Bison Briefs

ROMER BAUTISTA STAFF

Women’s basketball: Bisons defensive specialist nabs award

On March 8 the CIS handed out its post-season honours, and one of the most sought-after awards was won by a member of the Bisons.

Rachel Hart, a fourth-year Bisons guard, took home the CIS Defensive Player of the Year award. This is the first time that a Bison has won this award. Hart was also named the Canada West Defensive Player of the Year earlier this year.

Despite her relatively small stature (5-foot-8), Hart was called upon to guard opposing teams’ best offensive players, even if those players played in the post. Her hard work in the paint led to an average of 6.2 rebounds a game, 11th best in the conference.

When she wasn’t banging bodies in the paint, Hart was on the perimeter, making life a nightmare for opposing guards. She finished second in the conference in steals, averaging 3.41 a game, including an amazing 11 steals in a game against the Victoria Vikes earlier this year.

Football: ‘Izzy’ becomes a Winnipegger

In a ceremony held at City Hall on March 8 Manitoba Bison-turned Chicago Bear, Israel (Izzy) Indonije was presented honourary citizenship by mayor Sam Katz.

The award comes on the heels of a terrific season for the defensive lineman and special teams players. Indonije was key to the Bears’ playoff run, which ended in him becoming the first Manitoban to ever play in the Super Bowl.