14 September 7, 2011 - Over the Edge GREAT SUCCESS BREEDS HIGH EXPECTATIONS Expectations Should Remain High But Not Too High! PUNEET HAYER SPORTS EDITOR The recent announcement of UNBC acquiring temporary admit- tance into the Canada West division of the Canadian Inter-University Sport (CIS) association has infused energy and optimism not just on cam- pus but throughout the region (as it should). However, it is important to understand how UNBC athletics got to this point and what the appropriate expectations should be. As of next year (2012), both UNBC athletic programs of basketball and soccer (men and women) will begin their 2-year probationary period of competing in the CIS. Then in the fall of 2014, when that 2-year probation- ary period ends the CIS governing body will make an assessment of whether this is still a viable environ- ment from their perspective and the perspective of the University. That decision encompasses many logis- tics, but it is easy to distinguish the primary factors for UNBC to acquire permanent membership. First, the CIS will examine how smoothly the athletics department has undertaken the transition of mov- ing from the CCAA to the CIS. This encompasses the performance of the primary athletic directors, the imple- mentation of new staff as mandated by the CIS and the strength of communi- cation between the CIS and UNBC athletics. Next, the CIS will monitor whether the probationary period at- tained fiscal success and examine if that can continue in the future? Geo- graphic factors have clearly impeded this decision for years and the cost of any Prince George based athletic institution going national has monet- ary implications. Therefore, UNBC athletics will have to demonstrate that CIS admission is generating revenue. Additionally, the Athletic department must show evidence to the CIS that this program has the propensity to be an economically viable program long term (remember CIS fees are high). In addition the most obvious measure- ment of success is on the basketball court and soccer field. It is not ex- pected for any of the programs to start winning CIS titles immediately (even though some people do). However, UNBC must show the CIS they can be competitive at the highest level in their first two years and in conjunc- tion broaden their recruiting. There is one of the biggest ques- tions of analysing whether UNBC can compete in the CIS: recruiting. The athletic department seems to agree, when asked by Over the Edge UNBC Athletics Assistant Director and Women’s basketball assistant coach Kaz Ikuta said, “we (UNBC) will have to seek wider horizons of recruiting” and look “way deeper than Prince George”. If you look at how both Women’s team are con- structed they both have a tremendous local membership. As exemplified by the women’s basketball roster that consists of two thirds of their players are from Prince George. That does not mean that a team consisting of a ma- jority of players from the region could not compete in CIS, but a broader and more diverse roster would certainly help the athletic departments port- folio. - Over the past few years, UNBC has been spoiled by great success of the athletics program, as highlighted MORE NHL INSIGHTS Big Moves This Offseason: ANUP SANDHU CONTRIBUTOR with 3 of the 4 programs attaining medals at provincials last year. Therefore, expectations are high; but should they really be? When asked about expectations, athletic director Jason Kerswill told Over the Edge, “ We are looking forward to joining CIS and it will provide many oppor- tunities for us, but I think we need to have an appreciation for what we ac- complished (in the CCAA) and it is naive to think we will dominate right away (in the CIS)”. Kerswill went on to say, “Attaining CIS admission will provide many opportunities, which the athletes, coaches and staff look forward too as our budget and hor- izons increase, but we are focused on continuing to improve our basketball and soccer programs”. This clearly indicates that UNBC knows there is still much to be done and the imple- mentation of other sports and national titles take time. It is encouraging to see that ath- letics seems focused and realistic on their short-term agenda. The women’s soccer team has had a challenging season and their output will not cut " _UNBC MEDIA it at the next level. That is why it is impressive to hear that the athletics department is focused on improving within before they can implement new sports like football and volley- ball. So, unfortunately there will not be any new sports any time soon as it is not an arbitrary decision by ath- letics and has many fiscal and legis- lative constraints. This means that it is rationale to concentrate on what programs are already in place. The progress and leadership of Athletic Director Jason Kerswill should give us all plenty of optimism going for- ward as his credentials in just over a year at UNBC has brought major improvements such as this CIS ad- mission. His experience with top CIS programs as an athlete at the Univer- sity of St. Francis Xavier shows that he is the right man for the job. So you are expectations should continue to be high because of the progress and leadership of UNBC athletics but should be realistic as well. The San Jose Sharks traded Devon Settagoiuchi and Dany Heatley in two separate deals to the Wild. In return they received Martin Havlat and Brent Burns. The team improved their de- fense in the offseason. Along with Burns, they acquired veteran defenseman Colin White. The Sharks should be harder to play against. They have improved their defense and team speed. They will be able to push the pace of play this year. The L.A Kings landed a big fish this offseason. The Kings traded highly touted prospect Brayden Schenn along with Wayne Simmonds to the Flyers for their captain Mike Richards. Richards will provide the Kings with a legitimate number two center who could be the number one center on 90 percent of the teams in the league. The Kings boast three top centers in Kopitar Richards’s nod Stoll that will help them improve dramatically this year. One team in the eastern conference made big changes over the summer. During this year’s Entry draft the Philadelphia Fly- ers revamped their whole team. The Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren pulled of two gigantic moves. First he traded franchise center Jeff Carter to the bluejackets for a Jakub Vorachek and the 8th overall pick. Then he traded their franchise player Mike Rich- ards to the Kings for highly touted prospect Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds. The Flyers used the available cap space from these trades on goalie Iyla Bryzgalov forwards Jarmior Jagr and Maxime Talbot. The flyers will have to score goals by committee to have success. They will count on Young players James Van Riemsdyk, Vorachek, and Giroux to elevate their games. Look for Sean Couturier the 8th overall pick in this years draft to be a big part of the flyers future. The Flyers will make the playoff this year, but they will have to wait a couple of years to become legitimate contenders again.