Over the EHdge - October, 4

PUNEET HAYER
SPORTS EDITOR

UNBC Athletics

has continued their

run of successful re-
cruiting and in doing
so addressed the men’s

basketball team’s big-
gest need by acquiring
highly touted Gabe Auber-
tin of rural Washington.
However, the 6’ 7” forward
is determined to continue a run
of his own, by upholding UNBC’s
lineage of great athletes from the state
of Washington and Timberwolves of Na-
tive Indian ancestry.

The Timberwolves quest for back-to-back
PACWEST (then BCCAA) championships in men’s basket-
ball was cut short last year. Much of this was due to a lack of depth in their
frontcourt. In particular, the Timberwolves were outrebounded in many
close games and gave up too many second chance points; as exemplified by
their heart breaking home defeat to UBC-O (University of British Columbia
Okanagan) last season. As a result, they depended on too many small for-
wards and first year forwards to help them in the paint. Consequently, the
team lacked a dynamic player and consistent presence down low opposite
of star forward Dennis Stark and desperately needed to make some person-
nel changes up front.

Clearly, the athletic department agreed and decided to go in a new dir-
ection with their frontcourt. They addressed this by touting experienced
collegiate star Gabe Aubertin, formerly of Peninsula College (Washington).
The irony of this is Aubertin was in the crowd at the Northern Sport Center
as part of a recruiting trip in their thrilling season opening win against rival
VIU (Vancouver Island University) last November. This was another game
where the Timberwolves lack of size was evident. Their answer to this de-
ficiency was in the crowd of all places. Gabe will be on the court dawning
the #21 of UNBC this season. He figures to be a catalyst to winning another
national championship, as he is expected to fill one of the team’s biggest
voids from last year. Upon closer look Gabe adds more than just another
tremendous talent to the men’s roster, he also brings a compelling and up-
lifting story to the team.

Gabe grew up in small rural communities in Washington State, where his
father worked as logger and cattle rancher. He applied the discipline and re-
spect that came from his humble beginnings to his true passion: basketball.
Aubertin has played top-level competition in the Pacific Northwest since
high school, which awarded him the opportunity to play his early years of
college eligibility at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington. This
past year, Gabe kept in shape and refined his athletic skills at the Univer-
sity of Eastern Washington, which is an emerging NCAA program that has
provided many professional athletes such as Oakland Raiders speedy rookie
running back Taiwan Jones. His persistence and dedication paid off, as it
earned him a glowing endorsement from his good friend and former UNBC
guard Harmeet Mahal to Coach Todd Jordan and recruiter Zane Robison at
UNBC. After, Gabe appeared on the recruiter’s radar, he came for a visit
and quickly became enamoured by the campus. He also became intrigued
of the prospect of competing for a national title. This proved to be a mutual
understanding as the Timberwolves saw potential in Gabe through impres-
sive interviews, scouting reports and performances in private workouts.
Most notably, Gabe filled a major need at power forward and center, mak-
ing him a natural fit for the Timberwolves.

Aubertin is a dynamic player who can attack offences inside and hit mid-
range shots consistently. Also, Aubertin is also a force on the defensive side
as he is strong rebounder and shot blocker. However, the most intriguing
thing about his game is his ability to run and play in an up tempo offence,
which this team has thrived off in the past. His 6’7” frame, athleticism, ver-
satility and experience against top competition will provide quality depth,
which fits Coach Jordan’s scheme of using a bigger and more athletic lineup
this season. His versatility of being able to play center and power forward

will prove to be an
asset because it en-
sures a quality re-
bounder will always
be on the court, which
was not always the case
last season. Therefore,
the Timberwolves will
pose one of the deepest
» front courts in the PACWEST
with returning forwards Den-
nis Stark, Dan Stark, former
PACWEST Rookie of the Year Kevan
Madsen who is returning after a one year
hiatus, fellow newcomer Charles Barton and
of course Aubertin. Consequently, Aubertin should
fit into the Timberwolves lineup nicely. Early indications
from the athletics department seem to be encouraging. Recently, when
asked about Gabe by Over the Edge, Athletic director Jason Kerswill said,
“He gives us a lot of versatility and depth and we are sure excited about
Gabe”. “This front court should compete with anybody this year and Auber-
tin will be a big part of that” explains UNBC commentator Dan Paxton
when asked about UNBC's prized recruit.

The Timberwolves talented roster has caught Gabe’s attention and opti-
mism as he describes it as a “strong and deep (bench) with a goal of being
national champions”. Furthermore, Gabe has been impressed with the level
of competition in the PACWEST saying, “there are quality players up here
and athletes everywhere”. He credits his head coach Todd Jordan and re-
cruiter Zane Robison of “knowing how to take control of the team to play
at the highest level” and “recruiting a talented roster of great individuals”
respectively. Gabe also cites the “inspiration of teammates” excite him of
the upcoming season and have alleviated the rigours of being an athlete
with so much expected of him.

Despite his talent, enthusiasm and experience, Gabe also brings a humble
attitude that Coach Jordan (and the rest of us) covet. Gabe understands the
importance and influence of the First Nations community at UNBC, Prince
George and surrounding areas. Aubertin is a member of the Colville Tribe,
which is a band of 21 Native American Tribes concentrated in the United
States. He explains, “I am aware of the First Nations community here and
I want to be a good example and role model and (personify) that anything
can be done, no matter where you come from”. Additionally, Gabe says
“T’am very grateful to be a Native American descendent and I carry that
with me always”. In conjunction with his Native American ancestry, Gabe
also takes tremendous pride in his roots from his home state of Washington.
He identifies UNBC alumni and fellow Washington native Inderbir Gill as
a positive influence. Explaining that “Inderbir set the standard” and as a
result “hopes to carry on the tradition of great UNBC athletes from the state
of Washington.” Being from his home state has taken its toll on Gabe who
explains that, “you are always going to miss home, but my past experiences
will help me cope from being away from home”. Gabe draws inspiration
from his close relationship to his girlfriend of over 3 years Alana Best, as a
continuing source of inspiration and motivation to be his best as she follows
him closely along with the rest of his family in the United States,

Gabe Aubertin will definitely be a player to watch and will be an import-
ant piece of the team’s championship quest. He is the epitome of persever-
ance and respect, with his long journey to UNBC serving as a lesson to
each of us the importance of hard work and embracing your roots. You tend
to root and gravitate toward great players (and people) like him. That high
character is common in the men’s roster, which is what makes it of the best
in all of collegiate sports.

Be sure to catch Gabe and the rest of the men’s team in their annual
inter squad game on Saturday, October 29th at the Northern Sport Center.
Gabe will make his official debut with Timberwolves on November 11th
(Remembrance Day Weekend) at 8pm versus Columbia Bible College also
at the Northern Sport Center.

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PHOTO UNBC
ATHLETICS