By Jadon Frank

Gradyn Childerhose has had an incredible impact on the Briercrest College basketball team during his four year tenure. His hard work was recognized on the first day of the 2012-13 ACAC Basketball Championships at the ACAC Awards Banquet that took place at host Keyano College in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Childerhose was selected as ACAC South First Team All-Conference, and is ACAC nominee for All-Canadian Team and Player of the Year. ACAC All-Conference teams are selected by Conference Coaches.

The native of Outlook, Saskatchewan had an immediate impact upon joining the team at the beginning of the 2008-09 season, ranking second on the team in points per game as a rookie, and hasn’t looked back since. He has consistently improved in every statistical category each season, quietly going about his business to become a complete player on both sides of the court. Childerhose ended his career ranked third all-time in the ACAC for blocks in a career with 43, tied for tenth in career rebounds with 527, and fourth in career scoring with 1421 points.

His impact on games was felt consistently every weekend during the 2012-13 season, which is evidenced in the fact that he was given the player of the game award seven times. He ranked first in the CCAA with 25.05 points per game and eighth for rebounds with 10.15 rebounds per game.

This growth as a team player is evidenced by the progression of the program during his tenure beginning with a 1-19 record his rookie season, followed by 3-17, 9-10 and a finally a 19-1 record and number one CCAA ranking in 2012-13.

The 6’ 6” forward transferred to the University of Regina for the 2011-12 season, but decided to return to Briercrest for his fifth and final year of eligibility. The return of Childerhose brought the Briercrest team from the bottom last season to top two this season in almost every statistical category in the ACAC.  Head coach Rod Adrian couldn’t be happier with his decision to return.

“Gradyn Childerhose has been a welcome return to Briercrest on and off the court,” the second year coach said. “Of course, on the court is the most noticeable as he leads the CCAA in scoring average, and is in the top five in the ACAC in field goal percentage, rebounds, and blocks.  He’s making a huge impact on our team and his sure hands and ability to make big plays in the game has contributed to our team’s success.  Off the court his competitive drive is balanced with his great sense of humour as he always has a twinkle in his eye and a funny thing to say.”

Other ACAC Awards were also handed out and Gradyn Childerhose and Matt Myers were selected 2012-13 ACAC South First Team All-Conference and Kendell Boese was selected 2012-13 ACAC South Second Team All-Conference. Coach Rod Adrian was awarded the ACAC South Coach of the Year.

Childerhose and the rest of the Briercrest men’s basketball team begin their playoff drive tomorrow, Friday, March 1 at 6:00 pm. Follow the games online at http://www.sportscanada.tv/index.php/ccaatv/acactv. Be sure to "like" Briercrest Basketball for photos and updates as the men enter the playoff season.