January 26, 2012

Source OUA Communications

HAMILTON, Ont. – Ontario University Athletics is pleased to announce that the University of Waterloo will host the 2012 OUA Wilson Cup, presented by Recharge with Milk .The Final Four tournament will be played at the Physical Activities Complex (PAC) from March 2-3, 2012, and broadcast on The Score Television Network.

OUA men’s basketball playoffs presented by Investors Group tip off on February 22, and by February 25, four teams will be locked into the OUA Wilson Cup Final Four schedule. This will be the second year that the championships will be played at a predetermined site.

 “Last year’s Wilson Cup Final Four in Hamilton was a great event, and OUA is looking forward to following up that success with another great tournament, this time in Waterloo,” said Ward Dilse, OUA Executive Director. “The Wilson Cup Final Four tournament is an exciting occasion to celebrate OUA basketball. We’re very pleased to be working alongside both Waterloo and The Score to showcase the best of OUA basketball.”

Christine Stapleton, University of Waterloo Associate Athletic Director, echoed Dilse’s sentiments. “The University of Waterloo is delighted to be hosting the 2012 OUA Wilson Cup. It’s been a long time since an athletic event of such magnitude has been held at the university, and we’re thrilled that the tournament is coming to Waterloo. We’re excited to use this opportunity to celebrate the rich history and leadership within the Waterloo basketball community.”

Recharge with Milk will be the presenting sponsor and official recovery beverage for the 2012 OUA Wilson Cup. Through Dairy Farmers of Canada’s (DFC) Recharge with Milk campaign, the organization promotes chocolate milk as a post recovery beverage. Chocolate milk's combination of carbohydrates, high-quality protein, fluid and electrolytes first made researchers take notice of a potential post-workout recovery benefit. Chocolate milk has all of these nutritional attributes to help refuel and repair exhausted muscles. A growing body of evidence suggests that milk can be an effective sports drink, helping athletes refuel and recover. And, let’s face it – it tastes great!

“Supporting OUA is the natural thing to do for Dairy Farmers of Canada,” said Solange Heiss, Assistant Director, Marketing and Nutrition Communications at DFC. “It is important for Dairy Farmers of Canada to support events like the Wilson Cup Final Four as research continues to point out the many benefits of drinking chocolate milk as an effective post-workout beverage.”

The Score will broadcast both semifinal games and the Wilson Cup final. On March 2, the first semifinal will air live on The Score at 6 p.m. The second semifinal will be played at 8 p.m., and will air tape delayed at 10 p.m. The finals will air live on The Score at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 as Ontario’s top two teams battle to determine who will take home the championship banner.

Tickets are available for individual days at a price of $15 for adults and $10 for youth and students. A tournament pass is available for $20 that includes all three games. Tickets for the Wilson Cup Final Four men’s basketball championship can be purchased by phone at 519-888-4567 ext. 35869 or in person at the University of Waterloo Athletic office, located in the Physical Activities Complex. Tickets will be available for purchase at Waterloo Warriors basketball home games, beginning on Saturday, January 28 at 6 p.m. Those interested in group tickets can contact Jim Hagen at 519-888-4567 ext. 35433.

Returning to Wilson Cup in 2012 is the Ontario Basketball Association’s Mega Hoops Mania clinic. Mega Hoops Mania is an inclusive basketball clinic for children and youth in grades three to eight with the objective of teaching basketball skills in an enjoyable environment. Mega Hoops was designed to engage all participants, irrespective of their gender, background or ability.

“Ontario Basketball is looking forward to being part of the OUA Wilson Cup Final Four again. This event is a great opportunity to expand both the partnership between OUA and OBA, and enhance the basketball experience for all ages throughout the province,” said Michael Cvitkovic, Executive Director of Ontario Basketball.

Recharge with Milk will once again present the Wilson Cup Final Four Celebrity 2-Ball tournament. OUA all-stars will team up with local sports and media celebrities as they show off their skills in support of Athletes for Africa, the official charitable partner of the Wilson Cup Final Four.

For full details on tickets sales and events surrounding the OUA Wilson Cup Final Four men’s basketball championship please visit www.oua.ca/wilsoncup.

-OUA-