Nine Ontario championships.
· Six coaches of the year.
· More than 100 OUA all-star student-athletes.
· Twenty-two all-Canadian student-athletes.
The 2008-2009 Western Mustangs season was one of the most successful in years. Of the 38 teams, 36 finished in fifth place or better in Ontario university sport.
With provincial titles in badminton, men’s and women’s curling, men’s hockey; women’s swimming; football; women’s golf; and men’s and women’s squash, the Mustangs also added six silver and 10 bronze to the medal mix.
Health Sciences Dean Jim Weese, who has been associated with university sport for over 30 years, says he hasn’t witnessed a better year.
“A very special year indeed,” he says, noting Mustang student-athletes also earned 13 major awards and six rookie of the year nods.
“This year was a special one given the accomplishments of our teams. Full credit to our student-athletes for their talent and commitment. As well, we have great coaches who provide enriching experiences for our student-athletes.”
This year’s runs included a great showing by the men’s basketball team in the national championship, a Vanier Cup appearance by the men’s football team, and the surprising power of the men’s hockey team to reach the finals, among others.
“The year was awesome and with that number of competitive teams we are very proud,” says Chuck Mathies, interim director of Sports and Recreation Services.
“Great student-athletes are involved with our program and coaches are by far some of the best in the province, if not the country, and have lots to say of their teams and success.”
Six Mustang coaches were named OUA coaches of the year, including Brad Campbell, Rory Munro, Dave Hastings, Paul Midgley, Jim Sage and Charlie Smith.
Mathies add this in itself is very important to a potential student who wants to know how competitive the Mustangs are and where they may fit into the program.
“I would imagine that most would want to consider a team with a proven track record for success,” he says. “We want to continue to build the Mustang brand that is rich in history of producing winners.”
Weese says having the Mustangs playing in championship games – and on national television – helped brand and raise the profile of the university, which no doubt helps in the recruitment of all students.
“Our football team played seven times on national television last season. Our hockey and basketball teams also had high profile games televised nationally,” says Weese. “The success of all our sports was played out in the local media and yes, the top student-athletes who have options due to their academic and athletic abilities take note and want to come to Western.”
At only its second annual scholarship breakfast earlier this year, it was announced the Mustangs had raised more than $1 million for athletic financial awards for student-athletes.
In addition to $700,000 in seed money for the athletic financial awards provided by the university in 2007, Western aims to raise $4 million in private support by 2014 to create an endowment so Mustang scholarships continue in perpetuity.
The continued success of athletics will likely play a huge role in securing further financial support of Mustang athletics.
“It would be tough to convince people to support a program that is not measuring up to certain expectations,” says Mathies. “I believe the opportunity to have Western in the media to showcase our progress is very helpful to creating interest in support.”
To piggyback on that success, coaches are actively recruiting for the 2009-10 season.
“We have a great sports heritage at Western,” says Weese. “Hopefully fans from campus and the community will continue to support the teams at these levels.”