Member Monday - Okanagan Coyotes

Okanagan College is still the newest member of the PACWEST joining the Conference for the 2018-2019 basketball season.

Since opening its doors Okanagan College (OC) has gone through a couple of different transformations. With roots dating back to 1963, OC has always played an important role in the development of the region.

With enrolment growing each year the institution decided to rebrand itself as “Okanagan University College” (OUC) in 1995 offering University credited courses.

However the name only lasted 10 years as in 2005 OUC divided into Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan.

Since the re-adopted name the College has offered a wide array of programs in university arts and science, business, trades, health, technologies, adult basic education, adult special education and continuing studies.

Programs that may be of interest to international students include: ESL courses/language training, vocational and trades programs and four-year degrees in both Business and Computer Information Systems. Many students also choose the university transfer program which allows students a smooth transition and cost-saving entry method into many of Canada’s most prestigious universities.

The College is also home to a number of programs that are unique to the institution, including the Sustainable Construction Management Technology (SCMT) program based out of The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence at the Penticton campus. The program provides students with practical, hands-on education in current and emerging green building techniques and technologies.

Currently the College operates four main campuses in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Salmon Arm.

In 2018 the Coyotes basketball program was finally placed on the court after several years of planning. However the College does not have a gymnasium, so the Coyotes have been forced to play their home games either at a local high school or elementary school in Kelowna. The Penticton campus on the other hand does have a gymnasium and a pair of games are typically scheduled for that venue.

The response in Kelowna of the new program has been extremely encouraging. Their fan base continues to grow and recruiting players to Kelowna hasn’t been much of an issue as they have sold Okanagan living as much as the programs offered by the institution.

The Coyotes are still hunting for their first PACWEST medal and took major steps last season on both the women’s and men’s side. As a matter of fact the men’s team finished the regular season as the third seed and won the institution’s first ever playoff game. They eventually played for the bronze, but fell to the Camosun Chargers in a very tight game. They were poised for a strong season in 2020-2021, but will have to wait until next fall to make an impact and debut a fresh set of red jerseys.

Many around the PACWEST believe the Coyotes are right on the verge of making a deep playoff run sooner than later.

Quick Okanagan Facts:
Enrolment – 19,000
Location – 1000 KLO Rd, Kelowna (main campus)
President – Jim Hamilton

Inside Athletics:
Jenn Naiman – Athletic Director (on leave)
Catherine Newton – Acting Athletic Director

Current Head Coaches:
MBB – Dino Gini – since 2018
WBB – Andrew Gini – since 2018

Outstanding Alumni:
MBB – Connor McCormack
WBB – Rebekah Allen