(This story continues a series of articles profiling student athletes from Sault College's varsity programs. Included in the series is a preview of the week ahead in Sault College athletics. All photos and stories are submitted by the Sault College Athletic Department.)
*** COUGAR PROFILE OF THE WEEK:
Nate Whalen
This week's profile of the week belongs to an outstanding 3-point shooter, and starting guard, Nate Whalen.
Whalen finished his third season with the Cougars with a total of 28 treys, five of them in this past weekend's victory against Fanshawe Falcons, aiding the Cougars to an automatic berth into the Provincials, and capturing first place in the west division.
Nate is currently in his third year of the Parks and Outdoor Rec. Tech. Program. He has become an almost permanent resident Sault Ste. Marie, after leaving his hometown of Lower Cove, Nova Scotia in 2002.
This 6'1 graduate of R.H.D. High school in Lower Cove, N.S. named Nate the Player of the Year in 1995.
His talents did not go unrecognizable, especially in his second season with the Cougars when Whalen received Most Improved Player, and the Local Referees Award – for athletes who best represent the game with fair play and sportsmanship.
"Nate works extremely hard and is a great team player" adds head coach Thomas Cory. " He has made big plays all year for us and great shooter, knocking down huge threes at critical times in the game"
Overall Nate brings high energy to the Cougar team. He has great skills, and that's what makes him an important asset to the men's basketball team.
Nate and his teammates will represent Sault College as the number one ranked in the West division with the hopes of winning the Cougars their first medal in OCAA Division One basketball.
*** COUGARS WIN WEST DIVISION; OFF TO OCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Coach Cory and the Sault College men's basketball team completed their season this past Friday against Fanshawe Falcons.
The Cougars captured victory, and celebrated an automatic berth into the Provincials, which will take place March 3-5 in Oshawa Ontario, at Durham College.
In addition to this, the men finished in first place in their division, guaranteeing them first seed in the finals to battle out against the 8th ranked team in Ontario College basketball.
The men finished the season with a record of 10-2.