Mariners at the break 2018
It’s an exciting time to be a Mariners fan. Our women’s volleyball team is playing at an elite level sitting at 10-0 and 8 points ahead of the second place, Douglas Royals, in the PACWEST. Another undefeated team going into the break is our tenacious women’s basketball team; with a combination of gritty defensive play … Continued
Zoe Grace Q&A
With the VIU Mariners Women’s Soccer season in full swing and playoffs forthcoming, we chatted with newly appointed Apprentice Coach Zoe Grace in order to get to know her even better. Coach Grace was among 12 candidates chosen for the 2018-19 Female Apprentice Coach Program established by the CCAA in 2004. Kevin Lindo, Head Coach … Continued
2018 Mariners fall season preview
The 2018 Mariners Fall sports season is underway as student-athletes arrive on campus for the preseason. The men’s and women’s soccer programs will see the biggest change this season as long-time men’s head coach Bill Merriman stepped down last spring after nine years at the helm of the program. Taking on Merriman’s responsibilities is Larry … Continued
Ballin’ on a budget
Waiting on that student loan to come in? Wallet feeling a little light? Here are a bunch of things you can do for free—or at least, on the cheap—in the Nanaimo area until your bank account hits the quadruple digits again. The Cultural Couch Series The Cultural Couch Series is a student-led weekly event. Each week is … Continued
Award-winning Mariners dance team show review
As the semester comes to an end, the Mariners Dance Team hosts its second annual Dance Showcase. On March 20, the VIU Mariners Dance Team nearly filled the Malaspina theatre for 15 routines, all of which were unique in cast, choreography, style, and costume. The performances varied from gameday sets, to festival pieces, and even … Continued
Coach Profile: Avneet Brar
When VIU’s basketball team emerges from timeouts, the last person to speak to players isn’t always Head Coach Matt Kuzminski, but Avneet Brar, his assistant. As the huddle breaks up, Brar grabs as many players as he can and shows them a diagram of the court on a whiteboard, walking them through what is about … Continued
Mariners Profile: Turner Popoff
Mariners defenseman Turner Popoff isn’t trying to impress with his fancy stick handling skills or goal-scoring prowess. Instead, the fourth-year accounting major takes a far more blue-collar approach to the game he plays, relishing in the little things that hold a team together. With the team playing in their first BCIHL season, Popoff’s veteran leadership … Continued
Mariners women’s basketball wrap-up
The Mariners Women’s Basketball team had a busy past couple of weeks. They finished up the regular season with a 13-5 record and participated in the PACWEST basketball championships. VIU opened the tournament with an impressive 57-47 victory over the Quest Kermodes. Unfortunately, they fell just short of advancing to the gold medal game the … Continued
Bill Merriman retires from VIU soccer
Vancouver Island University’s head coach of the men’s soccer team, Bill Merriman, is retiring after nine successful seasons with the Mariners. Merriman took over the program in 2009 and had instant success, winning a PACWEST silver medal in his first year, and then went on to win a CCAA National Championship in 2010. Under Merriman’s … Continued
Mariners Profile: Bryson Cox
Playing in his final season at VIU, basketball guard Bryson Cox has a lot to be proud of. Throughout his five-year career his coaches and teammates have relied on his leadership, both on and off the court. He took time to chat with the Navigator about the team’s preparation for the upcoming provincials, and personal … Continued
On the regional MMA scene in Vancouver Island
On the regional MMA scene of Vancouver Island, Rob Biernacki is a highly regarded and sought after Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) instructor. He has been training for years and earned his black belt through former mixed martial artist Charles McCarthy. Biernacki’s life experiences have shaped him into a very cerebral, methodical competitor, and person. He has … Continued
Brett Christensen profile
Brett Christensen is good. Anyone who has seen the 6’’4’ forward from Langley, BC, play knows that. But I’m not talking about his basketball talent so much as everything else that comes with it. Ask him about the expectations that surrounded his arrival at VIU, or his transition to high school on and off the … Continued
Mariners spring into 2018
Though the weather may not feel like it, spring is just around the corner. Soccer season officially ended in dramatic fashion, and we are reaching the final stretch for our remaining Mariners teams. Here’s everything you need to know in prep for the spring sports season. Men’s Basketball The Men’s team opened 2018 with impressive … Continued
Zoe Grace profile
Over the past four years, Zoe Grace has made an impact on VIU’s Women’s Soccer team. The senior from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is a very strong defensive player and loves working with her teammates to achieve success. The Physical Education major took time to reflect on the Mariners season, give advice for aspiring athletes, and share … Continued