January 10, 2000 Over The Edge Page 7 UNBC Announces Plans for New Sportsplex (continued from front) “At this point it’s important to raise public awareness about the Sportsplex and generate some excitement around what this facility will mean to Prince George and the region,” says UNBC President Charles Jago. A Sportsplex will facilitate the development of recre- ational activities for students and foster the evolution of UNBC’s varsity athletics pro- gram. Local sports club rep- resentatives have been part of the planning of this new facility because they recog- nize the positive impact this facility will have on local ath- letes, their sports, the com- munity, and the region. There are a number of bene- fits the new facility would bring: 1.Current athletic facilities in the City are currently booked solid. The City’s Leisure Services department acknowledges that there is an unmet need for recreational facilities in the community. -2.The facility will allow UNBC and Prince George to attract more high-calibre sporting events to the City. The Multiplex and Aquatic Centre are examples of how good facilities can help attract new teams and tournaments to the region. The attraction of provincial and national tour- naments will have an eco- nomic spin-off effect on the City. 3.The development of this facility at UNBC will provide , options for our best young student population has risen from1400 to 3400. UNBC has attracted students and faculty from across Canada and around the world and has proven itself in the Maclean’s magazine ranking of Canadian universities. The new building will open up some space for classrooms and make UNBC even more attractive to potential stu- dents. UNBC’s growth is good for Prince George and for northern BC - currently UNBC’s economic spin-off is estimated at around $100- million per year. Growth at UNBC will increase the eco- nomic spin-off for the City. 6.A provincial study has indi- cated a significant need for more space at UNBC. Given the current number of stu- athletes to pursue their sport § and their education in north- ern BC. UNBC’s varsity bas- ketball teams, for example, have already attracted top high school Williams Lake, Vanderhoof, Prince George, and Terrace. Home basketball games are currently played at CNC. 4.Building a community ath- letic facility at UNBC will save millions in construction costs. 4 players from | The University campus was Saaeeee built with expansion in mind, so the new building will be able to tie into the existing campus network for heat, light, and other services. 5.Since the grand opening of — the University in 1994, the 900 Kilometers and 8 Dead Knights Later... The UNBC Medieval Culture and Combat club began a long journey on the fourth night of December. They arrived in Lion’s Gate (Vancouver) at 3 in the morn- ing and quickly sought rest. The next day they would require all their strength. The Baronesses Birthday is an annual event, it involves a light tournament (fencing), a heavy tournament (fully armoured combat), and a feast. The heavy tournament was, as usual the main attrac- tion for the Wolf Pack. Four of their warriors entered the. tournament, supported by four non-combative pack members. The tournament was a dou- ble elimination tournament with 48 heavy fighters (below. the rank of knight) entering the competition. Unfortunately the long jour- ney had taken its toll on the Wolf Pack. None of them managed to place very well in Kaliban of the Wolf Pack fights valiantly at the Baronesses birthday. the tournament. The knights watching. the tournament were on hand to teach and torment the junior warriors. The four fighters took their share of blows, but each of them managed to kill at least two knights during practice. After the fighting was over and court had adjourned, the feasting began. The feast took place in a dark hall, and some time before the food arrived, the liqour began to dents and activity on campus, UNBC only has about 65% of the space it needs. In the months ahead, a brochure will be produced to raise awareness of the facility and presentations will be given to local sports and recreation groups in the City and the region. At this time, there is no con- struction timetable. flow. The trip was over much too soon and the Pack soon began the journey home. On January .15 of this year, the Wolf Pack will be holding their Alpha Tournament at UNBC. This is the tri-annual event where the warriors strive for the right to lead the Pack into war. It is quite a spectacle, so if you are look- ing for a way to avoid study- ing, come out and take a look for yourself. long Hockey Pool Stats Page 8 Sports Editor’s Note This is my last semester at UNBC, and it promises to be a busy one. So once again | put forth the call to any club or team at UNBC: bring in your photos and bring in your articles. If you are interested in becoming a sports writer, or photographer on a more permanent basis, just come into the office and we will teach you everything you need to know. The office is located directly across from the Winter Garden.