Official News Releases for this year's recruits

NASAJPOUR AND LESLIE TO JOIN WESMEN MEN'S BASKETBALL

WINNIPEG, June 4, 2002 - The University of Winnipeg and the Wesmen Men's Basketball program would like to announce that Erfan Nasajpour of the Daniel McIntyre Maroons and Oliver Leslie of the St.Pauls Crusaders have committed to the Wesmen Men's basketball program. This pair of highly sought after recruits represent the cornerstone of any recruiting class, a stylish smooth point guard and a long skilled forward.

Erfan Nasajpour, the 2002 Manitoba High School player of the year looks to fill the void of departing 5th year senior Suk Singh. Losing only eight games in three years of high school, Erfan is a winner who makes those around him better. Slick ball handling skills, a deadly shooting touch and the ability to play aggressive "D", Erfan should help the Wesmen immediately. "This is something I have wanted to do for a long time, I look forward to the opportunity. I have always wanted to come to the U of W and I am glad that this is finally happening" said Nasajpour.

Nasajpour is the 3rd straight Player of the Year to join the Wesmen under coach Dave Crook and caught the coaches' eye in a Wesmen Super Spring League game at the university. " I saw Erfan play for 5 minutes one of the first nights I was in Winnipeg last year, and I knew right then I wanted him" said Crook.

Oliver Leslie at 6' 7" enters the University of Winnipeg on both an academic and athletic scholarship and looks to have a bright future. A good athlete who can run the floor, rebound and is a strong finisher, Ollie has some veterans ahead of him to help with the adjustment to the university game. Leslie also showed the will to win this past weekend as he led the St. Paul's Crusaders to a Provincial soccer title in a 2-1 on Saturday.

Leslie was sure he was going to University, he just didn't know which school, but the opportunity to play varsity basketball helped make up his mind. " I knew I was going to school, so when Coach Crook showed interest in me it made the decision easy. I look forward to the challenges the University of Winnipeg will present me in and out of the classroom" said Leslie.

On the court Ollie caught the eye of Dave Crook late in the season. "Unlike Erfan I didn't see Ollie play until late in the year, but I saw him play three big games down the stretch and he seemed to get better each time out. I think given time and experience he will help us win a lot of games" said Head Coach Crook.

WESMEN MEN'S VOLLEYBALL LOOK TO B.C. STARS IN QUEST FOR GOLD

WINNIPEG, June 4, 2002 - The University of Winnipeg and the Wesmen Men's Volleyball program would like to announce that David Bishop and Chris Ward, both outstanding stars of the B.C. volleyball scene, will join the Wesmen this fall.

David Bishop spent last year at the College of the Rockies where he was B.C.C.A.A. Player of the Year, a First team All-Star, an All-Canadian, a Source for Sports Athlete of the Week, and was a finalist for C.C.A.A. Player of the Year.

David came to B.C. volleyball via his home town of Calgary Alberta where he grew up and was a perennial member of Team Alberta. He excelled at every level of volleyball in his high school career playing in the Western Canada Games and the Canada Games as well as internationally. An MVP in high school and an All-star at provincials, David had his University career at the University of Calgary derail as a result of a car accident. David has proven that he has come all the way back and is looking forward to showing what he can do with the Wesmen this upcoming season.

Head Coach Larry McKay on David Bishop, ""Dave Bishop has more experience than most second year volleyball players. He has played for three elite-level programs in the Alberta Provincial Team (Canada Games Silver Medal 2001), The University of Calgary and The College of the Rockies (League Most Valuable Player 2002, CCAA All-Canadian). His experience and success should make his return to the university ranks an easy one. We are happy that our program has attracted a player of Dave's reknown."."

Chris Ward is a 6'3 outside hitter who last played on the B.C. College Champion Douglas College. He was selected as the Most Valuable Player for these championships. Chris has compiled many other amazing career highlights that include being a 2 time BCCAA provincial champion, 9 time Provincial champion, 2 time BCCAA Provincial 1st Team All-star. After a year off, Chris is looking to the CIS level and the Wesmen program to complete his playing career.

Head Coach Larry McKay on Chris Ward, "Chris Ward is one of the top college players in all of Canada. He can do everything well and will help our team as an outside hitter. His experience and success should make his transition to the university level a smooth one."

ST. PIERRE VOLLEYBALL STAR RETURNS TO MANITOBA TO JOIN THE WESMEN

WINNIPEG, May 30, 2002 - The University of Winnipeg and the Wesmen Women's Volleyball program are pleased to announce that Jocelyne Roy, one of best female volleyball players to come out of the province in recent years, will return to Manitoba after a year of playing south of the border, to join the Wesmen women this fall. Coach Diane Scott, and the rest of the Wesmen are excited to have Jocelyne join in the team's quest for CIS Gold. The Wesmen are coming off an excellent CIS season and recently won the Junior Provincial Championship.

According to Head Coach Diane Scott, " This is very exciting news for the University of Winnipeg and the Women's Volleyball program. Having a player of Jocelyne's caliber and ability join our team has a positive impact on our potential immediately! She is a former Junior National Team Athlete, she has played on numerous Provincial teams, and most recently was a member of the 2001 Canada Games Team. She has the respect of her teammates, her coaches and her opponents, academically and athletically she is both strong and intelligent, and most importantly she's a quality person. It will be a privilege to have her on our team!"

According to High School Coach Dan Kalynchuk, "I am excited that Jocelyne has decided to play for the University of Winnipeg. It will be great for all of us to continue to watch the growth and development of this incredible player. Jocelyn will prove to be a phenomenal addition to Diane's team, one that I hope will bring the team to another level."

VINCENT MASSEY TROJAN VOLLEYBALL STAR TO JOIN WESMEN

WINNIPEG, May 23, 2002 - The University of Winnipeg and the Wesmen Women's Volleyball program would like to announce that Lee Hrenchuk, one of Manitoba's best high school student athletes, will attend the University of Winnipeg and play volleyball for the Wesmen. The Wesmen are coming off an excellent CIS season and recently won the Junior Provincial Championship. Coach Diane Scott thinks Lee will be an excellent fit and will enhance the program.

According to Head Coach Diane Scott, "It is a wonderful opportunity for the University of Winnipeg, and our women's volleyball team to have such a talented student-athlete such as Lee join our volleyball program. Lee is such a smart player, efficient in her training and game performance. She will contribute with a positive team attitude and great leadership skills, both on and off the court."

According to High School Coach Scott MacRae, "Lee has been a tremendous player for our program. She works very hard on and off the court, and leads by example, which is thoroughly respected by her teammates. She is a strong academic student, a quality person, and will excel at the University of Winnipeg."

Lee currently attends Vincent Massey Collegiate, was coached by Scott MacRae, and this past club team season by Vic Loewen. Vincent Massey was considered to be one of the top High School Girls volleyball teams this past season, and finished in the Top 8. Lee's club team, Big Sand, won the Provincial Title, and finished 3rd in the National Juvenile Championships.

ST. NORBERT BASKETBALL STAR TO JOIN WESMEN

WINNIPEG, April 24,2002 - The University of Winnipeg and the Wesmen Women's Basketball program would like to announce that Uzoma Asagwara , one of Manitoba's finest high school student-athletes, has selected the University of Winnipeg to attend school and play basketball for the Wesmen. Coming off a CIS Bronze medal performance, the Wesmen are extremely excited that Uzo will wear the red, black and white next season.

According to Head Coach Tanya McKay, "Uzo is a 5'9" guard who will add explosive offense and quick intense defense. Uzo's talents will fit in immediately with our style of play. Here at the University of Winnipeg we are very proud that Uzo will attend this fall as she is a tremendous student-athlete."

According to High School Coach Denis Marinelli, "Uzo has been a tremendous floor leader for our program. She works very hard on her game, which rubs off on her teammates. She is a strong academic student and a quality person. She will excel at the University of Winnipeg."

Uzo currently attends St. Norbert Collegiate, is coached by Denis Marinelli & Colin Ritchie and guided her varsity basketball team this past season to a Silver Medal at the Provincial AAA Championships in Portage la Prairie. Her tremendous high school career saw her average 26 ppg, 12 rpg, 6 apg, and 5 spg and lead her team to 1 provincial title and 3 final four appearances.

A 2002 graduating All-Star, Uzo was recently recognized as a member of the 2002 All-Manitoba team for Varsity Girls Basketball and the AAA Provincial Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Also this past weekend during an All-Star game featuring the top 20 players in the province Uzo's team won and she collected MVP honours for the game.

KATE DANIELS RETURNS TO CANADA AND WILL JOIN THE WESMEN

WINNIPEG, June 4,2002 - The University of Winnipeg and the Wesmen Women's Basketball program would like to announce that Kate Daniels, a former Glenlawn Lions star will return to Canada and continue her studies and basketball career at the University of Winnipeg.

Kate graduated with Honours from Glenlawn Collegiate in June of 2001. She had a great High School basketball career winning 2 provincial titles under Coach Brian Kornberger. Kate averaged 14 ppg, 7 apg and 6 rpg in her grade 12 season.

Kate was honoured with a provincial All-star team selection in both her grade 11 and grade 12 season. She also was selected to the All-Manitoba Team and received the Karl Ridd award for her commitment and drive to excel on the basketball court and in the classroom.

According to Head Coach Tanya McKay, "She has a very good understanding for the game, works hard, has a great skill package and has the ability to play a number of positions. We are very excited Kate will join the Wesmen program."

After Kate graduated from Glenlawn she accepted a full scholarship to attend Palm Beach Junior College in Florida to play basketball and attend school in the fall of 2001.

In Dec of 2001, Kate returned back to Winnipeg and decided to attend the University of Winnipeg where she would pursue her degree and play basketball for the red, black and white of the Wesmen Women's Basketball Team this September.

Vincent Massey Collegiate Volleyball Star to join University of Winnipeg

WINNIPEG - March 14, 2002 - The University of Winnipeg is pleased to announce that Christa Desrochers from Vincent Massey Collegiate (Winnipeg) has committed to playing for the University of Winnipeg Women's Volleyball Team this September.

Christa Desrochers is a 5'1 0" setter, who can run the floor with confidence and creativity. Christa helped lead her Vincent Massey Trojan volleyball team to become one of the top high school programs in the province. She is an all-round athlete, competing in numerous elite sports, is a competent pianist, and has maintained a 90+ average throughout high school.

According to Head Coach Diane Scott, "We are so pleased to have Christa joining our women's university volleyball program. She brings a competitive attitude, a strong work ethic and a great team presence. Christa has the ability to play right away, showing her maturity and athletic ability. Christa possesses a natural leadership ability through her daily pursuit of excellence, demanding perfection from herself on and off the court!"