1980-81 University of Victoria Men’s Basketball
Men’s Roster
| NAME |
| Gerald Kazanowski |
| Ted Anderson |
| Kelly Dukeshire |
| Eli Pasquale |
| Quinn Groenheyde |
| Bruce Hamilton |
| Dan Brosseuk |
| Greg Kazanowski |
| Ryan Burles |
| Craig Higgins |
| Kevin Dancs |
| Jim Larson |
Head Coach: Ken Shields
Assistant Coach: Billy Turney-Loos
Manager: Bill Chapman
Biography:
Coached by University of Victoria legend Ken Shields, the 1980-81 Victoria Vikings men’s basketball team brought the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) national title back home for the second consecutive season.
The Vikings faced a new challenge as last years previous championship team members, Bill Turney-Loos, Reni Dolcetti, Chris Hebb, Ian Hyde-Lay and Tom Harbeshuber graduated in the off-season. However, this did not faze the Vikings as they finished the regular season on top with an impressive record of 16 wins and four losses.
The Vikings then defeated second place rivals, Calgary Dinos, in the Canada West league showdown to earn their fourth straight Canada West conference title. Eli Pasqaule and Gerald Kazanowski were named Canada West First Team All-Stars, while Kelly Dukeshire was named to the Second All-Star team.
The Vikings travelled east to Waterloo, Ontario for the CIAU national championship. In an opening match, the Vikings defeated Windsor Lancers 82-71, advancing them to the semifinals. Opponents Concordia University could not stop the Vikings from moving on to the finals as the Vikings edged them 75-63. With the CIAU national title in their grasp, coach Shields’ team proved to be the better team as they defeated Acadia Axemen 81-70 to win their second straight national title.
Outstanding performances in the national championships by Pasquale earned him the tournament’s most valuable player (MVP) award. Pasquale was also named to the tournament All-Star team along side teammate Kazanowski.
Season Highlights:
Canada West Regular Season Record: 16-4 (1st)
Canada West Playoffs: 2-0 (Gold)
Canada West First Team All-Stars: Eli Pasquale, Gerald Kazanowski
Canada West Second Team All- Second Team: Kelly Dukeshire
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CIAU Championship Record: 3-0 (Gold)
CIAU Tournament All-Stars: Eli Pasquale, Gerald Kazanowski
