Hartley Miller's Slap Shots - May 14th, 2010

By Hartley Miller

It has been over a week since the Canada West University Athletic Association (CWUAA) gave UNBC the “brush off”, rejecting a Timberwolves bid for men's and women's basketball membership. 

The decision to accept UBC-Okanagan and rebuff both UNBC and Vancouver Island University was made at the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Victoria. I have not received a copy of the minutes; nevertheless, here is my best guess as to how the Canada West/CIS Athletic Directors (AD) arrived at their decision. 

The following is a mock play-by-play account of the meeting: 

Chairperson:   Sandy Slavin, (U of Lethbridge) Canada West President. 

Slavin: It is time to vote on whether to include UNBC basketball in CWUAA starting in the fall of 2011. We all heard the presentation from President, Dr. George Iwama, his right hand man, Zane Robison and Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers. Remember, a vote of 75 per cent is required for inclusion into this league. Does anybody have any last comments? 

AD 1. I want to talk about Zane for a moment; He is a likeable person and I think he coached the men’s basketball team there just before they had success. Somebody told me he is now the Housing and Residence Life Manager at UNBC.  

AD 2. Really? He gave a good speech and pumped up the University and Prince George, but it is obvious, based on his current title, his expertise is in another area. 

AD 3. I have something to add about Dan Rogers. He can sure “sell” the city. I think he must have a PG stuck to his cheek. I heard he was once a sportscaster and Spruce Kings employee who decided politics brought more power, prestige, and pay. I give him credit for his “spin”, but he has no affiliation with UNBC’s athletic department.

 AD 4. I was reading Dr. Iwama’s biography. Did you know he holds a PhD in Zoology from UBC, has also received numerous academic fellowships and awards, and in addition, he conducted research on animal physiology, specifically related to fish and fish aquaculture? Apparently, he has published more than 135 articles and his research included a project east of Prince George in the Torpy River. Wow! 

 AD 5. Yes, his resume is impressive, but is he a basketball person? 

AD 6.  He stated he attended UNBC games and travelled with his pom poms in hand to the Nationals in Calgary. However, he insists he is an avid “fisherman”. 

AD 7. So, let’s see if I get this picture. None of these three aforementioned people on the presentation team makes their current living in the UNBC athletic department. 

Slavin: Yes, but they do have a full-time women’s basketball coach. You all know Loralyn Murdoch. 

AD 8. Where was she? 

Slavin: Um, ah, well, I guess they thought there was no need to include her in the presentation. I mean, she has only been in their athletic department for the past dozen years or so.

AD 9. I am trying to summarize. UNBC’s Athletic Director position has been vacant for eight months. They dismissed an enthusiastic guy in Len McNamara, after he spearheaded the CIS bid last year. They have not replaced him, yet. They also have not filled the vacant AD Assistant’s position. The Men’s Head Coach, Mike Raimbault, bolted shortly after winning Nationals, leaving a team with one loss for a team (U of Winnipeg) with one win. The UNBC presentation suggested a men’s basketball coach would be hired before an Athletic Director even though the AD will be the boss. They also attended our meeting with the only person in its sports department, Loralyn, absent. Is this information correct?

 Slavin: I think so. 

AD 10. Did anybody notice UNBC failed to address the travel issue to Prince George other than to say there are direct airline routes from Vancouver? I thought they could have at least arranged for discounted hotels, meals, and flights. I mean, they might have great fans and a great facility, but I am on a limited budget.

Slavin: Thanks for your input. I think we get the picture. There are 11 voting members (plus TRU and Fraser Valley). Here is your “yes” or “no” ballot. All of us AD's do not have to provide reasons for our vote.

Five minutes later:

 Slavin: The vote tally is seven in favor of UNBC, four against the application. I will inform Dr Iwama they did not get the required 75 per cent.

 15 minutes later:

 Slavin: George, I am sorry to inform you that despite a spectacular presentation, UNBC fell just short of gaining acceptance into Canada West. However, we are so impressed with your group’s effort that we encourage you to try again next year.

 Iwama: I must tell you Sandy, “Your decision leaves me shocked, bewildered and grasping for answers”. Oh by the way, if any of your members are interested in a fishing trip, I know a great place for catching salmon.”

From the quote rack:

 And in case, you missed it: 

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