SQUAMISH, B.C. — Kings basketball head coach Clayton Pottinger became the second member of the RDC coaching staff to be awarded the CCAA coach of the year this season.
Volleyball Kings head coach Aaron Schulha received the honour at the men’s nationals with Pottinger picking up the award at the Canadian Colleges men’s basketball championship banquet Wednesday.
“It’s a great honour .. . it feels good,” he said. “We put a lot of hard work to build a program and it’s nice to be recognized. But as I said at the Alberta awards this is a team award.
“A lot goes into the program from the trainers, to the athletic department, to the players and assistant coaches. It’s nice to see the recognition that you can share with everyone.”
Pottinger appreciated the fact other programs across the country recognize the dedication and hard work put in to make the Kings to one of the top programs in the country.
“It’s nice to see when other people share the enthusiasm.”
Now comes the hard work for Pottinger and his coaching staff as the Kings open the nationals tonight at 9:30 p.m. (MDT) against the Crandall University Chargers of Moncton, N.B.
The Kings practised Wednesday and won’t be affected by the late start tonight.
“It’s 9:30, but we practice late at home at times so it’s not a worry. If anything it may affect Crandall more. It will be like 1 a.m. their time,” said Pottinger.
The Kings go into the nationals ranked third with Langara out of Vancouver No. 1 They face ACAC runner-up Concordia Thunder. As well the Vanier Cheetahs of Saint-Laurent, Que., clashes with the Holland Hurricanes of Charlottetown, P.E.I. and the second-ranked Sheridan Bruins of Oakville, Ont., meet the host Quest University Kermodes.
It the Kings win their opener they play Friday at 9:30 p.m. with the final Saturday at 9:30 p.m.