Ready for tip-off, the Vikings Men's Basketball team will return to the court tonight after 616 days sidelined due to the pandemic. The Vikings will host the Grande Prairie Regional College Wolves Friday Night at Augustana Gym starting at 6:00 PM MT with the women's game to follow.
"After a long hiatus due to COVID-19, we have been full of joy to be back together on the floor, doing what we love. Our players and coaches have taken an attitude of gratitude about training and the opportunity to compete again after having this taken away from us so suddenly," says Head Coach Dave Drabuik. "One of the biggest challenges has been to try to work ourselves back into our routine in a gradual and safe manner. Lots of little bumps and bruises and strange sprains and strains have shown themselves after such a prolonged period of home-gym workouts and walks."
Aside from bumps and bruises, the Vikings have l also had to adjust to a few additional challenges and changes the pandemic had put in their path.
"One adjustment or adaptation that our fans will notice is our extended roster for this season. Recruiting, retention (due to academic progress while athletic eligibility was frozen last season), and course schedules as we return to in-person classes have each created a unique set of circumstances," adds Drabuik. "We are doing all that we can to create the best competitive environment for the growth of our team."
You can catch all Vikings regular-season action on ACAC TV or you can request home game tickets at govikings.ca
Looking Back
During the 2019-20 ACAC regular season the Vikings had a strong season going 16-8 on the season and earning 32 points in the effort to finish second in the north division.
Returning student-athlete Nic Harder was a league leader in field goal percentage with 60.4 percent on the year while scoring 240 points to help push the team well into playoffs.
However, the Vikings couldn't keep the momentum going in the 2019-20 ACAC Championship fall to both Ambrose University and Lethbridge College in the provincial tournament.
Players to Watch
Coming into his final year of eligibility, fifth-year Nathan Bowie will be looking to generate the same success he had in the 2019-20 season. In 20 games Bowie had 345 points while gathering 153 rebounds and 157 assists in the process. The Vikings however will not only be relying on him on the court but they will also look to him for his experience and leadership off the court.
Third-year forward Tyler Weenink will also be looking to hit the court again with some energy, The 6'7" forward will be looking to continue building on his game and continue to earn more minutes as he heads into his third season as a Viking.
Making his ACAC debut, rookie Cooper Nelson will be hoping to generate some offense in the key as the young forward from Strathmore, Alberta takes to the court for his first season in the red, white, and black.