Since 1967, the University of Winnipeg has seen over 2,000 graduates compete under the Wesmen name. While this figure includes all sports teams from basketball, to volleyball, baseball, wrestling, and soccer to name a few, it does not include the countless coaches, directors and support staff who have cheered on the Wesmen athletes for the past six decades.
During Homecoming 2024, the Athletics Department, with support from Alumni Affairs, will be hosting two separate Alumni Wesmen Nights; one each devoted to the basketball program and volleyball program. Each event will feature 3-on-3 basketball or volleyball games with Wesmen alumni. Current members of the men’s and women’s Wesmen basketball and volleyball team will be on hand to act as referees and hosts during the games. The Wesmen Nights will include food, games, and a special Wesmen Alumni T-shirt for every Wesmen alum who registers. It promises to be an entertaining and fun night for alumni and friends of the Wesmen, whether they choose to play or watch.
The Alumni Wesmen Games will also be a great opportunity to meet Dr. Cara Isaak, the new Athletic Director for The University of Winnipeg. “I am looking forward to meeting the alumni,” said Cara. “These types of events are so integral to keeping our Wesmen community connected and engaged.”
Although new to the Athletic Director role, Dr. Cara Isaak is no stranger to the Wesmen community. As a young athlete growing up in Winnipeg, Cara attended Wesmen Basketball Camps every summer. “The connections you can make through sport can really enhance all aspects of your life,” said Cara. “I am just thrilled to be able to meet the Wesmen alumni and encourage the community to support our current Wesmen athletes and teams.”
One alum who is looking forward to lacing up his shoes on the basketball court is Brent Corrigan (BA 79), Alumni Council President and former member of the Junior Varsity Men’s Basketball team.
Making connections through sport
Brent Corrigan (BA 79) didn’t consider himself a strong academic student, but says he got by. “If I hadn’t switched to The University of Winnipeg in my second year, I probably wouldn’t have continued on,” said Brent. What kept Brent committed to the university experience was the relationships he made through basketball and playing for the Wesmen Junior Varsity team in the late ’70s.
“Basketball is where my social group came from,” said Brent. “Without that, I didn’t have the same kind of human interaction that I would’ve otherwise.”
Pivoting to The University of Winnipeg and becoming part of the basketball program solidified the trajectory of Brent’s life. “If I hadn’t switched to The University of Winnipeg and been able to get involved in basketball, I don’t think I would have stayed in university,” said Brent. “This would’ve changed my entire life.
After finishing his bachelor’s degree in education, Brent went on to become a junior and senior years mathematics and geography teacher. “I met my wife through working in education,” said Brent. “Other than high school friends, and neighbours, most of my friends are people with whom I played basketball or worked with along the way.”
Brent has been involved with UWinnipeg on and off since attending as a student. During retirement, Brent became a sessional instructor with Faculty of Education, which led to re-connecting with Larry McKay and the Wesmen Men’s Volleyball team, acting as an academic advisor. Brent currently sits as the UWinnipeg Alumni Council President and member of the UWinnipeg Board of Regents.
“I wanted to do something that I was interested in,” said Brent of bringing back the Alumni Wesmen Games. “While my major focus is sports, I do encourage others to take a leadership role and give back.”
Brent hopes many former Wesmen athletes will come back for the homecoming events and take this opportunity to visit and reconnect. “It’s all about getting together. It will be a great opportunity for the alumni players to meet the players who are competing now.”
The Homecoming 2024 Wesmen Alumni Nights will occur on September 24 and 25. To learn more and to register, visit the Homecoming 2024 page.
