Prairie Bible Institute - Prairian Yearbook (Three Hills, Alberta Canada)

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wks all Lett, Gary Anderson stuffs Ken Miller from behind during a fast break attempt for two points. Above Ranger player Dave Vetter tnes rn valn to block Classrcs hlgh flying F?-HY Olson number 24 Left both Hawks and Cubs benches gawk at a suspenseful free throw shot by a Hawk player 1 D

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Basketball Gets Face Job P. E. Director Neville Wilkins looked earnestly at me from his swivel chair in the men's gym of- fice. I want a guy to be able to walk out of the gym and say, 'lVlan, I real- ly enjoyed that game! By the way, who won?' That was the way he summed up his motives behind this year's new look in the intramural basketball program. Despite pre-season ap- prehension, most players con- curred that the changes had im- proved the program once the season got under way. Not everything was different. There were still two leagues of four teams each. The regular collegiate rule book still held sway over the game. But there were a few new wrinkles. An instructional C basketball league was added for those with lit- tle or no experience. At the same time, the A and B league teams were completely re-drafted. This revision eliminated any one team becoming a perennial super- power. In addition, a student received the opportunity to play with a greater variety of players during his Bible school career. Everyone of the eight players on a team had to play at least one half of each game. By assuring each participant twenty minutes of fast- moving play, better attitudes were developed. Equal time really helps team unity, observed one player- coach. lt becomes important that each person do well. Basketball followed the lead of football and soccer by scrapping the championship playoffs at the season's end. Instead the second place team would challenge the league winner in one final game for the privilege of sharing the league trophy. The rationale behind these alterations was to de-pressurize the game so the contestants could relax and enjoy playing more. Did it work? Yeah, I think it's more relaxed this year, Junior Russell Richard- son remarked analytically, But it's still competitive. You'lI never take competition out of basketball. Evidently, IVlr. Wilkins' de- pressurized basketball program is far from falling flat. Steve Gillette Above, Jon Beich, number 72, discovers heavy defensive traffic in the lane. Right, Clair Jantzen, number 72, and Steve Jespersen, number 74, crash defensive boards.

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Competition Produces Exciting It looked like a run-away as the Grizzlies led the Barons 5-1 half- way through the second period. However two goals by Dean Bennett reversed the momentum of the game. With only two minutes left in the third period, the Barons still tried desperately to tie the 6-5 score. Such vigorous competition has helped make hockey the most pop- ular sport at Prairie. Spectator Gary lvlengershausen said, I like to watch hockey because it's fast and there's a lot of physical contact! Crowds of over 700 fill the Centen- nial Arena for exhibition games. This year, three A league teams were completely redrafted. Their unity began at a low ebb, but after a few games high-schooler Dave Brown remarked, Everybody's getting together now and team spirit is picking up. Evenly matched, the teams had identical records at one time in the season. I like the competitive spirit, commented Steve Johnson. You never know who's going to win. Another player predicted, This year is going to be right down to the finish for first place. What do players like about hockey? Winning, laughed Monte Couse, because you do it as a team. lt's not something you can go out and do by yourselfg it takes ef- fort from all the guys. Eric Tromsness appreciated the physical activity. I can really get involved in a game. Hockey keeps me going all winter long. Fast action, close competition, and the challenge for a player to do his best make hockey an exciting sport. And besides . . . it's fun! Keith Boody 5 5 Gordy Kirk, centre, moves Tim Davidson away from the crease and goalie Tim Callaway iabovej. iAt rightl lVIr. Wilkins iglassesl advises coaches lmbach, Nicholson and Boody il.-r.l in picking players.