kelly Alumni Spotlight
Corey Billaney
November 2018Â Â Â
Corey Billaney played three seasons of Bobcat hockey before a successful teaching and coaching career at Boissevain High School where he has led the Broncos to provincial championships in baseball and volleyball.
Corey Billaney Alumni Profile
Joey Vickery
October 2018Â Â Â
Bobcat legend Joey Vickery entered the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. The former BU men’s basketball star chats about his enshrinement, winning a national title and how vital work ethic is in achieving goals.
Joey Vickery Alumni Profile
The Gayton Family
August 2018 Â Â Â Â
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Butch's grandfather Warren and uncle Joe played with the Brandon College Caps in the mid 1920s. Basketball was a relatively new sport at the time after being invented by Canadian James Naismith in 1891.
The Gayton Family Alumni Spotlight Profile
Linda Forsyth (nee Edwards)
January 2018 Â Â Â Â
Practice makes perfect. Linda Edwards did not coin the phrase, but she suggests taking that advice to the bank. She believes it whole-heartedly.
Linda Forsyth (nee Edwards)Â Alumni Spotlight Profile
Lynda Chorley (nee Kidd)
July 2017 Â Â Â Â Â
Lynda Chorley (nee Kidd) delivered dynamic offensive performances during an era where points were hard to come by. She was small in size, but used her blazing speed to keep opposing teams on their toes. Chorley was one of the top female basketball players to ever come out of rural Manitoba and her storied career included an important chapter at Brandon College.Â
Lynda Chorley (nee Kidd) Alumni Spotlight Profile
Vaughn Karpan
June 2017 Â Â Â Â Â
Vaughn Karpan's stint with the Brandon University men's hockey team was short and sweet, but was the launching point for a tremendous career in sport, both on the ice and off.
Vaughn Karpan's Alumni Spotlight Profile
Carla Maxwell
May 2017 Â Â Â Â Â
The sports spotlight has long shone brightly on Carla Maxwell's family and the Truro, N.S. product believes a strong athletic upbringing helped point her in the right direction.
Carla Maxwell's Alumni Spotlight Profile
Rick Williamson
April 2017 Â Â Â Â Â
Judo was off the radar when Rick Williamson first tried his hand at the sport as a 13-year-old farm boy from Belmont, Man. Over 50 years later he is still involved in martial arts and his resume includes two Western Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Association Judo Championships as a BU student-athlete.
Rick Williamson's Alumni Spotlight Profile
Debbie Baker (nee Morris)
March 2017 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Souris-born Debbie Baker (nee Morris) was motivated to succeed in sports and thanks to perseverance and dedication she did just that during her time as a Bobcat.
Debbie Baker's Alumni Spotlight Profile
Tim Morrison
February 2017 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
The inspiring hockey journey of Tim Morrison is proof that big things come from humble beginnings. He arrived on campus in 1977 and left a legendary mark on the Bobcat men's hockey program after completing his career in 1982.
Tim Morrison's Alumni Spotlight Profile
Mike Johnston
June 2015 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
It’s a classic Canadian story. Young man leaves home for the first time in pursuit of big dreams and hockey glory. For Mike Johnston, this story would see him leave Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in 1978, venturing west to Brandon University to further his education and pursue his love of hockey.
Mike Johnston's Alumni Spotlight Profile
Paul Sanderson
July 2014 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Paul Sanderson's name is all over the Canada West and Brandon University record books as one of the most dominant players to wear Bobcat blue and gold. He's also a member of Australia's men's national team now, but what many may not know is that he overcame the challenge of a lifetime to get there.
Paul Sanderson's Alumni Spotlight Profile
Jerry Hemmings
June 2014 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Jerry Hemmings career as an athlete, coach, educator is well-documented and well-known. After 40 years at Brandon University, Hemmings has decided to call it a career and is retiring this summer, but his legacy will last forever.
Jerry Hemmings' Alumni Spotlight Profile
Luke Reynolds
January 2014 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
From helping build an athletic program as an athlete, to helping build an athletic program as a coach, Luke Reynolds has undergone a major career change in the past year, but it’s a change and challenge he’s embraced.
Luke Reynolds' Alumni Spotlight Profile
Joe Parks
September 2013Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Like a lot of American imports new to the Brandon University and Brandon College Athletics scene, Joe Parks came to Manitoba with the goal of excelling in sports, earning a degree, and eager for adventure in a new region and city.
Parks’ story is a lot like that of many before and after him, but where the journey has taken him is quite different.
Joe Parks' Alumni Spotlight Profile
Kyle Dellezay
July 2013
Fans of the Brandon Bobcats men's volleyball team will remember Kyle Dellezay's playing days and what he brought to the program as a tireless worker with tremendous leadership skills.
After making his way around the globe, Dellezay is now making his way to back to Brandon to help the program as an assistant coach.
Kyle Dellezay's Alumni Spotlight Profile
Teagan Hunter    Â
June 2013
Brandon-product Teagan Hunter, a former Canada West All-Star and Brandon University school record holder, has come back to Brandon to help out with the Bobcats.
Teagan Hunter's Alumni Spotlight Profile
Andy Murray
September 2011
Andy Murray’s career came from humble beginnings, but his accomplishments are truly remarkable. Three-hundred and thirty-three wins as an NHL head coach. The first head coach of Canada’s men’s hockey team to win three IIHF gold medals. Over thirty years of experience coaching almost every level of competitive hockey. And to think it all started because of a hockey fight.
Andy Murray's Alumni Spotlight Profile
Tracy MacLeod
August 2011
When Tracy MacLeod arrived in Brandon in the fall of 1992 she was an energetic 20 year-old eager to start her first season of university basketball.
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Fast forward 19 years, and some things have changed, while some things have not. What hasn’t changed is her love of basketball, her passion for life, and her unbreakable positive attitude.
Tracy MacLeod's Alumni Spotlight Profile
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