Friday, May 3, 2013

'Wolves Pick Up Australian Big Man


Australian Giant Joins Lakehead, TWolf Nation Wide Awake

May 3rd, 2013

Author: Hugh Mullally
Head Coach Scott Morrison, along with Lakehead Athletics Director Tom Warden announced Friday the commitment of Brent Wallace, an Australian 7’0” Post, who will join Lakehead University Men’s Basketball in the autumn of 2013.
Australian Brent Wallace, a ‘footer’ in basketball terms, calls Brisbane, Queensland province his home. Wallace is fresh off a 2-month training camp with IMG Academy in Brandenton, FLA. He arrives in Thunder Bay to Lakehead University with 5 years of eligibility remaining.
Wallace, now the tallest bearer of the Thunderwolves Flag, respects the success and integrity of Lakehead Athletics and the Men’s Basketball program, and accepts his role in a Thunderwolves uniform well aware of the team’s goals.
Says Wallace, “I am very excited to play for the Lakehead Thunderwolves and to meet my new teammates. I  want to come in, work hard, try to make an impact with the team straight-away and keep the winning momentum going. I bring a strong focus, work ethic, energy and encouragement to the team and will do whatever I can to help get another shot at a National Championship.”
The basketball faithful of Thunderwolf Nation can certainly breathe a little easier, having graduated 6 seniors this year, including two 6’6” Posts, Matt Schmidt and Yoosrie Salhia.
Says Morrison, “We are very happy to welcome Brent to our basketball family at Lakehead.  With his size and determination to improve, he has an unlimited ceiling for improvement and our coaching staff is looking forward to working hard with him to reach that potential. Having the the opportunity to meet with Brent and his parents in Brisbane, I know we are getting a player of high character from an excellent and supportive family. Everyone is very excited about this addition to our already strong recruiting class.”
The Thunderwolves now have a response to other elite CIS teams’ size at the Centre position. Lakehead’s CIS opponents have plied such size against Lakehead during their current 4-year CIS Final 8 run, despite Lakehead troughing its way through the waves of CIS powerhouses from East to West.
It’s no coincidence shipping in Thunder Bay has been booming. Let the fog horn blow, we got a big one coming in. The ship that Lakehead Basketball has been waiting for may have arrived, and not a moment too soon. One notable 'footer' to play for Lakehead Basketball is Jim Zoet (1976-78).
MEDIA:  For more information, or to request an interview, please contact Lakehead Sports Information Director, Hugh Mullally, at (807) 631-3428, or spinfo@lakeheadu.ca.