Cougars’ Corner: MRU athletes and alumni unite
Legacy of former MRU Athletic Director lives on
Bobby Danger Jones
Sports Editor
Post-secondary education is not cheap, and as a student athlete, working and handling a full course load is a daunting task. That’s where the Cougar Booster Club comes in.
The Cougar Booster Club was established in Nov.1982 by long-time athletic director Al Bohonus. Bohonus’ dream was to create a $1 million endowment for Cougar Athletics. The club met that goal unfortunately just three years prior to Bohuns’ passing—however, his legacy lives on.
According to the Cougar Athletic website, “The Cougar Booster Club is a non-profit volunteer organization that exists to support Mount Royal University student-athletes. We are individuals who represent Mount Royal alumni, student-athletes, employees, students, and members of the community who wish to connect and provide recognition and financial assistance to Cougar athletes”.
Former and current student athletes generate thousands of dollars for the fund by volunteering at bingos and special events, thus ensuring the financial longevity of Cougar athletics and athletes. The endowment fund currently sits at $1.3 million and funds are allocated for scholarships, travel and enhancing the overall athletic experience.
Almost everyone involved with Mount Royal community is eligible for memberships. This includes current and former athletes, coaches, students, parents, guardians, and those in the community who have vested interests in Cougar athletics. Memberships have their perks, including free entry to all Cougar regular season games, 25 per cent discounts on Mount Royal Recreation memberships, and many social events throughout the year.
The CBC is led by a steadfast collection of individuals. President Jean Jarell has been involved in Cougar athletics for over 40 years and was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame for her contribution as a builder of gymnastics in 2001.
Past directors and presidents include Dexter Nelson, Roland LaHaye and Kimmo Korvela. In various capacities, all contributed to the establishment and continuation of Cougar athletics.
The Cougar Booster Club is doing all it can to ensure the retention and acknowledgement of current athletes and to recognize those that have played their part to support Cougar Athletics for generations to come.
Go Cougars Go.
