It’s not his first Shrum Bowl but UBC football coach Jay Prepchuk is still
pumped.
The Thunderbirds will meet cross-town rivals, the SFU Clan, for the 22nd time
Oct. 2 and the score is tied at 10-10-1. The kickoff is 7 p.m. at Burnaby’s
Swangard Stadium.
Prepchuk, in his first season as UBC head coach, recalls other Shrum Bowls,
especially 1980 when SFU trounced UBC 30-3. He was on the other side, SFU’s
quarter-back and the game’s most valuable player, well on his way to establishing
records that still stand on Burnaby Mountain.
“It’s exciting to play SFU for myself and the players,” he says. “It’s a big
event. Pride and a rivalry are involved and the outcome reflects on our program.”
Prepchuk will face his former coach Chris Beaton and although UBC will have
to adjust to American rules to play SFU, the team won’t have any excuses, he
says.
Much as he would like to win against his alma mater, it’s an exhibition game
and bragging rights, not points, are at stake.
Prepchuk’s primary focus is UBC’s regular season. UBC is ranked fifth in the
Canadian Inter-university Athletic Union (CIAU) top ten with a 3-1 record. He
says UBC’s football team is improving with each game but still hasn’t reached
its full potential. And he hopes the university community will come out and
support the team in home games against top-ranked Manitoba Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.
at Thunderbird Stadium and defending national champions, Saskatchewan Oct. 15
at 7 p.m.
Another UBC tradition, the Father Bauer Classic takes place Oct 8 at 4 p.m.
and 7 p.m. and Oct. 10 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Winter Sports Centre.
The Father Bauer Classic is an annual UBC hockey tournament featuring the
Thunderbirds and teams from Canadian universities. Playing this year are the
University of Calgary, the University of Regina and York University.
Varsity athletes are prepared to generate excitement on campus and across
the country in the weeks ahead. For information on upcoming events, scores and
ticket prices, call the 24-hour T-Bird line at 604-822-BIRD (822-2473).
