BUCK JOINS LANCERS AS DUAL SPORT ATHLETE
The Lancers are proud to announce the addition of a high level, dual sport athlete to the team. Local standout Bobby Buck joins the Lancers after an impressive basketball and track career with the Nicholson Crusaders.
Buck, who began his competitive basketball journey in grade 4 with the Spirits basketball club, has won an impressive 3 OFSAA medals with the Crusaders. After earning a silver in 2016 and bronze in 2017, Buck and his team took the top spot at the tournament in 2018 to add the elusive gold medal to their collection.
Coach Kabeya knows he's getting a smart, talented athlete in Buck. "Coming from a school that has so much experience and success in the last three years is going to make for a really smooth transition for Bobby. He's an OFSAA gold medalist and has a really great basketball education. We know we're getting a smart player on the court and in the class room."
The 6'1 guard brings a sense of youth and work ethic to the program. Having been around the game and program for years, Buck knows exactly what it takes to help push the team. "Bobby's going to fit in perfectly with the current guards we have." Coach Kabeya continues, "it really helps that he's a local kid and has a relationship with some of the other guys – that's a huge benefit."
Despite a decorated basketball history, Buck's abilities extend far beyond the court. He joins the Lancers as a dual sport athlete, competing with both the cross country team and basketball teams.
Having started running competitively in grade 9, Buck specialized in the steeple chase and the 3000 meter, plus competed at OFSAA Cross Country Championships in all four years of highschool.
Buck trains under the Lancer Hall of Famer and former OCAA Cross Country Coach, Larry Cook. Cook's passion, knowledge and incredible work ethic are sure to have rubbed off on his athletes and has played an important role in Buck's success.
Playing both sports and being a full time student is a challenge that Buck is ready to take on. "I'm looking forward to seeing the next level of competition in both cross country and basketball. I know it's going to be a competitive environment and it could get challenging to balance both schedules, but I think the sports will feed well into each other."
Having been a fixture in the Lancerdome from a very young age, Buck has a sense of familiarity with the basketball program that is hard to replicate. "Being able to stay at home and stay in the local scene has made the transition to college really simple" Buck says. "Coach Pat has a great set of morals and ethics within the game, and that's important to me. He favours effort & work ethic over a guy that's skilled but has bad attitude. He's vocal and lets you know what he's thinking - I like that." As for the cross country team, Buck is eager to get to work with newly appointed coach, Kevin Beatty. "I've met with Kevin a few times and he clearly has a vast knowledge of the distance world. I'm excited to learn his philosophies on training and race prep."
The cross country team kick off their season with a meet hosted by Fleming College on September 22nd while the basketball doesn't get into league action until they hit the road in October to take on the Georgian Grizzlies.