Kwantlen News

For immediate release

July 31, 2008

Kwantlen Eagles basketball plays NCAA team for first time

(SURREY, B.C.) Kwantlen Polytechnic University Eagles men’s and women’s basketball teams are playing National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball team, the San Francisco State University (SFSU) Gators, for the first time on Thursday, Aug. 21 at the Surrey Campus gymnasium. Tip-off time is 6 p.m. for the women’s team and 8 p.m. for the men’s team.

Kwantlen Eagles men’s basketball team head coach, Bernie Love looks forward to the opportunity to face an NCAA team. “We have hosted events like this before but this is the first time that we get to take the court against these guys,” said Love. “I know my team is excited to match up against them, and I think it’s a great step forward for the program.”

Elise Le Brun, director of athletics and recreation, remarked that this game is a turning point for the university. “This is a great opportunity for Kwantlen to show that we have competitive basketball teams that attract high quality opponents. I expect we’ll have a full house that night.”

The Gators, a member of the NCAA Division II California Collegiate Athletic Association, are the first NCAA basketball team to face the Eagles.

In addition, the Eagles will be partnering with Hoops 4 Hope during these games. Hoops 4 Hope is a global not-for-profit organization that supports youth development throughout southern Africa. Any patron who brings in a pair of old sneakers or soccer cleats will receive $2.00 off the price of admission.

Kwantlen will also be hosting another BCCAA vs. NCAA basketball challenge on Aug. 19 between the Langara College Falcons and the SFSU Gators.

Kwantlen Eagles vs SFSU Gators
Date:         Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008
Time:         6 p.m. women’s team
                 8 p.m. men’s team
Location:    Kwantlen Polytechnic University
                 Surrey Campus, 12666-72 Avenue, Building G gymnasium

Langara College Falcons vs SFSU Gators
Date:         Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008
Time:         6 p.m. women’s team
                 8 p.m. men’s team
Location:    Kwantlen Polytechnic University
                 Surrey Campus, 12666-72 Avenue, Building G gymnasium

Starting at $8, tickets for all games will go on sale Friday, Aug. 1 at 9 a.m. For ticket information, contact the Department of Athletics and Recreation at 604-599-2427.

Kwantlen’s varsity athletics teams are the Kwantlen Eagles. In basketball, soccer, badminton and golf, they compete in international intercollegiate leagues. For more information on the Kwantlen Eagles, visit www.kwantlen.ca/eagles

Kwantlen’s mission is to create an exceptional undergraduate learning environment committed to preparing learners for leadership, service and success. On April 22, 2008, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell officially announced university status for Kwantlen, renaming us Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Kwantlen has a mandate to develop and offer baccalaureate degrees that will prepare students for fulfilling careers.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Elise Le Brun
Director, Athletics & Recreation
Tel: 604.599.2005
elise.lebrun@kwantlen.ca

OR

Audrey Wang
Manager, Communications
Tel: 604-599-2385
audrey.wang@kwantlen.ca