MICHAEL KATZ NAMED VARSITY BLUES BASKETBALL COACH
Katz has led Humber College's men's basketball team since 1984. In that time, the team won seven provincial and five national championships, and produced seven All-Canadian players. He has achieved an overall won-loss record of 455 and 156. Katz is also a four-time OCAA Coach of the Year and a three-time CCAA Coach of the Year award winner.
"Mike has shown incredible commitment to his teams and players, as well as having an intense passion for the game matched with extensive knowledge of the sport," says Liz Hoffman, dean of co-curricular education at the Faculty of Physical Education and Health. "We're thrilled to have him join the Varsity Blues program as head coach."
Katz is the assistant coach of the Canadian national team, and took part in the 2000 Olympic Games and World Championships in 1993 and 2002 with the team. In 1997, he guided Canada's team at the World University Games in Sicily to a silver medal. Katz was also the head coach of the Ontario provincial team from 1986 to 1989, which won a gold and silver medal.
"He's been a huge asset to the national team over the last five years," says Jay Triano, head coach of the Canadian men's national team and assistant coach of the Toronto Raptors. "He's accomplished everything possible at the college level and for him to move to the university level is the natural step for Mike to take."
A U of T alum, Katz played with the Varsity Blues from 1968 to 1971 while studying for his Bachelor of Commerce degree (1972). He also holds a Bachelor of Education from U of T and a Master of Education from Central Michigan University.
"Coming back to U of T is a great opportunity and an exciting challenge for me," says Katz. "The men's basketball program has a lot of potential and I'm looking forward to working with the players to get the team playing to the best of its ability."
Varsity Blues men's basketball fought hard in the 2003-2004 season, making their way into the playoffs despite having their third head coach in as many years. They finished the season with an under .500 win, loss record at 6-16, but they had as many as seven tough losses or more by games decided by eight points or less. Katz replaces interim head coach Sherwyn Benn.
(Source: U of T Sports Information)