A family affair

- December 31, 2010

Shoveller family
Lynda Shoveller and members of the Shoveller family attended last year's tournament. (Nick Pearce Photo)

Rod Shoveller was passionate about basketball. He was a special events coordinator, an athletic director, a basketball coach, a referee, a dad.

On November 12, 1991, Rod passed away at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer. Throughout his illness he displayed tenacity and good humour, which had a tremendous impact on the people around him. It was soon after that Dalhousie Athletics and Recreation renamed their annual holiday men’s basketball tournament in his honour.

“It was a way of trying to keep his contributions to university sports alive,” says John Campbell, coach of the varsity men’s basketball team. “His family have been significant supporters of the program and Dalhousie athletics over the years, so I think it’s a great tribute to him and also a great chance for his family to celebrate.”

'In the genes'

Rod is survived by his wife Joan, two sons Tim and Bruce and daughter Lynda, who all return with their families to Dalhousie for the tournament each year.

“It’s wonderful. We are proud to be part of the tournament,” says Joan. “All the grandchildren play basketball and both of my sons play too. It’s really in the genes. Their grandfather would be so proud. Basketball is certainly a tradition in the family and Dalhousie is our team.”

Joan’s oldest grandson, Michael, is a member of the Ontario Under-15 Provincial Basketball Team and he traveled to Argentina and Winnipeg for tournaments this past summer.

“Michael is six foot nine and he loves basketball. When I spoke to his mom last night and we were talking about Christmas gifts, I asked ‘What does Michael want?’” recounts Joan. “She told me that he wants to come to Halifax to come to the tournament.”

Joan has vivid memories of the tournament over the years, particularly ones of her children and grandchildren taking part in the ceremonial tipoff. She has many pictures on display at her Halifax home that reflect what the tournament means to her family.

20th edition

This December will mark the 20th anniversary of the eight-team tournament, drawing some of the top university basketball teams in the country. Participating this year are AUS teams Acadia, Saint Mary’s, St. Francis Xavier and host Dalhousie matching up against CIS teams Concordia, Laurentian, Laurier, and Queens. The tournament begins on December 31 with the championship game set for Sunday, January 2 at 3 p.m.

“It’s been a great event, not only for the university, but for our program,” says Coach Campbell. “We’ve been able to attract the best teams in the AUS and also very competitive teams from across Canada. It’s always a fan favourite for the community.”

“If we’re able to do a good job maintaining our conditioning over the course of exams and we have a good week of practice leading up to it, then I think we’re in the mix with everybody that’s in the tournament,” adds Coach Campbell.

Joan Shoveller, for one, will take her place in the stands. “As long as I’m well enough, I will be there every year,” she says.

Rod Shoveller Memorial Tournament results

2010 Shoveller Tournament Champions: St. Francis Xavier

Shoveller Tournament All-Stars:

  • Concordia - #8  Kyle Desmarais
  • Acadia - #5  Owen Klassen
  • Saint Mary's - #5 Joey Haywood
  • St. FX - #8 Charlie Spurr
  • Dalhousie - #4 Simon Farine

Shoveller Tournament MVP: St. FX - #5 Will Silver


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