Sault College athlete profile

(This story continues a series of articles profiling student athletes from Sault College's varsity programs. All photos and stories are submitted by the Sault College Athletic Department.)

*** COUGAR PROFILE OF THE WEEK:

Nate Whalen

This week’s profile of the week belongs to outstanding three-point shooter and fourth year veteran Nate Whalen from Lower Cove, Nova Scotia. His 19 threes in just seven games leads his team and is 4th in the entire OCAA.

Nate is currently in the Liberal Studies program working on his third diploma and wants nothing more that another shot at a medal this season.

“He wants to win,” adds head coach Thomas Cory. “When teams go into a zone defense, we try to get the ball to him. When he is on we are a hard team to beat.” This 6’1 graduate of R.H.D High school in Lower Cove was named the province’s Player of the Year in 1995 and his talents continue to be recognized when he became Cougar as he has captured the Most Improved Player and the local Referees Award so far in his career.

Look for Nate and the rest of the team as they take on the Cambrian Golden Shield at home January 6th at 5 p.m.

*** COUGARS TAKE A HOLIDAY BREAK:

At the Christmas break the Men’s basketball team, after a huge 85-70 win over the Niagara Knights (Welland), are grouped at the top of the OCAA West region.

The St Clair Saints (Windsor) are 5-1 while the Fanshawe Falcons (London), along with the Knights and Sault College are all tied for second with 5 wins and 2 losses.

The Cougars will play five of their last seven games at home after the break which should be to the advantage of a team who is looking to make a second consecutive trip to the OCAA Provincial Championships.

Meanwhile the Lady volleyball Cougars continue to struggle at 1-8 even after some solid play against division leaders during the last stretch of the first half.

They as well will have some home court advantage on their side during the second half as they will play three of their last five in the Cougar Den.

The Sault College varsity athletes will take a well deserved break for Christmas, and then resume play in the New Year as Cambrian College (Sudbury) will travel to the Sault Friday, Jan. 6 for a men’s basketball exhibition game at 5 p.m.

The ladies will head to Georgian College (Barrie) for an Invitational Tournament that same weekend.