Media releases

• Brock Badgers begin quest for national basketball title

  Thursday, February 22, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 22 February 2018 – R00033

  Six months ago, when Brock University students were just returning to campus to start their school year and the Badgers men’s basketball team was ramping up for the season, head coach Charles Kissi identified the singular target his team was aiming for this year: the USports National championships.

  On Saturday, Feb. 24, the Badgers will host the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks to begin the playoff journey toward the nationals being held in Halifax.

  For Kissi and his team, now is the time to cash in on the hard work.

  “We built a body of work. It’s like being in a classroom all year and then writing the final exam. You’ve done all this learning, and now it’s time to show what the outcome is,” he said.

  Brock, ranked third in the country with a 21-3 record, and Laurier (12-12), will tip off at 7 p.m. in an Ontario University Athletics Wilson Cup quarter-final matchup at Brock’s Bob Davis Gymnasium. The winner will move on to the OUA semifinals next Wednesday night.

  But while the dream might be a national championship, you won’t hear Kissi talking about that with his players — not yet, at least.

  “We can’t get to the second game if we don’t win the first, so we’re just focusing all our energy on this one game,” he said. “I’m reluctant to even say the word ‘nationals’ because we’re just focused on one game at a time.”

  Within the Badgers’ record-setting 21 regular season wins are a pair of wins over Laurier by 80-70 and 73-69 margins. But the Golden Hawks blasted a charging McMaster team 102-76 Wednesday night in the first round of the OUA playoffs (Brock had a bye) that ended the Marauders’ six-game winning streak, along with their season.

  Kissi said it didn’t matter which opponent the Badgers had to face Saturday, his team was preparing equally hard.

  “It’s like the start of the season where everyone is tied for first again,” he said. “The best teams are going to be here in the playoffs and you hope that you’re better on that day.”

  With eight teams remaining in the OUA Wilson Cup playoffs, a win Saturday would move Brock into the semifinals at home Wednesday, Feb. 28. Since both the OUA champion and the runner-up qualify for the USports Nationals, a win on Wednesday would guarantee them a trip to Halifax.

  A loss in either the quarter-finals or semifinals would mean Brock would have to hope for a wild-card entry into the nationals as a result of their strong overall season, including spending much of the year ranked second in Canada.

  Tickets for Saturday’s game are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They’re available at Brock’s Walker Complex Welcome Desk or by phone at 905-688-5550 ext. 4060. Visit GoBadgers.ca for more information.

  What: Brock Badgers vs. Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks OUA quarter-final playoff game

  When: Saturday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.

  Where: Bob Davis Gymnasium, Brock University

  More information: GoBadgers.ca

  *Note to media: A print-ready game report and photos from the quarter-final game will be sent out by 11 p.m. Saturday. Direct post-game phone interviews with Coach Charles Kissi or any of the players can also be arranged in advance.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock University’s credit rating remains A High

  Friday, February 16, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 16 February 2018 – R00032

  Brock University has earned itself a credit rating of A High for the second year in a row.

  The Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS) reconfirmed the University’s credit rating of A High and placed its financial position in the Stable category on Feb. 1. Brock was upgraded from A to A High last year by DBRS, and maintaining that position is great news. However, there’s still more work ahead to shape a sustainable long-term fiscal strategy, said Josh Tonnos, Brock’s Associate Vice-President, Financial Services.

  “This report reflects the fact that the University continues to work toward sustainable cost growths in an environment where we have limited flexibility to grow many of our revenues,” said Tonnos.

  Of the eight Canadian comprehensive universities rated by DBRS, only one has a higher rating than Brock. Two others have the same A High rating, two have A ratings and two have A Low ratings.

  In its rating report, DBRS noted four strengths of Brock University:

  • Stable revenue base
  • Moderately low debt burden
  • Industry-leading financial reporting and transparency
  • Relatively low post-employment obligations

  Four challenges facing Brock identified by DBRS include:

  • Limited ability to grow revenue
  • Salary and benefit pressures
  • Competition for students and demographic headwinds
  • Low level of expendable resources

  In response to these challenges, Brian Hutchings, Vice-President, Administration said Brock is continuing to exercise sound financial planning through its Fiscal Framework, which is a foundation for long-term sustainability.

  “Awareness and comprehension of the University’s financial position improves each year through regular and transparent consultation. There is a growing sense of optimism at Brock with the University Community coming together to discuss and tackle our challenges collectively,” Hutchings said.

  The Fiscal Framework update for 2018-19 aims to chart a path toward sustainability without the need to rely on enrolment growth. It also sets guidance for salary and benefit costs, and if achieved, will take some pressure off the need for enrolment growth and facilitate investments to enhance the academic and research mission of the University.

  “DBRS was supportive of the Fiscal Framework and cited the document as a tool to strengthen Brock’s financial sustainability in its report,” Tonnos said.

  Brock has also focused on improving student retention rates and continues to set aside funding in the budget for employee future benefits, debt repayment and capital replacement.

  “The Financial Planning and Investment Committee is very pleased with the DBRS Rating that Brock has been able to achieve through strong fiscal management,” said Committee Chair Dennis Hewko. “This rating confirms that Brock is going in the right direction and continuing to take steps to address the long-term sustainability of the University.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases