2 weeks Ago By By Thomas Friesen
There was no way Sean Taron would miss the Brandon University Bobcats’ parade and rally on Friday afternoon. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! To continue reading, please subscribe: *$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $4.99 a X percent off the regular rate.
There was no way Sean Taron would miss the Brandon University Bobcats’ parade and rally on Friday afternoon. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? There was no way Sean Taron would miss the Brandon University Bobcats’ parade and rally on Friday afternoon. The general manager of Bailey’s Cafe on campus has followed and helped the men’s volleyball team every step of the way.
So, of course, he made the short walk up the stairs and out to 20th Street to watch the players and coaches as they marched toward the Healthy Living Centre carrying their U Sports national championship trophy — and a few dozen grocery bags full of candy to hand out to the approximately 250 fans lining the sidewalks. Brandon University Bobcats captain JJ Love carries the U Sports men’s volleyball trophy during the team’s championship parade on 20th Street outside the Healthy Living Centre on Friday. The team was escorted by members of Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and Brandon Police Service from Firehall No.
1. (Liam Pattison/The Brandon Sun) “Being here from start to finish, it’s been awesome,” said Taron, whose family has season tickets. “Season tickets go on sale, my family and I are in lineups and getting our tickets right away.
We’re always here. “We block off the calendar. There’s nothing else we’re going to do.
Friday night, Saturday, we’re here.” Taron’s involvement starts in the pre-season when he co-ordinates with head coach Grant Wilson to meet with the team after a September practice and ask players what they’d like served at the café. He’ll do his best to accommodate dietary restrictions and provide healthy, high-protein meals as much as possible.
This year, with the men’s volleyball team hosting nationals, he tabled a “Burger Brawl” idea, where each member of the team could create a burger and face off in a bracket-style tournament. Customers who ordered one of the custom burgers would vote to determine each matchup’s winner. Bailey’s Cafe general manager Sean Taron kneels in front of the BU men’s volleyball team and the U Sports men’s volleyball trophy on Friday.
(Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun) Naturally, the players, as well as Wilson and Bobcats athlete services and events manager Tyler Crayston, ran with it. “Some got outrageous,” Taron chuckled. I would say T-Cray’s was the most extravagant with four patties, bacon and a fried egg.
His was called the Final Boss. Some were almost like a burger you’d have at home, but original, and they kept to all their tastes. “One of our goals at Bailey’s was to put a face to the name and the player so people can know they’re students too and they go through a lot.
“My son’s heavily involved in volleyball, so he knows a lot of the players and it’s been an amazing venture.” Graduating senior Riley Grusing had already left his mark on BU Athletics by earning a national tournament all-star award. Announced Friday, he’ll forever be the first Burger Brawl champion.
His “Benedict Burger,” featuring one hamburger patty with mozzarella cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, a fried egg and hollandaise sauce on a brioche bun, topped them all. It’ll go on the Bailey’s menu in September. About 250 fans gathered for the Brandon University Bobcats parade and rally on Friday afternoon to celebrate the men’s volleyball team’s national championship victory.
(Thomas Friesen/The Brandon Sun) “It was one of my tops,” Taron said. “I had a few and I’m not surprised he made it all the way.” Taron’s connection to the team is one of many in this community, evidenced by the fans lining the entire south sideline and west baseline of the main court for a few speeches and a video commemorating the season.
Fans of all ages lined up to pose with some of the players and the Tantramar Trophy as the Vengaboys’ song, “We Like to Party,” which the Bobcats play during every home hitting warmup, echoed through the gymnasium. Wilson stood in the corner of the gym mouthing the words — the song is permanently stuck in his head at this point — until a string of supporters lined up to congratulate him on the title his team claimed 12 days earlier. “The love and support from this community is incredible,” Wilson said.
The Brandon University Bobcats walk in the victory parade in Brandon Friday to celebrate their recent U Sports national men’s volleyball championship. (Liam Pattison/The Brandon Sun) “We felt it much sooner than the tournament — obviously we have the best fans in the country that show up, week in and week out — but the weekend of the nationals was next level. They definitely helped push us to the finish line and we’re happy and proud to celebrate with them here.
” The recurring theme in every speech was how much the community, Bobcat Nation, means to the players, coaches and athletic director Russ Paddock, who moved his family to the Wheat City to coach the men’s volleyball team 20 years ago. The vast majority of the players move from other provinces but quickly become attached to Westman, coaching local athletes with the Brandon Volleyball Club. Many develop deep roots in the community, staying for years after they graduate.
They’re far more than just athletes to those who cheer them on. “It’s a different level because I see them in the restaurant all the time. We can chat, come up to them after the games,” Taron said.
“They’re students — they also have practice, travel, training — but they’re regular students too, just with a little heavier workload. To get to know them on a different level, personally and everything, it hits you different. Bobcats captains Michael Flor (left) and JJ Love hand out candy to fans at Friday’s parade.
(Liam Pattison/The Brandon Sun) “It’s amazing, building the relationship and knowing them as a person.” » [email protected] Advertisement Advertisement.
