Raimbault has served in various basketball coaching capacities within the Brandon Community since 1998, including as head coach of the Neelin Spartans 17 and Under Club Team, Head Coach of the Sioux Valley Senior Boys team, and Head Coach of the Crocus Plains High School Junior Varsity Boys program.
Coach Raimbault's philosophy is characterized by his passion, enthusiasm, and high degree of respect for the game, as well as an approach that places academics, personal growth, development and team building ahead of simply winning games.
“It’s a great honour to be selected as the head coach of my hometown team and I’m really excited about the opportunity to coach such a great group of young men this season," says Raimbault. "Over the past two years, Coach Craddock and I have really created a family-type atmosphere, and I’m looking forward to continuing our success in the classroom, community and on the court."
”Last season the community really rallied around this team and was a huge part of our success. We look forward to having the crowd as our constant sixth man this season.”
When asked what role being a Bobcat alumnus might play in the program, Raimbault responded, “Having been a part of this program as a player and a coach, I really feel that I have close ties to other Bobcat alumni. I’m looking forward to maintaining a strong connection between current and former contributors to the Bobcat family.”
“Mike steps into this highly sought after position with a unanimous endorsement of the veteran laden Bobcat team and the strong support of outgoing 2006 - 2007 CIS Coach of the Year Barnaby Craddock,” says outgoing Athletic Director Rick Nickelchok. “As a Brandonite and a member of the Silver Medal team, Mike will be able to step in and ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to the program. His personal skill sets and intimate understanding of the team, the University and the community is conducive to another successful run at the national championships”.
“The University is pleased to promote Mike Raimbault to Head Coach. Mike’s experiences as a former player and a multi-sport coach and athlete will be invaluable to the program,” says Dr. Louis Visentin, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Brandon University can proudly say that we have hired ‘one of our own’”.
During the 2006-2007 season, and under Head Coach Barnaby Craddock, Raimbault helped lead the Bobcats to a Canadian Interuniversity Sport Silver Medal at the National Championships in Halifax, and a stellar 20-2 season record that saw them ranked number 1 for five weeks straight and enter the Canada West Finals on a 15-game winning streak.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Rick Nickelchok
Athletic Director
Brandon University
Phone: 727 – 7405
Email: nickelchokr@brandonu.ca
Kate Gross
Director, Office of the President
Brandon University
Phone: 727 – 7477
Email: grossk@brandonu.ca