Part of Something Bigger
When I first came to VIU’s Nanaimo campus, I was told “the science students stay at the top and the trades students keep to the bottom.” I’ve found this detached mindset prevalent at VIU, making it difficult to feel as though I’m part of a broader university community. The Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA)’s Women’s … Continued
The Mariners’ Voyage to The Greatest Stage
After years of waiting, VIU will finally host the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Basketball Nationals from March 25–27. VIU was initially going to host the event in 2020; however, the outbreak of COVID-19 sidelined those plans. For some, it represents a second chance, one that resembles “normal life”—what should have been. But for … Continued
Taking Another Shot
The Langara guard slips past the VIU player defending her, dribbling into an open spot on the court. She eyes the hoop and jumps for the easy layup. The ball leaves her fingers. Like a hammer blow, the arm of VIU forward Shayce Johnston comes down on the rising ball, smashing it out of bounds. … Continued
Mariners Announce Recreation Return
Mariners Athletics & Recreation has reopened the weight room and gym floor in the VIU Gymnasium as of January 11. Outdoor events are also back on schedule. The announcement was made on the Mariners website on January 7—one day before the BC government extended its COVID-19 restrictions on team sports and gatherings to February 5. … Continued
Timeout:
Thousands of VIU students are readying themselves for another semester of online courses, a restricted campus, and necessary isolation from their friends and classmates. People reflecting to me on their post-secondary school experience often remark on the sense of community it brought them; how part of their identity was forged before turning fully to a … Continued
Andrea Čanković
Andrea Čanković has had a wild year. In February 2020 she guided the VIU Mariners women’s volleyball team to provincial gold as co-captain, marking the third straight Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) title for her and the club. A month later, under the looming threat of cancellation due to COVID-19, Čanković and her teammates celebrated … Continued
VIU Mariners Suspend All Activities Due to COVID-19
VIU Mariners Athletics and Recreation has cancelled all activities until November 30, including intramurals, Outdoor Recreation, and weight room access. The decision was a precautionary measure due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in BC, Danielle Hyde, the interim director of athletics and recreation, said in a letter emailed to VIU students on November 17. … Continued
VIU Soccer Coach Earns Soccer Canada A Licence
VIU Mariners men’s soccer coach Larry Stefanek is striving to take steps forward this year at a time when progress feels impossible. The third-year head coach of the men’s team has just completed his Canada Soccer A Licence certification—one of 30 coaches to take the 12 to 18 month program, according to Vancouver Island Free … Continued
VIU Mariners Hopeful for Spring Seasons
They all knew the news was coming, but it didn’t soften the blow. Partway through the summer while the world watched COVID-19’s steady spread, players, coaches, and staff of the Vancouver Island University Mariners soccer and golf programs learned their national championships for 2020 were cancelled, along with all competitive play for the fall. Questions … Continued
Some Ships Don’t Sink
Amidst these trying times, optimism is a scarcity. However, now that the consequences of a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) decision appear to be non-existent, it is a good time to celebrate and reflect on the biggest Mariners Moment of the year. The Mariners Women’s Volleyball Team travelled to Cepeg Garneau, in Quebec, for the … Continued
Cruise to CCAA Gold Canceled
The highly anticipated Women’s National Basketball Championship tournament has been canceled—possibly the largest event at VIU this year is lost, along with the Mariners’ hopes of winning gold. The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Basketball National Championships was scheduled for March 18–21, 2020, at the VIU gym. The CCAA Board of Directors’ decision to … Continued
Mariners Women’s Basketball Regular Season Conclusion
The Mariners Women’s Basketball Team finished the regular season with a record of 17-1 to lead the PACWEST going into the postseason. On Friday, February 21, and Saturday, February 22, the Mariners hosted the Camosun Chargers for a pair of games to close the regular season. The Mariners won both games to push their win … Continued
Mariners Women’s Basketball Close the Book on CBC
Through the weekend, the Mariners Women’s Basketball Team completed a clean sweep over CBC. On Friday, February 7, and Saturday, February 8, the Mariners Women’s Basketball team hosted the Columbia Bible College (CBC) Bearcats for two games. Both were severely one-sided in favour of the hometown heroes. The last time the Mariners met the Bearcats … Continued