PROFILES OF THE BUILDERS

So many people have taken their personal time to help build on of Winnipeg most vibrant youth leagues. Here are some of those stories

Mike Ruta (LEAGUE FOUNDER)

Considered the “Father of the WMBA”, Mike led in the formation of the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association and became the league’s first president. His vision was to provide a structured basketball league for Winnipeg area youth, outside the school system, and open for all to participate. The league tipped off on November 29, 1997 with 40 teams, based out of 12 community centres. In its second season, it had grown to 97 teams out of 25 centres and added its first Spring League in April, 1998. The Spring League of 2008 saw a record high of 310 teams. With its Fair Play Policy, it has given many more young people an opportunity to play basketball and now includes a Rising Stars Elite division, Steve Nash Youth Basketball, a Senior Spring League, and a section of the Wesmen Classic. Furthermore, the WMBA Foundation has built outdoor basketball courts, awards scholarships to graduating players, and provides subsidies for players and community clubs in need. Mike was also named the Sport Manitoba Volunteer of the Year in 1997.

Reid Kenyon (HEAD REFEREE ASSIGNOR)

I started with the WMBA right out of the gate 25 years ago. Rod Peppler suggested that I would be a good fit to fill the role as assignor for this league! I was “green” but eager and have enjoyed every minute of my time involved with the WMBA and the great people around the league.  The growth of the league over the first number of years was outstanding however very challenging to keep up with servicing of the league.

I have been very fortunate in my referee career to work games locally, nationally, and internationally. Very early in my career, I was given several very good opportunities at every level to stretch and grow. This allowed me to begin my journey and experience many great experiences in the game. From the local courts in high school around East Kildonan all the way to South America and Europe on the world stage with many stops in between. Probably my biggest highlight as a referee was officiating The Dream Team in Madison Square Gardens. Today, I am still very active at the University level and travelling to my 15^th national tournament this April to represent Canada West in the Men’s Usport National Championship! As my referee career is closer to the end than the start, I really cherish every moment I am involved. These experiences at every level have really shaped who I am as a referee and as a WMBA Referee Supervisor. I am very proud of the program we have in place that address’s grassroots officiating! The WMBA didn’t just grow basketball for players but has had a tremendous impact on our referee fraternity! 

Over the past 25 years I have sat on the WMBA board and the “last one” standing from the inception of the league! My involvement is really focused on officiating in the league. In addition to that, I also sit on our provincial referee board – Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials representing the WMBA. Over the years I have organized many referee development camps locally in Winnipeg and attended many camps across Western Canada as a Clinician over the years. I was very fortunate especially in the early days of the WMBA to have the leadership of Rod Peppler who really was passionate about new officials and their development. Under his tutelage, the Junior Development of Referee’s Clinic/Mentorship program was developed. This program still is a backbone of young officials who start in the WMBA. I owe so much to Rod for the work he did and allowed me to be apart of. The WMBA officials group is really a reflection of his great work! 

I have been fortunate to work 14 national championships in Canada and receive the Gold Medal game in 4 of them! Hopefully a fifth is in the books this year! My international career representing Canada allowed me to travel numerous times all over the world that I so fortunate to be at the right place at the right time. I have been nominated for the Manitoba Official of the Year 3 times winning it in 2015!   

The WMBA has impacted basketball over the last 25 years and really allowed us as officials to structure a training protocol because of it! I am very proud that I have watched this league from a Mike Ruta vision to where it is today! Currently I would say more than half of the officials in Manitoba got started in the WMBA! Many of our best today where new to officiating and started right here in our great league! The WMBA has been instrumental in what officiating in Manitoba is today!