This weekend's series against the Carleton Raves kicks off Lakehead Athletics annual Zanatta Alumni Homecoming Weekend which features a wide range of events for alumni, students, and the general public.
The Zanatta Alumni Games are named in memory of former Lakehead basketball player and mens basketball Head Coach, John Zanatta. After Johns death, Lakehead Athletics held the annual John Zanatta Memorial Games and three years ago decided to combine the Zanatta Games with a new Alumni event to create an overall annual Lakehead homecoming event.
John Zanatta was tragically killed in an automobile accident on August 12, 1990 at the age of 33. Zanatta was on his way back to Thunder Bay to teach and coach at the Lakehead Summer Basketball Camps when his accident occurred. John had left Thunder Bay to pursue a teaching career in London. He was an outstanding basketball player and coach at Lakehead University and, more importantly, he was a member of the Lakehead Athletics Family. John played five seasons for Lakehead and he is fifth on Lakeheads All Time scoring list; collecting 1895 points from 1976 to 1981. He also coached Lakeheads mens team from 1982-83 to 84-85. This years Zanatta Alumni Games Homecoming Weekend is made even more poignant with the passing of Johns brother David, also a Lakehead basketball legend and Wall of Fame member, this past summer.
Upon Johns death, the Zanatta Scholarship Fund was established. The scholarship is awarded to a student who combines leadership, athletic talent, and academic excellence. Lakehead Athletics is proud to announce that this years winners are Kathryn Verboom of womens basketball and Zack White of mens basketball. Johns widow Mirella will be on hand to present the scholarships to Kathryn and Zack at the Athletic Directors Reception on Saturday at the Hangar.
Lakehead Athletics Director Tom Warden said this years games will be the best ever. The Zanatta Alumni Games are very important to us at Lakehead and they serve not only to honour John but also as a way to bring together Lakehead Athletes present and past in a fun, social, and competitive weekend. This year we will also remember Johns brother David who contributed so much to Lakehead and to society.
The annual homecoming event kicks off Friday night with the Wolves mens hockey teams season opener against Carleton. Saturdays events begin with the Athletics Director Reception at the Hangar from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. This reception will honour Lakehead's RBC Academic All Canadians and also see the presentation of the Zanatta Scholarships.
After that, Lakeheads various varsity teams will do battle with their alumni predecessors at the C J Sanders Fieldhouse. Local hoops fans will also get to see Lakehead President Dr. Fred Gilbert lead his men in the always popular Presidents All Stars vs. Media All Stars basketball game. And of course your Wolves mens hockey team will again face off against the Ravens at the Gardens Saturday night as well.
Zanatta Alumni Homecoming Weekend Schedule:
Friday, Sep. 26:
Mens Hockey Season Opener vs. Carleton @ Fort William Gardens: 7:30pm
Saturday, Sep. 27:
At The Hangar
Athletics Directors Reception 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Honouring of Lakehead RBC Academic All Canadians and Presentation of Zanatta Scholarships.
At The C J Sanders Fieldhouse
Volleyball vs. Alumni 2 pm
Wrestling vs. Alumni 4 pm
Women's Basketball vs. Alumni 6 pm
President's All Stars vs. Media Selects Basketball Game - 7:30 pm
Men's Basketball vs. Alumni - 8:15pm
At The Fort William Gardens
Mens Hockey vs. Carleton 7:30 pm