INTERIM TAG REMOVED; AU NAMED MEN'S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH
ETOBICOKE, Ont -- Patrick Au – who spent the 2016-17 season as the interim head coach – has been named the seventh head men's basketball coach in program history.
"It's a real honour to be given the opportunity to continue the great legacy that's been created here at Humber," said Coach Au.
Au officially took on the interim head coaching position on June 10, 2016, and helped guide the Hawks to a 12-4 regular season record. After a crushing overtime loss to Sheridan College in the OCAA semi-finals, Humber went on to capture the bronze medal, the 31st OCAA medal in program history.
"Coach Au exhibits many exceptional qualities that we look for when considering head coaching candidates," said Director of Athletics Ray Chateau. "His knowledge of our basketball program is unique, which gives him a head start in building towards our short-term goals. Most importantly, he's a student-first coach that will undoubtedly lead us to achieve our long-term goals provincially and nationally. I'm honoured to have Coach Au lead our men's basketball program for years to come."
Few first-time head coaches bring the kind of extensive resume and experience to the table that Au possesses. As an assistant coach with the Hawks for six seasons, he helped Humber win five provincial medals and capture its first national championship after ending a 14-year drought.
Au came to Humber after spending ten years coaching the Sacred Heart Catholic High School basketball team, where he helped to build a winning program. Before that, Au was coaching for the JDP Central East of the Ontario Basketball Association and at the Bathurst Jewish Community Centre.
With the interim tag officially removed, Au and his staff must now prepare for Humber basketball without seniors Tyrone Dickson, Gibson Eduful, and Ancil Martin – all of whom played a vital role in Humber's 2015 national title run.
"At this point of the year, the staff and I are working hard to plan for the upcoming season," continued Coach Au. "We want to assemble the best possible team that we can for the Fall. We want a team that the college and our alumni will be proud of."
As preparation for the upcoming season, the men's basketball program will be hosting its annual identification camp on Saturday, April 22. The camp is designed for potential student-athletes to showcase their skills and to identify possible prospects. For those interested in participating, please fill out this online registration form.