Prince George B.C.-  UNBC is starting to prepare for the site visit from the Canada West Universities Athletic Association on November 14, 2008 as part of its application process to enter the Canadian Inter University Sports (CIS) Canada West Conference.

 

UNBC is one of three applicants applying to enter Canada West which is the highest level of sports academic institutions can enter in Canada. 

 

The other two applicants are UBCO (UBC Okanagan) and Vancouver Island University (Malaspina).

Currently UNBC sits at the British Columbia College Athletic level.

 

Len McNamara, Athletic Director of UNBC, says entering the Canada West level would substantially increase the exposure of the University, “Can West is a step up and will attract the brightest and best athletes. The caliber is the highest level of any amateur sport for ages 18-23. Typically these students are mature and at the top of their game, and young people look up to them as role models.  Not only is this an opportunity for our sports teams to play at this level but for our young kids to aspire to play at a higher level and perhaps have their education paid for.”

 

During the site visit, UNBC will need to prove why they should be considered for membership and how the athletic philosophy of the UNBC fits with that of Canada West.  The committee will be taking a tour of the facility and interviewing student athletes, coaches, and departments vital to the sports program such as administration, financial aid, marketing, athletic therapists and academic support.

 

McNamara says Prince George can have success in small numbers, “UBC has 40 varsity teams, this would give us 2. With 3500 students at UNBC this is a great place to start.”

 

The site visit will continue into the night of November 14 during the women’s and men’s basketball home openers when UNBC meets Langara. The women’s game is scheduled for 6:00pm and the men’s game for 8:00pm at the Sport Centre.