Coach praises ‘wonderful’ gift
The Alberta Colleges Men’s Basketball League season didn’t end how Red Deer College Kings head coach Craig Behan would have liked, but the off-season couldn’t be better.
Behan, whose squad lost in the ACAC quarter-finals, has guarantees from five of his top recruits for next season and received a major scholarship donation of $10,000 from Hafso Homes.
The donation, made by Ches and Ruth Hafso, will be matched by the RDC Foundation with funds from a government scholarship fund.
“That’s huge for the program and the athletes,” said Behan, who has known the Hafso family for years.
“They are a special family to me and I can’t say enough about their support,” he said. “It’s something other teams need.”
RDC director of athletics, Keith Hansen, agrees.
“It’s a wonderful gift and we have to give a big thanks to the Foundation in matching the donation. We can really hope other businesses step up.
“Scholarships are a big part of our program and in recruiting,” added Hansen. “Athletes don’t have the time to work and it’s important to give them what help we can.”
Schools can give scholarships that cover tuition, which is between $3,000-$4,000 at RDC.
Athletes already receive the $1,800 Jimmy Condon scholarships, if they maintain a certain grade-point average.
“Major donations can be added to the Jimmy Condons and so you can come close to paying an athlete’s tuition,” said Hansen.
RDC also holds a breakfast each year to raise money for scholarships and this year it brought in $40,000.
It isn’t sure how Behan will use the new-found scholarship money, but it’s likely several of his new recruits will be in the mix.
Behan has a good nucleus of veterans returning, led by Randy Davis, Adam Shaw and Brett Gaudreau and feels his recruits will fit in nicely.
Three of the new players — point guard Darren Patterson, six-foot-one shooting guard Tommy Watson and six-foot-four small forward Connor Fairbanks — are from Harry Ainlay of Edmonton.
Six-foot-six Daniel Etoroma is from W.P. Wagner of Edmonton and six-foot-eight Adam Wier from John Diefenbaker of Calgary.
Behan also has his sights set on “two or three” other top-line players.
“It’s been a a good recruiting year, which has a lot to do with athletes realizing we have a good program and one of the best athletic departments in the country. We also run our programs with the athletes in mind.”
Behan also feels they’re getting a number of top athletes out of the larger cities because of the location.
“We’re unique because of the location. Kids can leave home, yet are still close enough so that friends and family can easily makes home games. As well I give our veterans a lot of credit. They’re good people and good teammates and treat everyone with respect.”
Behan can only smile when asked about the addition of three players from Harry Ainlay, which is always one of the top schools in Edmonton.
“They come from a very good program, where they get good competition, are well-coached and are kids who work hard at the game.”
Watson comes in with the reputation of a scorer, having connected for over 40 points more than once last season.
“He can shoot, plus is a good defender,” said Behan.
Patterson isn’t recognized as a flashy point guard, but impressed Behan with his ball skills.
“He looks to pass first and set up his teammates. He controls the play and is a competitor.”
Fairbanks will give the Kings added depth on the wing.
“He can shoot, both inside and outside, rebounds and has a good attitude and is good in school.”
Etoroma is also considered long and a good athlete.
“He’s a pure athlete, who plays above the rim,” said Behan.
“He can force players to change their shots and can rebound. What he’ll do is bring an athletic component to the team.”
Wier was the top-ranked big man in Calgary last season.
“He had good coaching, has good hands and has a solid mid-range jumper.”
Contact Danny Rode at drode@reddeeradvocate.com
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