The Mariners will be in the mix once again at nationals.
Vancouver Island University announced Tuesday that it has been selected to host the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association men’s soccer championships in 2017.
“We have a large and dedicated soccer community in Nanaimo that is excited to experience a national championship,” said Bruce Hunter, VIU athletic director, in a press release. “The city of Nanaimo is looking forward to welcoming the teams from across the country and we are all confident that it will be a great experience for everyone.”
VIU’s men’s soccer program has reached nationals four of the last six seasons, medalling all four times including gold in Edmonton in 2010.
David Munro, CCAA men’s soccer convenor, said the fact that the men’s soccer Mariners are “perennial contenders” makes nationals a particularly good fit in Nanaimo.
“There is reason to believe that VIU will contend for the national championship in front of their home fans in 2017,” Munro said.
The tournament will bring together eight college teams from B.C. to the Maritimes, including all the conference champions, for 14 matches at Merle Logan Field from Nov. 8-11, 2017. In the meantime, this year’s men’s soccer nationals will be hosted by Keyano College in Fort McMurray, Alta.
