U of Winnipeg men's basketball alumni reflect on early 1990s success, trips to nationals

A trip to the Canadian university men's basketball championship was the goal for the Winnipeg Wesmen in the early 1990s.

Head coach Bill Wedlake led the Wesmen to nationals three consecutive seasons — 1991-92, 1992-93 and 1993-94 — but a celebration with the W. P. McGee Trophy in Halifax alluded each of his teams.

"The first time you were there, you're not quite sure what this thing is all about. The second year, you've got a bit of confidence. The third year should be the culmination of that and it didn't necessarily work out," Wedlake said over the phone from his cottage in Nopiming Provincial Park.

Twenty-nine years after the Wesmen last competed in the eight-team national championship tournament, they're back in Halifax.

And Wedlake, who spent 16 seasons coaching the men's hoops team prior to becoming the school's athletic director, is among those thrilled to see his old team back in the spotlight.

"I'm very, very pleased. I know the coach extremely well, Mike Raimbault, and I'm glad for the team. I'm glad for the university. I'm glad for Mike," Wedlake said.

He was at both of Winnipeg's Canada West conference playoff victories last month — an 87-84 buzzer-beating victory over the Brandon Bobcats in triple overtime on Feb. 18, and a nail-biting 73-70 triumph over the Manitoba Bisons on Feb. 25.

The Wesmen victory over their cross-town rivals earned them a spot in the conference title for the first time since joining Canada West more than 20 years ago, and more importantly a place at U Sports nationals.

Winnipeg lost 95-80 to the host University of Victoria Vikes last Friday, settling for Canada West silver.

Like his former head coach, former all-Canadian (one of the highest distinctions for university varsity