Men's Basketball
Teichrob Stepping Down
March 21, 2006
Abbotsford, BC – After six seasons as head coach of the CBC men’s basketball team, Rudy Teichrob has decided to step down from his position with the Bearcats.
Rudy will remain as an assistant coach.
“I have enjoyed my years at Columbia, and have seen the program become competitive with B.C. Colleges,” commented Teichrob, who has taken a program that was 3-22 in his first year to 17-20 just three years later. From the 2000-2005 the men’s basketball team competed in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) until this past season when the ‘Cats made their debut in the BCCAA, competing against the likes of UCFV and Capilano College, in which the team finished with an overall season record of 11-24. “I just don’t have the time or energy required to take this program to the next level so that the team is always making playoffs and competing for a championship. My business demands more of my time right now and my family is growing so I need to step back and make time available for these parts of my life.”
“Rudy has been a tremendous asset to this program, building a quality program that developed not just basketball players but men of character. While we are sad to see him step down, we support his decision to devote more time to his family and business opportunities,” commented CBC Athletic Director Tim Demant. “Rudy’s tireless work for this team is greatly appreciated and we are excited that he will continue to still be a part of the program, albeit in a less demanding role.”
Replacing Teichrob is a familiar face to Abbotsford basketball. Columbia Athletics is pleased to announce that Mike McClaverty has been hired as the new head coach. The 29 year-old McClaverty assisted with the men’s basketball program in 2005-06 and his familiarity and success with the BCCAA is invaluable.
Mike, an Abbotsford native who played his high school ball at W.J. Mouat, is a former player with the UCFV Cascades where in his four years he won three provincial championships and three CCAA national championships. As a player he also received many individual awards including a BCCAA First Team All-Star and Nationals All-star selection.
“I’m very excited to be given this opportunity at CBC. Rudy and (assistant) Ed Balzer have done a fantastic job here and I'll just try and continue to move the program in the right direction.”
Demant was equally thrilled to have Mike at the helm. “Mike has a tremendous basketball resume and has shown an excellent affinity for coaching, combining his strong understanding of the game with his personable style of relating to players. We are encouraged that Mike will continue to build the program as it seeks to establish itself in the BCCAA.”
Over and Out
February 19, 2006
The men's basketball team closed out their season with two losses to the visiting Douglas Royals.
A slow start on Friday had the 'Cats down 44-33 at the half, and despite a more consistent second half, CBC lost 83-72.
Hardworking forward Devon Krahn led the team with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Rookie Joel Bron continued his solid play and chipped in with 13 points and 5 rebounds.
The Bearcats put an impressive second half together in the game on Saturday, after trailing as much as 15 points in the opener. Despite outscoring the Royals 43-37 in the final frame, the 'Cats lost their final game of the season 78-73. CBC came to within 3 points, 73-76 with just over a minute remaining, but could not execute their shots in the late going. Columbia shot 34.3% overall to the Royals 41.8%.
Mark Turner led the team with 21 points while Devon Krahn had another solid effort with 19 points.
The 'Cats finish with a league record 3-15 (10th place) while the Royals finish 9-9 (5th place).
Split against the Eagles
February 12, 2006
The men's basketball team travelled to Surrey for two games against the Kwantlen Eagles this weekend.
On Friday, the 'Cats put together a total team effort and defeated the Eagles 82-73. CBC held a 42-40 lead at the half and never looked back. Rookies Kyle Boon and Rob Dick led the scoring with 19 and 18 points, while forward Devon Krahn had 14.
In Saturday's game, the 'Cats had a tough time getting the offense rolling, shooting a rough 5/22 from the three. CBC was not as consistent as the night before and lost 85-70.
Rob Dick had another solid game and finished with 15 points, while Krahn chipped in 11. Joel Bron and Brad Bates had 10 points each.
Columbia's leading scorer, Mark Turner, was absent from both games. Curtis Haugan, who is second on the team in scoring and rebounds, had a tough weekend and finished with only 6 points, well below his season average.
The 'Cats host Douglas College for their final two league games of the season on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm.
Falcons Sweep the 'Place
February 4, 2006
The men's basketball team ran into some stiff competition and lost both games to the visiting Langara Falcons this weekend.
In Friday's action, the 'Cats trailed 32-24 at the half, but opened the final frame with determination and jumped to a quick 34-32 lead. The Falcons quickly responded and put away any hope of any upset by going on a 30-4 run of their own, outscoring CBC 51-37 in the half. The Falcons win 83-61.
Mark Turner led the team with 20 points, with Devon Krahn chipping in with 12 points and 7 boards. Curtis Haugan led both teams with 14 rebounds. CBC shot 30.3% from the field to the Falcons 50.8%.
The 'Cats were looking for a more complete game on Saturday, but a slow start had CBC down 39-26 at the break. Led by forward Curtis Haugan, who led the team with 20 points, the 'Cats outscored the Falcons 45-40 in the final frame. It was not enough as the Falcons complete the sweep with a 79-71 win.
The Falcons shot 50.5% from the field to the 'Cats 41.4% and out-rebounded the home team 42-27.
The loss drops the 'Cats to 2-12 in league play, while the Falcons improve to 11-3.
Mariners shoot the lights Out
January 29, 2006
Rarely will a team average 75% from beyond the arc, but the Malaspina Mariners did just that on Friday night, defeating the 'Cats 116-79.
54 points of the Mariners were from the three as Malaspina broke a 13 year school record for most points in a game. "In all the years of coaching, I have never seen a team shoot the 3 ball like Malaspina did on Friday night," commented head coach Rudy Teichrob.
Curtis Haugan was the leading scorer for CBC and finished with 16 points, while Kyle Boon tallied 13 points.
On Saturday, the 'Cats were looking to make amends and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. CBC got the start they were looking for in the early going, but evaporated their 13 point lead to just three points at the half. The 'Cats were down by two with 38 seconds remaining, and instead of getting a stop and opportunity to tie the game, the Mariners score a layup plus a foul for a 3-point play to seal the game. The Mariners win 78-73.
Haugan led the team with 16 points and 16 rebounds, while Devon Krahn chipped in with 20 points.
Cascades Cruise
January 21, 2006
The UCFV men's basketball team jumped to a 43-29 half-time lead and went on to defeat the 'Cats 83-58 in front of near sell-out crowd at Columbia Place.
The Cascades showed why they are ranked #2 in Canada. They bring a line-up that bolsters size, experience and athleticism, and they continued their league undefeated streak to 10-0. With the loss, the 'Cats drop their record to 2-8.
The Bearcats were led by 2nd year forward Curtis Haugan, who finished with 15 points (5/14 from the field) and 6 rebounds. Mark Turner tallied 14 points against his former team. Joel Bron led the team with 8 boards.
Jamie Vaughan led the Cascades with 19 points while Ed Lefurgy, Jeff O'Brien and former Bearcat Joel Haviland had 12 points apiece.
This is the last meeting between the two schools in league play as UCFV will be part of the CIS league next season.
Notes:
The Bearcats shot 30.2% from the field to the Cascades 53.2%....UCFV had 43 total rebounds to the 'Cats 35.
'Cats tangle with Lakers
January 15, 2006
The men's basketball team made a visit to Kelowna for a weekend series against the Okanagan Lakers. CBC started the weekend with a 75-72 win.
The 'Cats led 32-30 at the half and continued to pour it on the second. CBC guard Mark Turner took over in the second half and finished the game with a team high 29 points.
"Friday's game was a bit sloppy but sometimes you need to win ugly and we did. That was a big win for us but it sure wasn’t pretty," commented head coach Rudy Teichrob, whose team is battling Okanagan for the 6th and final playoff spot.
Things did not get easier on Saturday against the Lakers. CBC trailed 44-31 at the half and could not overcome the deficit, eventually losing 83-53.
"We wanted two wins against the Lakers and now we need to make sure we win most of our remaining games if we want a shot at the playoffs. We weren’t great this weekend and will need to be much better against UCFV."
CBC hosts the undefeated UCFV Cascades on Saturday, January 21 at 8 pm.
2-1 in Portland
January 9, 2006
The men's basketball team came home from Portland, OR with two wins and a loss at the Multnomah tournament.
The 'Cats opened the tournament on January 5 with a 109 – 75 loss to Walla Walla College. Curtis Haugan had 16 points while Devon Krahn and Brad Bates each had 10. The 'Cats shot shot 36% from the field and 12% from the three.
The next day the team took on Multnomah, and though CBC did not play great, they were good enough to pull out the victory. The game was close throughout as the 'Cats shot a miserable 26/50 from the line. Multnomah built a 10 point lead late in the game until Mark Turner decided to take the game over by hitting consecutive shots beyone the arc (7/10 for the game), to send the game into overtime.
CBC took a two-point lead when Devon Krahn hit two free throws, but Multnomah came right back and hit a three with 19 seconds on the clock to regain the lead. The 'Cats called a time-out and ran a set play that worked as Kyle Boon hit a lay-up with 7 seconds remaining to give the Bearcats 112 -111 victory. CBC had 6 players in double figures, led by Turner's 29, Devon Krahn and Joel Bron had 17, Curtis Haugan with 15, and Kyle Boon and Brad Bates with 10 each.
In the final game against Golden State Baptist, CBC won 87 – 67. Turner finished the game with 16 points, Joel Bron with 14 points and 12 rebounds and Curtis Haugan had 13 points and 14 rebounds.
This weekend the 'Cats are off to Kelowna for two big league games against Okanagan.
Abbotsford City Basketball Tourney
January 2, 2006
The men's basketball team defeated Douglas and Langara College to advance to the final against Everett in the annual hoops tournament.
Wed. Dec. 28
CBC vs. Douglas
Columbia played a solid game with lots of energy although they got off to a slow start. Once they found their legs, they played a good game and defeated Douglas 91 -75, scoring 45 points in the first half and 46 in the second. Columbia had 5 players in double figures with Curtis Haugan leading the way with 27 and was selected player of the game.
Thurs. Dec. 29
CBC vs. Langara
This game was one of two different halves that eventually went to overtime. The 'Cats played a very good first half and held a 40 – 26 lead. But to start the second half, CBC came out flat, committing 5 turnovers in a row and Lanagara went on a 13- 0 run to make it a new game. "We struggled to find our stride and it didn’t look real good with less than 2 minutes to go and down 6," commented head coach Rudy Teichrob. "But Mark Turner showed the type of impact he can have on a game by hitting two clutch 3’s to tie the game and send it to O.T." In overtime the Bearcats managed to outscore Langara 9 -6 win the game and advance to the final.
Fri. Dec. 30 - Championship Final
CBC vs. Everett
The 'Cats played a very spirited first half and led 36 – 34 at the break, but fatigue set-in in the second half. Everett hit some clutch 3’s and eventually won 90 – 70.
"Overall, we had a good start to the second half of the season and we had a good tournament," noted Teichrob, whose team is off to a tournament at Multnomah Bible College (Portland) January 5-7. The 'Cats resume league play January 13 at Okanagan.
Curtis Haugan and Mark Turner were both selected to the first all-star team for their efforts.
Wolves Sweep 'Cats
December 11, 2005
The visiting Walla Walla Wolves completed the sweep, defeating the men's basketball team 84-73 for the second time this weekend.
Saturday's game proved to be a much better effort on part of the 'Cats as they scored 41 first half points compared to the 29 they scored on Friday. The Bearcats narrowly trailed the Wolves 42-41 at the half.
Midway through the second half the 'Cats tied the game at 58-58 but that would be as close as they would come to taking a lead. In the final minutes the Wolves were able to outscore the 'Cats 13-3.
Brad Bates led the way for Columbia with 13 points, while Devon Krahn had 12. For the second consecutive game the 'Cats were playing without their top scorer, Mark Turner.
Next up for the 'Cats is the Abbotsford City Basketball Tournament December 28-30.
Wolves Overpower 'Cats
December 9, 2005
The visiting Walla Walla Wolves downed the men's basketball team this afternoon 84-64.
The 'Cats were unable to contain the attack of the Wolves down low, who were led by the physical play of Jeremy Claridge and Ashton Bartlett with 25 and 20 points apiece. The Wolves led 41-29 at the half and continued to pour it on in the second half with 43 points.
Curtis Haugan led the way for the 'Cats has he racked up 21 points and 7 rebounds. The Wolves scored 19 points on turnovers to the 'Cats 6.
CBC will have to improve their play when they tangle with the Wolves again on Saturday at 6 pm.
From Bad to Great
December 5, 2005
It was one of the worst played half's for the Bearcats in recent history, but the 'Cats turned it around for a memorable win over Multnomah, 74-72.
The first half had to be the worst half I have seen this year and the second one of the best. We never scored a field goal in the first 10 minutes and only had 3 points, all free throws – WOW,!!" commented a stunned head coach, Rudy Teichrob.
His team trailed 22-7 midway through the first half but narrowed the gap to 11, down 34-23 at the half. The 'Cats opened the flood-gates in the second half and scored 51 points to escape with a 74-72 win.
With the game knotted at 72, forward Brad Bates grabbed an offensive rebound but was fouled in the ensuing play as he tried to convert a hoop. Bates, who finished with a team high 18 points, hit both free throws with virtually no time on the clock to give the 'Cats the win. Devon Krahn finished with 17 points, including 3 trey's from beyond the arc.
The 'Cats out-rebounded Multnomah 44-39.
"We're going to have to be much better this weekend against Walla Walla," noted Teichrob, whose team goes into the Christmas break with two exhibition games at home against Walla Walla. The 'Cats play on Friday, Dec. 9 at 2 pm and Sat. Dec. 10 at 6 pm.
Notes: The Bearcats were missing their top scorer Mark Turner because of injury...Graeme Funk was also out of the lineup due to injury.
'Cats push Eagles
November 29, 2005
The CBC men's basketball team had a slow start but finished strong, narrowly losing to NAIA opponent Northwest University 77-72 in exhibition play.
Northwest opened with a 14-0 lead before the 'Cats got on the board. The Eagles led 50-33 at the half before the 'Cats regrouped for a strong second half. Playing without BCCAA leading scorer Mark Turner, CBC relied on its younger players to lead the charge against an experienced opponent.
Curtis Haugan had a big second half with 14 points and finished with 20 points overall. 1st year guard Kyle Boon was equally impressive and racked up 19 points. Joel Bron was big up front with 11 points. With 3 minutes remaining in the game, CBC came within four points of tying but could not bridge the gap closer despite outscoring the Eagles 39-26 in the final half.
The 'Cats shot 42.6% from the field compared to the Eagles 41.8% but were out-rebounded 43-40.
The Bearcats host the Multnomah Ambassadors on Saturday, December 3 at 8 pm.
Haugan Dominates
November 20, 2005
The CBC men's basketball team travelled to North Vancouver to face the Capilano Blues looking for their first league wins of the season.
Friday's game was a sloppy affair as both teams combined for 56 turnovers. Despite a valiant effort from power forward Curtis Haugan, who finished with 25 points and 21 rebounds, the 'Cats lost 100-87. Mark Turner's 35 points were not enough for the 'Cats on this night.
In Saturday's game, the Blues once again prevailed 85-77 despite 33 points and 8 rebounds from Haugan. Nate Tiessen chipped in with 10 points and contributed with a lot of hustle and tenacity on defense. "His overall hustle was superb," commented head coach Rudy Teichrob.
With one weekend remaining in league play before the Christmas break, Teichrob believes his team has what it takes to get over this slump.
"Curtis Haugan played great all weekend, and we need everyone to all play at a consistent high level to be successful."
The 'Cats host UNBC November 25 and 26.
Tough Weekend
November 14, 2005
It was a rough and tough weekend for the CBC men's basketball team as they lost two games to the visiting Camosun Chargers.
The 'Cats (0-3) went into the weekend with high hopes of earning their first BCCAA wins of the season. Despite a strong effort in the opening the game on Friday, the 'Cats lost 82-73.
"The game was winnable but the ball just wouldn’t bounce for us and we had two critical calls go against us when we were down 5 with 2 minutes left," commented a frustrated head coach, Rudy Teichrob. Mark Turner led the team with 27 points and Curtis Haugan had 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Kyle Boon had 10 points. The 'Cats shot a dismal 16% from three (4/25 ).
"It was a winnable game and we didn’t do it."
On rematch on Saturday, both teams were deadlocked at 38 at the half. In the second half the 'Cats lost starters Mark Turner and Brad Bates to injury while forwards Curtis Haugan and Devon Krahn got into foul trouble. The 'Cats made a game of it, but the Chargers pulled ahead in the late going to win 78-64.
Kyle Boon had 24 points including 4 three pointers and 6/6 from the free-throw line.
"As a team, we shot 12/14 from the line but Camosun shot 20/22, and free-throws can win you the game. They had more than we did."
The 'Cats travel to Capilano College (2-1) this weekend.
'Cats and Cascades Clash
November 4, 2005
The men's basketball team lost to cross-town rival UCFV by a score of 71-62.
In front of a University College of the Fraser Valley Student Activity Centre record crowd of 612, the UCFV men's basketball team took the "Battle of Abbotsford" 72-61. It was the first British Columbia Colleges Athletic Association (BCCAA) game for Columbia Bible College.
Third-year forward Jamie Vaughan (Chilliwack) paced the offense with 24 points, and added 12 rebounds as UCFV won their first league game of the season. UCFV shot .538 (14-26) in the second half and out-scored CBC 21-12 over the final ten minutes of the game.
The game turned at the midway point of the second half as UCFV scored eight unanswered points, breaking a 49-49 deadlock. UCFV forward Shane Heuring (Maple Ridge) made a lay-up at 8:49 to give the Cascades an eight-point advantage. Previously the largest lead of the game was five points, held by the Cascades in the opening minutes. The lead changed hands 22 times and was tied in ten instances.
"It was not that either team outplayed the other, but rather it was a case where we were very poor from the free-throw line which cost us probably 8 – 10 points and in the middle of the second half," commented CBC head coach Rudy Teichrob. "We made some costly mistakes and they scored 8 straight points and that was the turning point."
CBC was led by former Cascade Mark Turner (Abbotsford) who scored 31 of CBC's 61 points. Turner was 11-for-18 from the floor and 8-for-9 from the charity stripe. Turner was a BCCAA championship MVP for UCFV in 2003-04.
Kyle Graves (Chilliwack) recorded his third straight double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Graves also had a UCFV high four assists. Danny Horner (Abbotsford) and Heuring both provided 14 points. UCFV's bench provided just four points.
Jeff O'Brien (Maple Ridge) also marked his return to the team and was inserted into the starting line-up. O'Brien scored five points and added four rebounds in 28 minutes.
(Contributions from UCFV Sports Information)
Men's Basketball Preview
November 3, 2005
The men's basketball team makes their league debut this weekend against UCFV.
Head Coach Rudy Teichrob has seen his share of changes as the leader of the men’s basketball team. Now entering his sixth season and first in the BCCAA, it was not long ago that the former High School Coach of the Year was practicing with his CBC team at M.E.I. and until most recent, competing in the NCCAA.
Through continuous recruitment, steady dedication and commitment, and the help of a new athletics facility, Teichrob has taken this program to new heights, from a 3-22 record in 2000/01 to much improved 15-18 in 2004/05. Despite losing his top player last season, point guard Jon Schmidt to Trinity Western University, Rudy is quietly confident that the team he has assembled for the 2005/06 season is talented and poised to compete with the top teams. Last season the ‘Cats went 7-6 against BC College teams, and this year they expect to compete in every game.
Veteran players Nate Tiessen (4th yr., guard, Chilliwack), Devon Krahn (2nd yr., forward, Abbotsford) and Curtis Haugan (2nd yr., forward, Abbotsford) are the only players returning from last years squad. They are joined by fellow veteran players Brad Bates (3rd yr., forward, Burnaby) who played with the ‘Cats two years ago, and Mark Turner (4th yr., Abbotsford), a 6’0” guard transfer from UCFV where he won a national championship in 2004 and was named a 1st team all-star.
A group of talented newcomers will help the Bearcats make a competitive entry into the league. 6’6” Kevin Zonneveld (Victoria), 6’6” Joel Bron (Surrey), 6’3” Darnell Barkman (Abbotsford) are aggressive forwards to assist Krahn and Haugan up front. Guards Kyle Boon (Sumas, WA), Kenny Johnson (Grand Forks, BC), Graeme Funk (Delta) and Rob Dick (Kelowna) are talented newcomers that bring a lot of depth to the ‘Cats.
Assisting Teichrob this year is Ed Balzer and former UCFV all-star and three-time national champion Mike McClaverty.
Character Win on the Road
October 29, 2005
Kyle Boon hit his 7th 3-pointer of the game with 3 seconds on the clock to lift the Bearcats over the Puget Sound Anchorman 69-66.
Playing without starters Mark Turner and Devon Krahn, the 'Cats had a gutsy performance from it's younger players to eek out a 69 – 66 win.
CBC led for most of the game and built a 13 point lead in the first half. Some bad decisions that resulted in turnovers allowed the Anchorman to get back in the game. CBC scored 43 points in the first half but could only manage 26 in the final frame, as Puget Sound eventually took the lead midway through the second half.
With the game tied, Kyle Boon hit his 7th trey of the game with 3 seconds remaining to give the 'Cats the win. Boon, a first year guard from Sumas, WA, had a breakout game with 25 points. Kenny Johnson and Joel Bron also had a good game with 10 points.
"It was a nice team effort with everyone contributing to the win. We now get ready for our first league game in the BCCAA against our cross-town rivals from UCFV on Friday at their place. We will need to take better care of the ball in that game and cannot afford 31 turnovers as we had tonight," commented head coach Rudy Teichrob.
Bounced by Timberwolves
October 22, 2005
The men's basketball team lost 94-75 to the visiting UNBC Timberwolves.
"It was not a good night for us – we got off to a poor start with a missed layup and about 4 turnovers and 4 quick fouls on 2 starters which just took them out of the game and we just didn't seem to get in sync the rest of the night", commented head coach Rudy Teichrob after the game.
"We did not really have a good mental focus at all and therefore committed a lot of turnovers which cost us."
The Timberwolves showed patience throughout the game, slowing down the pace of the game and making good on their opportunities. "They shot the ball really well and their stars scored. We have a lot of work to do and we need to have a good hard week at practice and learn from this game and get ready to the league opener at UCFV."
What a Game!
October 13, 2005
In front of 650 loud and boisterous fans, the CBC men's basketball team defeated the Trinity Western University Spartans 109-103.
With both coaches using a wide open, 'run and gun' offense, it was as entertaining game of basketball as you will ever see. The 'Cats led 53-50 at the half and outscored the Spartans 56-53 in the final frame.
The victory is significant for the 'Cats as this is the first time that head coach Rudy Teichrob and his team has defeated Trinity, and it comes against an opponent competing at the CIS level. Despite being outsized by the Spartans, coach Teichrob did a good job of matching up his line-up and preparing his players for this game.
"The team was really focused throughout the game and we worked extremely hard," commented Teichrob, in his sixth season as head coach. "We carried out our game plan very well and each player contributed to this victory."
4th year CBC guard Mark Turner was the leading scoring of the game with 42 points as he shot 16/27 from the field including 7/10 from beyond the arc. Forward Devon Krahn had 17 points while Curtis Haugan was a force down low to finish with a double-double: 13 points and 12 rebounds. Newcomer Rob Dick paced his team with 11 points.
The Spartans were led by Michael Erickson with 22 points. Trevor Nerdahl had 14 points while Brian Banman and Michael Brouwer each had 12 points.
Game notes:
The Spartans shot 44.6% from the field to the Bearcats 46.8%...The Spartans out-rebounded the 'Cats 49-46...CBC was 45.8% from beyond the arc (11/24) to the Spartans 38.2% (13/34)...former CBC player Jon Schmidt did not play for TWU because of an injury.
MBB Competes at Capilano
October 11, 2005
The men's basketball team went 0-3 this past weekend at the Capilano College tournament.
The 'Cats opened with a 95-78 loss to Langara College. Down 28-45 at the half, the Bearcats could not make a comeback against an experienced Langara team. Mark Turner led the team with 24 points.
In their next game the 'Cats got off to a slow start and once again found themselves down early. They were unable to battle back from a 20 point deficit before losing 94-80 to Camosun College. Forward Devon Krahn had the hot hand, scoring 20 points while Kyle Boon chipped in with 19 points.
The Bearcats closed out the tournament with a 102-81 loss to Capilano College. Rookie Joel Bron was solid down low, scoring a team high 22 points.
The 'Cats host the Trinity Western University Spartans on Thursday, October 13 at 8:00 pm.
Rudy Ball
September 24, 2005
Today's basketball alumni game was significant to head coach Rudy Teichrob as all of the alumni players were individuals he coached at Columbia in the past five years.
"Rudy Ball", known to his players as high tempo, transitional play, is exciting for basketball fans because the action is focused on a very quick transition up the floor. Now entering his sixth year at the helm, Rudy is instilling his philosophy to a talented group of newcomers and reinforcing his tactics to a talented core of veteran players. As they begin play in the BCCAA for the first time, they will not only be looking at competing, but winning.
With both teams using the same run 'n gun offense tonight, fans were treated to a much anticipated match-up between the current Bearcats squad and the alumni.
The alumni, that featured several former all-stars including Jon Schmidt (currently playing at Trinity Western), Marshall Peters (also a former player at Trinity), Steve Esau and Jon Balzer to name a few. The alumni led 47-36 at the half, but you could sense the Bearcats were on the verge of a comeback.
In the second half the 'Cats did just that, going on a 12-0 run led by 4th year player Mark Turner and 1st year player Kyle Boon. Turner and Boon each had 13 points in the half. The Bearcats tied the game at 76, and both teams would take turns with the lead in the final two minutes. With the alumni up 83-82, Turner hit a jump shot from the right-side of the key with 2 seconds remaining that erupted the crowd into frenzy and lift his team to a 84-83 victory.
Turner led his team with 22 points while 2nd year forward Curtis Haugan had 17 points. The alumni were led by Greg Neufeld with 14 points and Marshall Peters with 11 points.
Schmidt makes return with TWU
September 4, 2005
Jon Schmidt, the former Columbia Bearcat and NCAA First Team All-American, made a return to Columbia Place with his new team, the Trinity Western University Spartans as they took two NCAA teams.
The Spartans, who compete at the CIS level, took on two NCAA teams to open their exhibition season. In their first contest the Cal-State Matadors defeated the Spartans 88-86 in a close contest. Schmidt started the game and finished with 15 points and 4 rebounds.
In their next match the Spartans hand their hands full as they took on the University of Colorado Buffaloes. The Buffaloes, who compete against conference opponents such as Kansas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma, defeated the Spartans 104-63 after leading 57-20 at the half. The 5'11" Schmidt, who averaged 17 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds last year with the 'Cats, once again started for his new team and was the second leading scorer for TWU with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.
"The game is quicker and the players are stronger, but it's a lot of fun to be out there", commented Schmidt after his game against the Matadors.
NCAA Hoops coming to Columbia
August 12, 2005
If you're looking for some top-notch hoops action on the Labour Day weekend, Columbia Bible College is the place to be.
The Abbotsford school is set to host a pair of exhibition games between the Trinity Western University Spartans men's basketball team and two National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) squads: the University of Colorado Buffaloes and the Cal State Northridge Matadors.
"
It's always fun to play against the top university ball in North America," Spartans coach Stan Peters said. "Our kids just love playing them every year."
The games are being held at CBC as a nod to the Abbotsford content on Trinity's roster, which includes guards Adam Friesen, Mike Erickson and Jon Schmidt.
The games will be a homecoming of sorts for Schmidt, who played with the CBC Bearcats for the past two seasons. The Mennonite Educational Institute grad was a National Christian Colleges Athletic Association first-team all-star with the Bearcats last year. Bearcats coach Rudy Teichrob is looking forward to watching his former pupil take his first shots at the university level. "I'm excited about seeing players keep getting better, trying to play at the highest level they can," Teichrob said of Schmidt. "For him to play and be successful (at Trinity), that would be rewarding and exciting."
This is the third straight year Trinity has landed exhibition games against NCAA Division 1 schools, and the Spartans have held their own against the high-profile competition. Peters said there's no intimidation factor for his players, despite the hype the NCAA teams generate.
"Last year, we lost in double-overtime to Georgia, and we lost on the last shot of the game to Hampton," he said. "I'm expecting to compete, and we're trying to win."
Trinity takes on Cal State Northridge on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. at Columbia Place. The Colorado Buffaloes will be in town on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m.
The University of Colorado competes in the highly competitive Big 12 conference, and has produced National Basketball Association notables like 2004 Finals MVP Chauncey Billups of the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers centre David Harrison.
The Cal State Northridge Matadors, who posted an 18-13 record last season, play in the lower-profile Big West conference.
- Dan Kinvig, Sport Editor
Abbotsford News, August 11, 2005
www.abbynews.com
