The Okanagan College Coyotes basketball teams will battle the Langara Falcons this Saturday and Sunday at Kelowna Secondary School.
The games will be of special significance because four former graduates of KSS will be returning to the school and representing the Coyotes on the court.
This year's Coyotes roster features four recent Kelowna Secondary School graduates.
Guards, Davide Ciancio and Matt Lafontaine, graduated from KSS in 2016 and Coyotes forward, Spencer Braam, graduated in 2017.
On the women's team, guard, Madison Dickie, is also a recent KSS graduate and Owl's alumni.
“I had a chance to catch up with the former KSS players heading into this weekend, and I can tell you they are all excited,” stated Andrew Gini, Coyotes women's head coach.
He added that it's always special when players return to the gym where "it all began."
"This weekend will prove to be a special homecoming for these four athletes. I am sure it will bring back some fond memories for everyone which will motivate them to play at the top of their games,” stated Gini.
To kick off this weekend's big games, Okanagan College is hosting a Tailgate Party Saturday night at the Atrium of the Kelowna campus.
The party runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m and includes food, drinks, face painting and more.
The college is handing out a special deal to students.
OC students can get a smokie, a drink and a game ticket for $5.
Non-OC students can purchase a ticket for $10.
“We are extremely grateful and excited about how the community and our fans have responded to the introduction of our program," stated Luigi Mastrobuono, Director of Operations.
The games run at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at KSS. All proceeds from the Tailgate Party will go towards the basketball program.
“Our players know how much support they have in Kelowna, and it is that loyalty that fuels them to work and play harder. We are all truly humbled by the community’s reception of our program’s student athletes," stated President and men’s head coach Dino Gini.
Last weekend the Coyotes took on Victoria's Camosun Chargers at Immaculata Regional High School.
The Coyotes men won the first game with a 100-72 victory.
The second game was a hard-fought win, resulting in a 88-86 victory for the Coyotes.
The Coyotes women's team were less fortunate and lost against the VIU Mariners from Nanaimo due to key players winding up with the flu.
Both teams are resting up this weekend's big games at KSS.
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