The Trinity Western Spartans, who are in the second round of the playoffs vs. UBC, just got their wrist slapped for using an ineligible player in the first round vs. Victoria. Coach Scott Allen, as noted by our Rob Pettapiece at cisblog.ca, has been suspended two games, which could kill their chances of beating No. 2-ranked UBC. It raises the question of whether the punishment fit the crime.
As Rob noted, the Canada West rules are pretty clear. Rosters are frozen at 12 players for the playoffs. Trinity Western used 13 players in the series, with guard Daniel Demian dressing and playing sparingly in the final two games, including the Spartans' 87-85 win in the decisive Game 3, when he was on the floor for all of eight seconds (but managed to draw a shooting foul, making 1-of-2 free throws).
By the strictest letter of the law, the series could have been forfeited to Victoria. Demian only got on the floor for a few moments in the series-deciding game, but the rule is who dresses.
The odd part was that Allen, who's done a tremendous job turning around Trinity Western since being hired in February 2008 (it made a 13-win improvement from 4-19 to 17-6), made a change after the first game. Demian replaced forward Ryan Froese in Game 2 of the series. Each of them played in Game 3 after another forward, Joseph Vroom, was ruled out with an infection in his elbow.
Trinity Western could have pleaded ignorance. It did not work for Alex Rodriguez, so it is bound for work for someone.
FOOTBALL
Gee-Gees: CIS Football Recruiting Database is listing some of Ottawa's potential recruits ("rumours" at this point):
- Defensive back Soonbum Cha, who played quarterback at Assumption High School in Burlington;
- Linebacker Stephen O'Donnell, a Kingston native, is apparently transferring in from Bishop's (any relation to Sean O'Donnell, the former Queen's and Ottawa offensive lineman? Same last name, both attended Holy Cross in Kingston).
- Defensive back Ty Rusznak, who previously played in the NAIA at Minot State and UBC (yes, another transfer).
- High school running back Brendan Gillanders is listed as committed to Ottawa. Gillanders played amateur football for the Cumberland Panthers and high school ball at Sir Wilfrid Laurier.
Unlucky 13 for Trinity (Rob Pettapiece, cisblog.ca)
Posts
10 comments:
Brother...
Does it count as a transfer if he was cut by the gators last season?
Transfers are a funny thing...
From my perspective, the people who transfer are either..
1. Cockey and dont believe they are being given a fair shot
2. Just arn't that good...
3. Fail outo f the institution they were a part of...
4. Are sellouts and just want to win...
5. (the only legit reason)Doing post graduate work
I'm suprised at the new recruiting method Piche is taking in Ottawa. Relying on transferes to carry your team year after year will backfire eventually.. Soon the young blue chippers are going to realize that even if they work hard for 4 years, someone could transfer in and take their spot...
Small world department - I coached Ty Rusznak's older brother Ryan in Coquitlam Minor Football years ago. Ty would have heard about Ottawa from Chayce Elliott, another Coquitlam Minor Football product.
Brendan Gillanders looks like a terrific prospect. I have seen him play, and he is a very complete player - he can run around you, through you, you name it. I know his HC at Sir Wil, and he has the highest praise for Brendan both from an athletic and character perspective. Keeping that kid in Ottawa is a strong recruiting win for Coach Piche, as he undoubtedly would have had other options.
I wonder if Chayce has been in contact with some of his former teammates at Western Washington, since that program has folded and a lot of players are looking for a new home.
Last summer I saw a Gee-Gee newsletter that stated that Ottawa was allocating a part of its scouting budget to travel out west to make football contacts. They had not been doing that previously.
Mike White , who returned to the GG fold as an assistant coach last season, is said to have some contacts the west. We may be seeing more western troops coming this way soon.
Thanks Dennis for the info on Gillanders. He does sound like a prize catch.
OttawaFan
Rob Griffiths LB, from Assumption in Burlington committed to Ottawa.
He was sought after by several CIS teams.
It's on the database, now, thanks for the tip. That's a pretty good program, Assumption.
@ Dennis: That would be Eric Kukkonen, right? I've interviewed him.
Another commit to Ottawa is Ottawa Cumberland Panther and Sir Wilfrid Laurier HS OT Andrew Sowerby, who stands six foot five.
OT Andrew Sowerby is a nice looking prospect for ottawaU. He's a big boy at 6'4 325lbs.. could possibly be moved inside to the guard position. I'm sure Gillanders will enjoy having him open up some holes for him in the future. just like he did at the HS and OVFL levels
Andrew Sowerby is a good player, but he will not be able to compete with other excellent players at the CIS level
Post a Comment