As the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades men’s and women’s basketball teams start the 2011-12 CIS campaign this weekend, they do so with national rankings.
The men’s team is seventh in Canada and the women’s team is ninth.
“It’s always exciting when your program does something that hasn’t been done in the past or recognized for in the past,” said women’s head coach Al Tuchscherer. “However, the reality is, this team hasn’t achieved anything yet this season, and this only confirms that we are in a very different place than last year with regards to perception.
“We aren’t going to sneak up on anyone or surprise teams this season. It is essential that we maintain our grit and hunger if we hope to be successful this year and build on what we have been trying to build for the past few years.”
Men’s head coach Barnaby Craddock echoed the comments that his team still has a lot to prove.
“It’s nice to be recognized and it is probably credit to the depth of strong teams in the Canada West Conference,” said Craddock.
The women’s team has plenty of Chilliwack content, with ex-Chilliwack secondary school stars Alexa McCarthy, Nicole Wierks, Sarah Wierks and Courtenay Bartel playing key roles.
Both teams will be at Thompson Rivers University for games on Friday and Saturday. Their first Canada West home games will be Nov. 11 when they host Manitoba.
For schedules and info, see www.ufv.ca/athletics.