Go big or go home.
The UNBC Timberwolves men's varsity teams have just added some sizable recruits.
Chris Ross, a six-foot-three shooting guard from North Vancouver, will join the T-wolves basketball team this season, while Michael Henman, six-foot, 170-pound striker, is bound for the UNBC soccer squad.
Ross played a starring role in his final season at Seacove secondary school. As a tournament all-star he led the Seahawks to the bronze medal at the double-A boys provincial championship and was also the leading scorer and most valuable player in the North Shore league.
The business/accounting major possesses athletic abilities he thinks will help make a smooth adjustment to university basketball in U Sports.
"First of all, my shooting ability - I think what separates me from a lot of players is my ability to shoot the basketball from three-point range, or from the mid-range," said Ross, in a UNBC release.
"Also, my hard work. I dive on every loose ball, I play physically, and I make sure my opponent doesn't get where he wants to go.
"The leap from high school to university basketball is a big one. What I hear from players, is always about the physicality. I have to prepare myself mentally and physically to play at that faster pace. I am excited to do it. Excited to hit the gym, get stronger, get faster, and be able to compete at that level."
As a four-time provincial team player, he caught the eye of T-wolves head coach Todd Jordan.
"The first thing that stuck out for me was Chris' ability to shoot the basketball," said Jordan. "The more I watched, the greater appreciation I gained for his incredible work ethic on the court. He is going to bring toughness on the defensive end, and projects as a tremendous leader for our program."
Henman, a graduate of Reynolds secondary in Victoria, said his familiarity with UNBC men's soccer head coach Steve Simonson was a factor in his decision to pick UNBC.
"UNBC has been on my radar for years now," Henman said.
"Steve has been my coach since I was a kid and is a huge reason for the player and person I am today. He is undoubtedly the best coach I have ever played under, so going to UNBC was a no-brainer. It's an awesome group of people up there and I can't wait to be a part of it.
"I like to use my speed and agility to my advantage. I love to make runs and make it difficult for the defenders and easy for my teammates to play me through. Hopefully with that will come a lot of goals."
He has a reputation as a strong, aggressive player with above-average speed. He's a product of the Victoria club soccer system, having played for the Vancouver Island Wave, Victoria Highlanders U-21, Victoria Highlanders Division 1, and Lakehill U-21 teams.
"Michael is a passionate young man, who never gives anything less than his best," said Simonson.
"Combine that love for the game with his pace, his physicality, and his understanding of the game, and we are really excited to have him join our program."
The UNBC men kick off their Canada West soccer schedule on Friday, Aug. 24 against the Victoria Vikes - their first game in the revamped Masich Place Stadium.
