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.

sports i323

PHOTO UNBC ATHLETICS