Lancers' Steer, Surmacz and coach recognized
By Michal Tellos
Sports Editor
March 12, 2008
 Despite a brief playoff run, several members of the University of Windsor’s Lancers men’s basketball team, including coach Chris Oliver and veterans Greg Surmacz and Ryan Steer, have won individual awards. For the second consecutive year, Oliver won the West coach of the year, and both Surmacz and Steer were named first-team all-stars.
Oliver, a Kitchener native, led Windsor to a 17-5 record, finishing in first place in the OUA west. He is pleased with his recognition. “Always happy to receive recognition for the hard work our players, assistants and athletics staff put into our men’s basketball program,” he responded.
The season was full of memories, according to the coach. “I am happy with our season in so many respects. We did the best that could be done this year. Of course I am disappointed with the end as the goal is always to win a championship. The pursuit however was worthy as our players truly committed to winning this year. We got better individually and as a team throughout the year and I will always be proud of our players for their efforts.”
Oliver does not limit his coaching activity to the OUA. He is dedicated to basketball at any level.
“All of my involvement in coaching outside of the OUA is designed to help expose our program to as many people as possible. This helps with expanding our fan base and recruiting network as we hope to build our program’s reputation provincially and nationally,” explained Oliver.
“I run NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) coaching clinics and appear at coaching clinics and summer camps throughout the province. This year we started Sunday morning basketball clinics for kids in the Windsor region. Also in the summer we run a Junior Lancers program where local high school players scrimmage with our players and I run them through individual skill development workouts,” he added.
Regarding next season, the coach had a few comments. “The obvious thing I want to change is to get it done in the playoffs. We will be younger next year with many new players to integrate into the system. I am very excited for the freshness that these players with bring to our program. I believe it will be a team that will be championship worthy by the end of the year as long as we once again get our players to commit to self-improvement and selflessness.”
Aside from the coach, veteran starters Greg Surmacz and Ryan Steer have also been honoured once again by being put on the first-team all-stars.
Greg Surmacz dominated the OUA, both offensively and defensively, throughout the season. He finished third in average points scored per game, with 19.4, and first in field-goal shooting percentage, with 56 per cent. Furthermore, he led the Lancers with 140 defensive rebounds, and 181 total.
Ryan Steer had an excellent season as well. Not only is he an all-star this year, but the OUA has also awarded him the West’s Ken Shields Award for outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment.
In addition to his on-court prowess, he has maintained an 11.57 GPA academically and is on the President’s Honour Roll at school, and has dedicated his services to countless community endeavours, including basketball camps, and motivational speeches.
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