May 7, 2009

News that the Canada West University Athletic Association is delaying a vote on UNBC’s membership for one year is being received with disappointment at UNBC.

“We have done everything asked of us in our application to join Canada West in men’s and women’s basketball so it’s disappointing that we are being asked to sit on the sidelines and wait while Canada West continues to consider its options,” says UNBC President Charles Jago.

UNBC has been considering an application to Canada West for several years. It officially submitted its application for men’s and women’s basketball in July, 2008. This past November, the University hosted a Canada West membership committee that was exploring the potential for expansion. This was followed in February by a UNBC presentation in Calgary to the full Canada West membership. This presentation featured President Jago, Prince George Mayor Dan Rogers, Canadian Olympian (and former UNBC Board member) Charmaine Crooks, and MLA Shirley Bond (via video message) who all strongly supported the University’s bid for membership.

“We know that we had one of the strongest applications, with a level of community support that is unparalleled among the existing or prospective Canada West members,” says Athletic Director, Len McNamara. “While this delay from Canada West is disappointing for the University and our student-athletes, I’m sure it is equally frustrating for the many fans of the Timberwolves. A positive vote from Canada West would have been the perfect end to a season that saw the women capture silver in BC and the men host a memorable national championship tournament.”

The one-year delay from Canada West is also being applied to the applications for membership from Vancouver Island University and UBC-Okanagan. In addition, Thompson Rivers University and the University of the Fraser Valley are being delayed for one year in their request to graduate from probationary members of Canada West to full members. Canada West is continuing to evaluate the implications of expansion, which include the additional financial cost to current members and the long term competitiveness of teams.
Contact:

Michael Kellett, Communications Officer, UNBC - 250.960.5621