CBU to Host Debbie Ruiz Memorial Basketball Tournament

Cape Breton University invites students, employees, Alumni and community members to the Debbie Ruiz Memorial Basketball Tournament held at the Sullivan Field House from October 13-15, 2022. First held in 2016, the tournament returns to CBU this year and will feature women’s basketball teams from University of Prince Edward Island, Mount Royal University, University of Windsor and the hosts– Cape Breton University Capers.

The tournament is hosted in honour and memory of former student-athlete, assistant coach and alumna, Debbie Ruiz. From Montreal, Debbie was a member of the CAPERS women’s basketball team from 2004-2007 and served as assistant coach in 2008. The two-time AUS All-Star winner played a pivotal role in the team’s success during her time at CBU. Sadly, Debbie passed away from cancer in July 2016.

“We may not have seen a bigger competitor here at CBU,” says Fabian McKenzie, Head Coach of the Capers women’s basketball team. “At 5’6” (on a good day), Debbie had the ability to take over games and dominate. She was the absolute best point guard I have ever seen in the AUS and maybe in Canada.” Remembering her infectious laugh and ability to insert the word ‘man’ into almost every sentence she spoke, McKenzie says Debbie’s dedication transcended the court as she was passionate about helping kids get involved in sport. Debbie wanted young girls to have every opportunity she had as they developed their own love for the game.

As a testament to Debbie’s character and in the spirit of her memory, the Tournament is accompanied by a scholarship to help female athletes at Cape Breton University. In conjunction with the CBU women’s basketball team, the CBU Athletics Department is proud to award this annual scholarship of $1,000 to assist with the educational support of a current member of the CBU women’s basketball team, or an incoming student-athlete committed to play on the team.

The tournament is set up in a round-robin format, with each team playing against the other once. Schedule and ticket information can be found below.

 

Schedule

October 13

6:00pm MRU vs Windsor

8:00pm UPEI vs CBU

 

October 14

5:00pm UPEI vs MRU

7:00pm Windsor vs CBU

 

October 15

1:00pm Windsor vs UPEI

3:00pm MRU vs CBU

 

Ticket Info

Adults – $10

Seniors & Under 12 – $5

CBU Students & Under 6 – Free

(Price includes both games per day)

Tickets available at the door.

 

For more information, visit cbu.ca/events