Hoops program receives largest single donation in Bisons sports history

More than 70 people gathered inside the Investors Group Athletic Centre early Monday to celebrate a monumental day for Manitoba Bisons basketball.

John Loewen, a post player for the Herd from 1968-73, has donated $1 million towards the men’s hoops program to help support key initiatives for the next decade.

After his playing career, Loewen went on to become an MLA and a prominent businessman who founded Payworks.

“My time at the University of Manitoba was very formative in everything that happened afterwards,” Loewen told the Free Press on Monday.

“It was a period in my life where we come here at 18 years old, we’re young men who aren’t sure what we’re doing and where we’re going, and you learn so much — particularly from the basketball program — in terms of discipline, what it takes to succeed, and the intensity that it takes.

“I felt like it was a good opportunity to give back to a program that has given so much to me.”

The money will go toward a variety of things, including team equipment, upgrades to the locker room and weight room, non-conference travel, recruitment, nutrition, and the hosting of major events.

It’s the largest donation in Bisons sports history.

“To me, it’s more of a debt of gratitude than anything,” said Loewen.

“You realize when you talk to the people at the university how grateful they are, and that means a lot. It’s just a wonderful day.”

On Monday, Loewen was presented with framed artwork from a Bisons alumni event created by an art student, customized Air Jordan 1 Lows in U of M colours, framed photos from his playing career, and a framed replica vintage No. 34 Bisons jersey.

“Well, it’s a game-changing donation. I think any time you get support at this level, it causes you to raise the bar,” said Bisons men’s basketball head coach Kirby Schepp.

“It’s going to remove any barriers that we sort of had to compete at the highest level.”

Loewen credited the Herd Hoops Committee, spearheaded by chair and former Bisons great Greg Daniels, for having a role in him making the investment.

“It’s been in the works for some time. Through our alumni group, we were kind of notified this might be coming. Humbled is the best way to describe it. Humbled and grateful,” said Schepp.

“John’s just an incredible man. You look at the significance of what he’s done in our community over his career and lifespan, not only with our program, but just in the sport in general and beyond the sport. He’s certainly a landmark figure in our community in Winnipeg and we’re just grateful he’s on our team.”

Loewen, Schepp, Daniels, fellow Bisons legend Rick Watts, and U of M athletic director Gene Muller all took turns behind the podium to speak in front of Monday’s crowd. The current Bisons team was also in attendance.

“I was fortunate enough to be a part of the 1976 national championship team. But we were standing on the foundation built by John and his teammates who played before us who were national finalists,” said Daniels.

“And today, once again, John is setting the standard. Once again, he’s creating a foundation of the next generation to build a championship vision and culture.”

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