Campus Life

Van Gaalen confident of revival

The pride is there, a tradition is in place but like a latent volcano, the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's basketball program is waiting to explode.

Head coach Dave Adams steps in knowing he doesn't have to create a Pronghorn culture, rather his challenge will be to reinvigorate what lies dormant.

"What we need to work on is making sure we engage the rich basketball history, culture and tradition that exists here, not only at the U of L but in southern Alberta," says Adams.

Guard Quinn Van Gaalen is confident that under Adams, that culture can be revived. As the son of an alumnus, he knows Pronghorn roots run deep in the area and that the basketball community is longing for a reason to celebrate the Blue and Gold.

"Even in these last two years when we haven't been all that successful, I'm still always being asked how we're doing," says Van Gaalen. "As critical as this community can be sometimes, they are passionate about Horns basketball and they want to see us do well."

The enthusiasm Adams brings to the job is something that has won over Van Gaalen. Reconnecting with the people that first established Pronghorn pride and tradition, is an avenue he can't wait to explore.

"My dad played for the U of L and he's a big supporter and part of the alumni association and that's one thing I really want to bring back," Van Gaalen says. "I want to have a camaraderie with everyone who's played here before and I want to feel a part of something bigger."