HOME EVENTS

Fri Oct.4- Sun. Oct. 6 Men's and Women's Volleyball
Power 97/CJOB Invitational Tournament

AWAY NONE

General Wesmen News
October is tournament time at the U of W. All four teams are set to kick-off their home seasons with high-calibre tournaments starting this weekend.

The CJOB/Power 97 Invitational Men's and Women's Volleyball Tournament is the largest of its kind in the country outside of the Nationals and includes some of the top ranked teams in the CIS. It starts on Friday October 6th at the Duckworth Centre. The feature games of that evening include the Wesmen Women against the OUA champions from the University of Toronto, and the Men taking on the defending champion Alberta Golden Bears in a re-match of last year's National Final. The Rehabilitation Centre for Children will be special guests for the night.

On October 11-13 the Women's Basketball Team starts its season with the Converse Shootout and the Men follow two weeks later on October 25&26 with their opening tournament in the Midway Chrysler Invitational. Both tournaments are at the Duckworth Centre.

Women's Basketball
Headline: PREP TIME
Last Week:
The Wesmen were firing on all cylinders as they overwhelmed the alumni in the annual challenge game at the Duckworth Centre on Wednesday night winning 82-55. 3rd year guard

Jo-Anne Wells played a strong game with 22 points for the Wesmen. Rookies Jae Pirnie and Uzo Asagwara also performed well, contributing at both ends of the floor and giving coach Tanya McKay the confidence to call upon them when the season starts. Both have improved their on-court play over the last month and continue to work hard to improve their fitness and strength.

This Week:
Coach McKay says preparation for the season is going well and the team is excited about hitting the court for the Converse Shootout Tournament in two weeks time. The team has also selected their captains for the upcoming season. They include 4th year guard Sally Kaznica, 4th year forward Janet Wells and 5th year post Angela Willerton.

Men's Volleyball
Headline: TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD
Last Week:
The Wesmen took their show on the road to College Jean Sauve this week. With Wesmen Alumnus Cam Johnson and Phys. Ed Department Head Gerry Cyr as organizers, the Wesmen conducted a two-hour clinic for the CJS teams on Monday evening. On Wednesday 600 fans jammed the CJS gym to watch the Wesmen take on their alumni (most of whom were from the 1998 National Championship team). The scrimmage was followed by a one-hour clinic for the junior high students in the CJS area.

This Week:
This week the Wesmen continue with preparation to host the strongest tournament in Canadian Men's Volleyball. In the CJOB/Power 97 Invitational, the Wesmen are in a tough pool facing the Saskatchewan Huskies Friday at noon and then a re-match of last year's CIS gold medal game with defending champions Alberta Golden Bears at 7pm. The semi-finals go on Saturday evening and the final matches at 9am and 1pm on Sunday.

Women's Volleyball
Headline: EXCITED TO PLAY AT HOME
Last Week:
The Wesmen returned from the weekend's University of Regina Cougar Invitational Tournament with a 3rd place finish. 3rd year left side hitter Aynsley Laluk was awarded a tournament all-star for her strong effort. Manon Paquin also turned in an admirable performance with consistent passing, defense and attacking play. Coach Diane Scott also had praise for her first year players as they made the most of their on-court opportunities.

This Week:
The team is excited to play at home and will spend this week tuning up for the upcoming weekend's CJOB/Power 97 Invitational Tournament. Coach Scott says the opportunity to play conference rival and last year's Can-West Champion and CIS Championship runner-up, the University of Calgary Dinosaurs will be a good early season litmus test. Facing five different teams with five different styles will provide a healthy variety of competition for the Wesmen squad this weekend.

Men's Basketball
Headline: HE'S A GAMER
Last Week:
The Wesmen Men also took on their alumni last week and in a close game until the final few minutes, they pulled away for a 100-90 victory. Aldin Smalling knocked down four 3-pointers en route to a game high 28 points for the Wesmen. Former 5-year standout and current assistant coach with the team - Matej Maroti had 18 in a losing cause for the alumni. First year guard Tavares Adams from Jackson, Mississippi had his second strong game in a row, impressing coach Dave Crook.

This Week:
The team continues to practice in anticipation of its opening tournament, the October 25&26 Midway Chrysler Invitational.