Expansion in store for women's national b-ball championship

The Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) board gathered for its annual general meeting June 13-15 in Brudenell, P.E.I., which rendered a number of changes in terms of policy and funding. But one of the most anticipated developments is the expansion of the women's basketball national championship tournament.Starting in 2010, 16 teams will compete in four regional Final Four tournaments hosted by each of the CIS' conference champions. The four victors of these tournaments will proceed to the national Final Four to compete for the CIS championship. Currently only eight teams advance to the national championship.But what does this mean for the Carleton University Ravens women's basketball team?Taffe Charles, the new head coach of the squad, said he is taking the new format under consideration while he prepares his team for the upcoming season."It's like having mini-nationals and offering the exposure to other reams which also provides the opportunity to host the semifinals — and that is always an exciting and valuable experience," he said.Although Charles said it is a positive change and welcomes the expanded championship format, he also said what it really comes down to is the will to win and the necessary tools to make it happen.Whether this change will enhance the competitive nature of the sport within the CIS is questionable, he said.Charles did mention, however, that with the change comes the opportunity for more exposure for the basketball reputations of Carleton and the city of Ottawa, which are important factors during the rebuilding stage of his squad.According to Charles, the CIS' decision to expand will play a key role in recruitment."Everyone wants to be part of the national championships, and it's one more thing that I can 'sell' in terms of Carleton's recruitment," he said. "It brings the goal a little closer to home in terms of potential to be on that national stage."While crunch-time for recruitment is quickly passing, Charles said he is using his position as an active member of the local athletic community to his advantage as he seeks skilled and motivated players to compile his team.For Charles, "making Carleton a viable option for the young and active basketball players of the community is indispensable."Charles said he is looking for individuals who are committed to hard work and dedicated to being the best athletes they can be.