Okanagan College launching basketball program next week
The Okanagan College Coyotes basketball teams will tip off their inaugural season next weekend at Immaculata High School in Kelowna.
The newly formed men’s and women’s programs have been in the works since Dec. 20, 2016, when an agreement was signed between the Kelowna College Basketball Society and Okanagan College.
“We have put in some incredibly long hours and we are proud and excited for opening weekend,” said society president Dino Gini, who is also serving as head coach of the men’s team. “Our players have been working hard both on the court as well as in the community to raise awareness and funds to launch our program. We have received tremendous support from local residents and businesses, and watching the culmination of everyone’s efforts being realized on opening weekend will be very emotionally satisfying.”
Next Friday, Sept. 8, will mark the first official games for the Coyotes, hosting Ambrose College from Calgary. The women start at 6 p.m., followed by the men at 8 p.m.
The same teams play again on Saturday, Sept. 9, the women at 11 a.m. and the men at 1 p.m.
Opening weekend falls right in line with the first week of school, which happens to be orientation week at Okanagan College.
“With orientation lasting the duration of the week, it’s great timing for us to promote our program as well as the college,” Gini said. “It also offers our players the chance to do a meet-and-greet with the student body, and invite them to our opening games on Friday and Saturday.
“We want our teams to embrace the students, and the students to embrace the teams. This is going to be a ton of fun!”
Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton and Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran will be in attendance for the ceremonial tip-offs before each game on Friday evening.
“We look forward to officially introducing our players and promoting our sponsors who have generously stepped up to support what we are doing,” Gini said. “We are very grateful and we want to ensure they are a big part of not only this weekend, but the entire future of our program.”