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This past weekend was the final one for the Thunder Men’s Basketball squad for the 2015-16 season. Travelling to Camrose on Friday night for the first of a home and home with the Augustana Vikings, the Thunder would start very slow and not be able to overcome an early 18 point deficit and dropped the game by a final score of 84-70. Leaders for the Thunder – Mike Malin with 12 points and 6 rebounds, Ryan McLaren with 11 points and 12 rebounds, Jason Jones Jr. and Artez Scharer also added 11 each with Brett Jakubec chipping in 10.
Saturday back at the RKAC would be the final game of the season and it too, did not start well for the Thunder who found themselves down by as much as 26 points in the second quarter and trailed 44-24 at the half.  However the Thunder would find the resolve to go on a 47-5 run and would lead by 16 early in the 4th and close out the Vikings by a final score of 78-68. Leaders for the Thunder – Brett Jakubec with 27 points and 9 rebounds, Ryan McLaren with 17 points and 7 rebounds, Bevan Purnell added 13 points with Ben Grimsrud in his final game registering a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
“The final game of a year is always tough,” remarked Coach Reagan Wood. “This year we say goodbye to two amazing guys – Ben Grimsrud and Nate Wojcicki – so I’m glad we found a way to send them out with a win.  They have been team captains and leaders both on and off the floor for us.  Ben was my first recruit as a Head Coach and to see how he has grown as a player has been remarkable, I couldn’t be more proud of Ben and what he has accomplished through his hard work, especially overcoming his ACL tear, and getting back to a point where he could compete at such a high level.  Nate has been the heart and soul of our team for many years and has always given 100%.  He too, has battled injuries and had to miss a lot of time over his career but his dedication to our team has been unquestioned.  Replacing what he brings to our team is going to be hard to do.  I know that as he moves into the next phase of his life he is going to continue to be an incredible person and a leader wherever he is.  I want to thank Ben and Nate for the combined 10 years they have put into our program.  We are all much better for the time they have given to our team and I am going to miss them tremendously.”