The Annual Royal Review Part 1: Soccer Badminton, and Basketball Brian McLennon, OP Contributor ith summer well on its way, the Royals will prepare for another successful season in 2005-06. But before we move forward, let us reflect on the past 2004—05 season. Women’s Soccer: In the fall of 2004, under new Head Coach Randy Taylor, the Royals women’s soccer program fought their way into British Columbia Colleges Athletic Association (BCCAA) Provincial Championships where they eventually lost in the Bronze Medal game to Langara. Sally Burnell was named as a First Team All-Star, and Nicole Johannson and Hilda Simon were both named as Second Team All-Stars. Men’s Soccer:Now a perennial power- house, the men’s soccer program stormed through the BCCAA playoffs and defeated the number-one ranked team in the coun- try, the Capilano Blues, by a score of 4—0 in the BCCAA gold-medal game. The win their third National Championship appearance in four years. Individual honours went to Devon Greenside, gave them who was named an All Canadian and First Team All-Star. Joining Greenside as a First Team All-Star was Azad Palani, who was also the BCCAA All- Star. Mike Woodridge and Behzad Bahdotri also received honours, being named Second Team All-Stars. Badminton: The Royals’ badminton program has been nationally renowned in the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) for the past 30 years. With 19 National Championships, Head Coach Al July 13/2005 Mawani has the program gearing up for another. Last year, Mawani was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame as his athletes saw great success on the court. Lindy Liu and Alice Lee were BCCAA Gold Medalists in the Women’s Doubles category and were named as All-Stars for their efforts. Bryan Yee and Tiffany Cheong also had great suc- cess in winning the Mixed Doubles gold at the BCCAA Championships, and they were also named All-Stars. Basketball: The women’s basketball team surprised many people this Women’s past year as they defeated two nationally ranked teams in the first two weekends of league play before going on to capture the final BCCAA playoff spot. Anna Rowinska led the charge and was named as a First Team BCCAA All-Star. Rowinska was later honoured at the Royals’ Awards night when she was named Royals Female Athlete of the Year. Coach Ed Lunn was also honoured that night when he was named Royals Coach of the Year. Men’s Basketball: The men’s basket- ball program had a highly anticipated schedule. Ranked fifth in the country at the beginning of the season, the Royals hosted the University of Georgia Bulldogs in their home opener. And although they lost on the score sheet, the overall event was a big winner. The men’s basketball season was not a great success, but the play of Andre Grant was a bright spot as he was named a First Team All-Star. ‘Women’s Basketball Reloads Brian McLennon, OP Contributor he Douglas College women’s basketball program is excited to | announce the signing of Patti Olsen from Chilliwack, Katrina Koes from Port Moody, and Andrea Weidmann from Elgin Park. Patti Olsen is a 500 guard from Chilliwack who is described by Chilliwack Coach Joe Ogmundson as a gamer who enjoys setting up a teammate just as much as she enjoys scoring. She has excellent ball-han- dling skills, her assist-to-turnover ratio has always hovered at the 2.5 mark, and she is in Chilliwack’s all-time top-ten in steals, assists, and guard rebounding. Royals’ Coach, Ed Lunn, believes Patti will add an up-tempo transi- tion game to the Royals’ backcourt. “She will push the ball, hitting the open player, but will then be the first player back on the defensive end.” Coupled with her generous heart and “team-first’”’ attitude, Patti is the type of player and person we want wearing a Royals uni- form and __ representing Douglas College. Patti will be enrolled in the Faculty of Child, Family, and Community Studies program while at Douglas College. Katrina Kocs, or Kat, is a 5000 athletic forward from Port Moody who is described by Port Moody Coach Alex Devlin as the ultimate team player. Her senior year in high school was a break-out sea- son, and she is expected to surprise many basketball peo- ple with her play at the college level. Lunn believes Kat will add depth to the forward posi- tion. “Kat will rebound for us and add a defensive presence with her athleticism. She is a first-class person and team player, and we are fortunate to have her here at DC.” Kat is a very consistent and calm player. Although quiet by nature, she is a leader through her actions. Her greatest qualities are her strength of character, her person- ality, and her giving spirit. She will do whatever it takes to bring her team success. Kat will be enrolled in General Studies while at Douglas College. Andrea Weidmann is a 5M Oguard/forward from Elgin Park, who is described by her coach and father, Rick Weidmann, as a versatile and dedicated basketball player. She is an aggressive and physical player who, for most of her career, has played as a high-tempo point guard. Lunn believes Andrea will surprise many coaches in the league because of her tenacity and aggressiveness. In her senior year, she became a scoring presence, averaging 15 points per game. Andrea is a leader on the court who is skilled at involv- ing her teammates offensively. Andrea’s greatest attributes are her work ethic, honesty, and integrity. Andrea will be enrolled in the Arts program with the intention to move on to Business Faculty. www.theotherpress.ca | 21