In the 2006-07 season, a 19-3 regular season propelled the Ravens men’s basketball team to the nationals in Halifax. Victories against the Acadia Axemen, the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Brandon Bobcats led the team to a Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) national title.
Now, five years later, guard Mike Kenny has the chance to win another championship in his graduating year. What would make this championship particularly special for Kenny, however, is the fact that this year’s nationals are being held in Halifax, as well.
A championship would cap an excellent five seasons with the Ravens, in which the 6’0” guard has already won two championships.
“It's been great,” Kenny said of his time at Carleton. “Some people have asked me if I would have rather moved away from my hometown, moved out of my house, and got that experience, but after experiencing these five years, I wouldn't trade anything.”
Kenny and the Ravens still have some work to do on the court, of course. Despite their 77-62 defeat at the hands of the Lakehead Thunderwolves, the Ravens assured themselves a qualifying spot in the CIS Final 8 by reaching the finals.
For Mike Kenny, another title win in Halifax would make his university career come around full circle.
"It'd be pretty special,” he said. “It'd be pretty cool too because in my first year, nationals were in Halifax and we won it there. So to win it in my first year in Halifax and then to culminate back in Halifax and win another thing would be pretty cool.”
However, despite his enthusiasm, the fifth-year guard is very cautious not to get ahead of himself.
“We've got a long way to go, we're taking it one game at a time, but if we win a national championship, it will obviously be pretty special,” he added.” It's gone by way too fast, but it's been a great five years."
The CIS Final 8 tournament will be held on March 11th-13th.
–with files from Farhan Devji