By SooToday.com Staff
SooToday.com
Tuesday, November 03, 2009

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT COLLEGE

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Sault College welcomes new basketball coach

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (November 3, 2009) -The beginning of the 2009-10 men’s basketball season kicks off this week at Sault College and to mark a new direction in the storied Cougar history, is new head coach Greg Mapp.

Mapp brings years of experience with him and hopes to put the mix of sophomores and freshman through the paces as he looks to create a team which can compete in the ultra competitive West Region.

Mapp, a Sault College alumnus, takes the reigns as the eigth coach of the Cougar program since its inception and hopes to establish the sound foundation of a team to be reckoned with in the years to come.

Originally from Bridgetown, Barbados, Coach Mapp hails from Toronto where he was raised.

He entered Sault College with a varied educational background that includes a degree in business administration from the University of New Brunswick.

While studying at university, Mapp combined academics and athletes while starring with the University of New Brunswick Red Raiders for four seasons.

“I have always had a passion for this,” says Mapp. “I am privileged to be given this opportunity to pursue my coaching aspirations at a school I believe is headed in a positive direction both inside and outside the classroom. I look forward to leading the Sault College Cougars to new heights this season.”

A no-nonsense coach, Mapp believes this year will be one accompanied by some growing pains as he sets his sights on creating a strong foundation for the future.

“Greg has a strong sense of the college’s history in men’s basketball,” says Scott Gray of Sault College athletics.

“The ability to share his experiences, as well as direct our men’s student athletes to the next level as we rebuild the program, is crucial to our organization. Mapp understands the importance of building a solid foundation both in athletics and academics in order to have a successful varsity program,” states Gray.

The 2009-10 Cougars feature a mix of talent from southern Ontario and the Sault Ste. Marie area with bright futures for newcomers Odane Ferguson (Toronto/Jacksonville College,Texas), Jason Ledgister (Toronto/North Albion), Akeem Prince Barnes (Toronto/North Albion), as well as local product Chad Turner (Korah).

The Cougars also will rely on a year of experience gained by second-year players Jonathan Price (Sault Ste. Marie - Korah), Anthony Martella (Sault Ste. Marie - St. Mary's College), Alex Semeniuk (Sault Ste. Marie - Korah), Shane Watson (Sault Ste. Marie - Korah), Brett Davey (Sault Ste. Marie - Sir James Dunn); along with Jay Ripplinger (Echo Bay - Central Algoma Secondary School) who has returned after a year away from basketball.

The home portion of the OCAA schedule kicks off this Friday, November 6 at 7 p.m. in the Sault College Athletics Centre, when the Cougars play host to their crosstown rivals Algoma University.

Students and staff are encouraged to show their school spirit and wear their Sault College clothing this Friday.

There will also be prizes for the best “Cougar Crazee” fan.

Come out and support your local Sault College Cougars in their OCAA quest!

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