The York Lions men’s and women’s basketball teams will open the 2004-2005 Ontario Universities Athletics (OUA) regular season this weekend in Ottawa. The Lions will battle the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees on Friday and the Carleton University Ravens on Saturday.
Right: York Lions basketball point guard Christa Lodge
The men’s squad, which advanced to the national semifinal last year, is planning an impressive season with a young class of recruits and new head coach Tom Oliveri. Among the newcomers is Tut Ruach, a team MVP and Athlete of the Year at Father Michael Goetz Secondary in Mississauga.
Lions veteran forward Dan Eves ranked among the leaders in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) last year in assists and three-point percentage. He was also the OUA and CIS Rookie of the Year in 2002-2003. Third-year centre Jordan Foebel was ranked among the nation’s leaders in field goal percentage, rebounds and blocked shots.
The women’s team posted a 10-12 record last year, falling just short of a second consecutive post-season appearance. Third-year Lions centre Sarah Brodie ranked third (CIS) in blocked shots last season. Second-year guard Kim Gibbs averaged 6.4 points per game, totalling 140 points in 22 games, and was selected to the OUA East All-Rookie team. Returning veteran point guard, Christa Lodge, ranked among the leaders in assists. Key recruits include Emily Van Hoof from Lindsay, Ont., and Laura MacCallum of Paris, Ont.
The Lions football and soccer teams were eliminated from the playoffs this past weekend, while women’s cross country finished fourth at the OUA Championship. The team will compete at the CIS Championship on Nov. 13 in Guelph.
For more information on the Lions teams, visit the links to the Sport York Interuniversity Web site.