Rawlyk named Saskatchewan Huskies interim head coach

SASKATOON, Sask. - University of Saskatchewan Huskie men’s basketball head coach Greg Jockims will exercise his professional leave of absence granted to all Huskie full-time head coaches during the 2010-11 season.

Taking over the reins of the CIS champion Huskies as the interim head coach will be Barry Rawlyk. Rawlyk has been an assistant coach with the Huskies for the past three seasons. Nathan Schellenberg, entering his ninth year with the team, will also continue with the team in his role as assistant Coach.

“Taking this interim position is an exciting opportunity for me,” said Rawlyk. “It is a chance to help build upon the amazing success this program has had over the years which, obviously, included last season’s CIS National Championship.”

Rawlyk spent more than two decades coaching at Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon. During his tenure, he established the Crusaders, as winning program in the city. He led the Crusaders to 11 City Championship titles. Holy Cross also won three Provincial Championships during this time. A number of Rawlyk’s high school players have moved on to the Huskie level including current Huskies John Rochon and Patrick Burns.

“Barry’s experience as my assistant coach, as well as Nathan’s, will help ensure a seamless transition for the program while I step away for a year,” said Jockims. “A high level of commitment and expectation has been established for everyone involved with our team, Barry and Nathan will maintain and enhance the high standards we have set.”

During the leave, Jockims will take time for professional development opportunities and spend time with his family – wife Shana, and children Kaitlin, Rylan and Braeden. Since joining the Huskie Athletics’ coaching staff in 1998-99, Jockims has amassed 198 overall wins and seven straight playoff appearances beginning in 2003 culminating in the school’s first ever Canada West and CIS National Championships this season.

“The leave is a great opportunity for me to step away from the sport I have been 100% committed to for the last 27 years both as a player and coach. It will afford me with time to be the father and husband that I want to be and to professionally “take a break” and pursue some personal and professional development activities. I am very grateful that the U of S, the College of Kinesiology and Huskie Athletics have afforded me with this great opportunity to reinvigorate myself personally and professionally.”

Rawlyk and Schellenberg begin their twelve month term as head coach and assistant coach on July 1.

Source:

Saskatchewan Sports Info