Bison briefs

Romer Bautista, Staff

Bisons football team inducted to the Order of the Buffalo Hunt

On Saturday, Dec. 1, the 2007 Vanier Cup-winning University of Manitoba Bisons football team was given one of the provinces highest distinctions: it was inducted to the Order of the Buffalo Hunt.

Premier Gary Doer presented the award to Bisons head coach, Brian Dobie, on behalf of the team at the annual open house of the legislature. Members of the public and the legislature were on hand at the event.

This year is the 50th anniversary for the Order of the Buffalo Hunt. It is awarded in recognition of the outstanding and distinctive contributions of leaders in such areas as politics, business, sports, and entertainment.

The Order of the Buffalo Hunt has recognized such individuals as former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, world cyclist Tanya Dubnicoff, NHL-er Jonathan Towes, and former Bison football player, and current NFL player, Israel Indonije.

Two new scholarships to be given in the name of Vanier Cup champs

In addition to being inducting the team to the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, Premier Doer also announced the creation of two new scholarships.

“One week ago almost to this day, the Manitoba Bisons made all of us proud with their Vanier Cup win,” Doer said at the ceremony. “I am pleased to recognize their success with the creation of new scholarships which will help continue to develop students who excel not only athletically but also academically.”

The two new scholarships, each worth $5,000, will be available next year and will be awarded to two first-year students who excel in athletics and academics. They will be given in the name of the 2007 Bison football team.

Hockey’s Mike Howard and Chantal Larocque named Athletes of the Week

Mike Howarth of the men’s hockey team and Chantal Larocque of the women’s hockey team were named Bison Sports Athletes of the Week for the week ending Dec. 2.

Howarth had four points (one goal, three assists) over the weekend, helping the men’s hockey team to a two-game sweep of the No.3-ranked University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Howarth assisted on both game-winning goals. Howarth’s efforts were also recognized by the conference, as he was also named the Canada West male hockey athlete of the week.

Larocque had three points (one goal, two assists) over the weekend, as the women’s hockey team managed a series split with the No.7-ranked University of Regina Cougars. Larocque is now fifth on the team with nine points on the season.