Multiple programs have seen significant changes over the summer due to COVID-19
In the months that have followed the closures and cancellations of sporting events and programs at UFV, silver linings seemed few and far between for the Cascades. The vast majority of the department is still waiting on U Sports and Canada West to decide how sports programs will operate in 2021, with the vote scheduled for early October. However, UFV has trundled along, hiring new staff and holding out hope for limited fall sports competition.
Soccer has been one of the hardest-hit programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the season was completely cancelled, along with other first-term sports. Despite the news, the program continued to make decisions and set themselves up for future competition. Upon the announcement that Rob Giesbrecht, the decorated long-time head coach of the Cascades women’s soccer team, had moved on from the program, a new interim bench boss was named. Niko Marcina has been named the interim head coach for the UFV Cascades, moving up from his previous role in the program as an assistant coach. Familiar with the program as well as the athletes, the hire makes sense for the department, as they will likely be looking to maintain some stability in spite of the current uncertainty around the program.
Golf was next up for some changes in August, as long-time head coach Chris Bertram transitioned from the head coach to advisor. The 15-year coach is replaced by two UFV golf alumni, Aaron Pauls and Cody Stewart, who will coach the men’s and women’s teams, respectively. Bertram concludes his career as one of the school’s single greatest coaches, collecting victories across various platforms and assisting golfers to succeed in competitions both nationally and internationally.
The Cascades golf team is currently trying to hold competitions in the fall, with potential events and tournaments being discussed.
UFV basketball continues to press on despite their season being postponed. At the beginning of September, high-scoring guard Zubair Seyed from Ontario joined the team, coming off of a career that has been split between U Sports and the NCAA. The versatile guard is known for his shooting and scoring ability, something that the Cascades will desperately need after the graduation of powerhouses Parm Bains, Matt Cooley, and Sukhjot Bains. The addition of Seyed combined with new coaching staff could signal a very different team compared to last year’s squad.
UFV’s athletic department continues to adapt so that athletes stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Groups of athletes will be given limited gym access, and teams can be seen deploying creative strategies to limit the risk of exposure to the virus, such as socially distanced team meetings. Though the decision to run two-term sports for 2021 has not been made yet, the Cascades are preparing for a year of growth, progress, and preparation.
