For the Townsman
The Wild Battle at the Border tournament brings Canadian Collegiate Basketball to Cranbrook and the East Kootenay's.
"We are so excited to bring a new, fun and economical sporting event to the area," says organizer Al Nutini. This event is being hosted by the Mt Baker Wild Senior Girls Basketball Program and they will be raising money for the East Kootenay PARTY Program.
Two teams that will be entertaining the crowds for the weekend event running Friday Sept., 25 to Sunday, Sept. 27 at Mt Baker Secondary are the Capilano Blues and the Ambrose Lions.
Capilano Blues
Capilano University is located in the beautiful city of North Vancouver. The women's basketball program originated in 1978 and has built a tradition of excellence in PACWEST competition. Most recently in 2010, the Blues Women's Basketball Program was crowned the PACWEST Provincial Champions.
The Capilano Blues program is currently coached by Ramin Sadghiani who has an extensive history in coaching in British Columbia. Sadghiani is a long time resident of North Vancouver and prior to his coaching position at Capilano University was the assistant coach with the 2012 UBC Thunderbirds who won the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Pacific West Division Championship. Sadghiana has transferred that competitive approach to the Blues basketball program. "We had a successful 2013-14 season and are looking forward to coming to Cranbrook to start our season by beating some ACAC (Alberta Collegiate Athletic Conference) teams," said Sadghiani.
Pictured: Katie Nutini with the Ambrose Lions
Ambrose Lions
Ambrose University is located in Southwest Calgary and is a small non denominational Christian School. This will be Ambrose's first year as a member of the ACAC. Ambrose has been part of Alberta Collegiate Athletic League (ACAL) prior to their move for the 2014-15 season. Ambrose had a very successful season losing only two games but were upset in playoffs. Coach Garth Mortis is excited to be moving up to ACAC and coming to Cranbrook for the Wild Battle at the Border.
Ambrose team has a local Cranbrook player, Katie Nutini, who last year was named ACAL 1st team All Star, Team Most Valuable Player and team Most Sportsmanlike Player. Nutini has played many games and practiced many hours in the Mount Baker gym.
"I am so excited to come back and play at Mt Baker. It was the gym where I fell in love with basketball and I am so excited to share it with my teammates," Nutini said.
Elementary Cheer Zone:
The Wild Battle at the Border will host an "Elementary Cheer Zone." If you are from a local Elementary school listed below you can get into certain games free. Just show up in the colour of your assigned Battle at the Border Team and you will be admitted free to that teams Cheer Zone (limited space is available so get there early.)
Elementary Cheer Zone Teams:
Kings University- Amy Woodland & St. Mary's (Team Colour White)
Capilano University– Kootenay Orchard & TM Roberts (Team Colour Blue)
Ambrose University-Gordon Terrace & Kootenay Christian Academy (Team Colour Yellow)
Red Deer College-Highlands, Steeples, & Pinewood (Team Colour Green)
Wild Battle at the
Border Schedule:
Friday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m. Ambrose vs. Kings 8 p.m. Red Deer vs. Capilano
Saturday September 26, 6 p.m. Kings vs. Red Deer 8 p.m. Capilano vs. Ambrose
Sunday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. Kings vs. Capilano 12 p.m. Ambrose vs. Red Deer