Chubaty leads Bobcats on, off pitch

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This article was published 25/10/2023 (890 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Nathan Chubaty has led the Brandon University Bobcats in some capacity since his first Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference men’s soccer game.

Even as a rookie, his booming voice led the team’s pre-game cheer with a “Three, two, one, Bobcats!” that echoed blocks away from the Healthy Living Centre field.

Now the Brandonite is a co-captain and leader of the No. 2-ranked Bobcats as they enter the final four weekend. On Tuesday, he was one of 10 players named to the MCAC True Sport team for his efforts on the field, as well as in his studies and the community.

“It’s a big honour. It means a lot. It means you’re recognized by your teammates, by the coaches,” Chubaty said.

“It’s very easy to lead these guys, it’s a great group of guys so it feels really good to be honoured by them and know I’m respected by them, because I respect them so much.”

The third-year centre-back has started since his rookie season and quickly found his voice as the anchor of a stingy defensive unit.

He feels a lot more comfortable now, not only directing teammates but also encouraging and offering constructive feedback during matches and practices.

Chubaty helped the Bobcats to a 7-3-2 record ahead of Saturday’s semifinal against the Canadian Mennonite University Blazers.

He also volunteered for the Westman Regional Soccer Association in the summer, helping run camps, and is working for the organization now. He has volunteered with various churches, most recently Knox United across the street from the HLC field.

“Nathan is a tremendous leader on the pitch and off. His commitment to the team and his teammates is evidenced by how respected he is by his teammates,” coach Glen McNabb said in a release.

BU’s women’s soccer player is a back-to-back True Sport team selection. Brandon product Molly MacPherson-Blair has gone from redshirt to starting centre-back and captain of the 10-2-0 Bobcats, who also play CMU (5-7-0) in the 2-vs.-3 semifinal on Saturday in Winnipeg.

“Molly is an outstanding student-athlete in all aspects,” coach Orlin Chalmers said in the release. “A leader on and off the pitch, she also holds a high academic standard for herself which spills over in the form of support and encouragement for her teammates. She was a National Scholar award winner last year and is on pace to do so again this year.”

For the Assiniboine Community College Cougars, who had a chance to reach both the men’s and women’s playoffs for the first time on the final weekend but came up short, the selections were Danylo Denysevych and Kiana Gunnarson.

Danysevych walked on through ACC’s men’s soccer tryouts and ended up being a key component to the team’s midfield and a coach’s dream in practice.

“Danylo is one of the hardest workers in practice,” coach Chris McLachlan said. “He arrives early and always helps with setting up and taking down the soccer nets.

“Athletics staff have commented on multiple occasions how kind and helpful Danylo is. Danylo plays hard on the field but is always respectful of his opponents before, during and after the match. He truly epitomizes the seven True Sport Principles.”

Gunnarson contributed offensively as one of two Cougars to find the net during a rebuilding season but did a lot more than that according to coach Mark Dabbs.

“Kiana has been ‘Miss Versatility’ for the team, playing numerous positions as different needs arose,” Dabbs said. “She is always monitoring and encouraging the new and less experienced players on the team, both in training and during matches. Her work ethic is an example to teammates.”

The league’s coaches of the year will be announced today, with all-conference and MVP selections coming out on Thursday.

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