The 2019 Canadian Elite Basketball League season was a magical time for the Saskatchewan Rattlers group and their president, Lee Genier.
Quick ahead 5 years and Genier is chasing that very same feeling, returning to the franchise the place he received all of it half a decade in the past.
“Six years in the past we launched this group, this league,” mentioned Genier. “We had a Cinderella, superb story for yr one. We received a championship, introduced a championship right here I’m going to say in opposition to all odds.”
“We wish to fill this constructing again in, deliver the vitality again to that and win one other championship.”
On Thursday, the Rattlers formally introduced Genier has been introduced on as group president forward of the 2024 season to serve in the identical function he did between 2018 and 2020.
As properly, Genier was chief working officer of western operations for the CEBL throughout the 2019 season overseeing Saskatchewan, Edmonton and Fraser Valley’s franchises.
In response to Genier, the chance to leap again into the native basketball scene is one thing he wished to pursue whereas filling SaskTel Centre within the course of.
“That is my fourth time again engaged on a challenge right here in Saskatchewan,” mentioned Genier. “I really like the followers in Saskatchewan, I really like the eagerness right here as a result of individuals are so passionate. That’s an enormous factor, too, coming again right here, and let’s see this constructing full. That could be a massive a part of coming again right here.”
Genier beforehand served as president for the Saskatchewan Rush, profitable a Nationwide Lacrosse League title in 2016, and was a high-ranking govt for each the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Soccer League and beforehand was on the board of administrators for Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton.
Rattlers vice-president Brad Kraft, in the meantime, is not going to be returning this summer season, because the group has parted methods with the longtime govt.
The Rattlers are coming off an inconsistent 2023 CEBL season by which they started the yr with a 4-8 report ensuing within the mid-season firing of head coach Dean Demopoulos.
Tanner Massey was promoted to interim head coach and helped Saskatchewan win 4 of their closing seven video games, nevertheless the Rattlers missed out on the playoffs with an 8-12 report.
Within the coming weeks, the Rattlers are anticipated to announce who shall be taking up that head teaching place, in response to Genier.
“We do have any person in place which is nice,” mentioned Genier. “The whole lot is working within the background proper now and we’re excited to make it one of many upcoming bulletins.”
Final week, the Rattlers unveiled their 2024 schedule which is able to kick off on Might 22 with a three-game residence stand in opposition to the Winnipeg Sea Bears, Montreal Alliance and Vancouver Bandits.
Again within the Rattlers fold, Genier mentioned he’s wanting to see the fan interplay develop which is ongoing with season ticket gross sales.
“Successful is all the time necessary and so they’re constructing a championship group,” mentioned Genier. “That on the basketball operations facet is absolutely thrilling. Off the courtroom, any sports activities group is about its followers and we wish to deliver these individuals again.”
The Rattlers shall be aiming to qualify for the CEBL championship weekend in August, which shall be hosted in Montreal.
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