Huskie Athletics has made a “Capital” decision when it comes to naming a 10th head coach in the history of the University of Saskatchewan men’s basketball program.
Jamie Campbell replaces Barry Rawlyk and interim bench boss Chad Jacobson at the helm of the Dogs, coming to the U of S from Ontario Basketball where he was the technical director since November of 2021. Before that, Campbell was an assistant coach for the Carleton University men’s team out of Ottawa, meaning he was part of the Ravens’ U Sport National title wins in 2019 and 2020. He also found time to be an assistant coach with the C-E-B-L’s Ottawa Blackjacks in 2020. A Waterloo, Ontario, product, Campbell will officially be on campus on July 13. Following is the news release from Huskie Athletics…..
USask Huskies Announce Tenth Head Coach in Men’s Basketball History
Former Carleton Ravens Assistant Coach ready to lead Huskies into new era
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan Huskies announced Jamie Campbell as the new head coach of the men’s basketball program on June 29, 2022.
Campbell becomes just the tenth head coach in the program’s storied history—which includes one national title—since the team’s inception in 1962.
Campbell joins the Huskies from Ontario Basketball, where he was the technical director since November of 2021. Prior to joining Ontario Basketball, Campbell worked as an assistant coach with the Carleton University Ravens (Ontario University Athletics) men’s basketball program where he won two U SPORTS national championships in 2019 and 2020, and as an assistant for the Ottawa BlackJacks (Canadian Elite Basketball League) in 2020. The Waterloo, ON product was also previously an assistant coach with Wilfrid Laurier University from 2012-18.
“I am honoured to have been selected by the search committee to join this successful Huskie Athletics program,” said Campbell, who off the court is an integral member for Athletes Combating Racism. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with dedicated student athletes in the pursuit of the ultimate goal of a national championship.”
Campbell, who has coached at the Provincial and National Sport Organization level with Team Ontario and Canada Basketball’s Junior Academy, said he can hardly wait to get to Saskatoon and begin working with the team.
“My commitment to hard work, attention to detail and pursuit of excellence will be evident on my first day on campus,” said the incoming head coach who also oversaw the Waterloo Wolverines and Ottawa Elite club teams. “The Huskies have such outstanding support from fans, the university and donors and I look forward to making all of them proud with the team we put on the court.”
Campbell’s experience with the Carleton Ravens gave him the chance to work closely with legendary coach Dave Smart, as well as current Ravens head coach Taffe Charles. Huskie fans can expect Campbell to employ similar tactics and philosophies that have made Carleton a perennial men’s basketball powerhouse in the country.
Campbell is also a former student-athlete, having suited up for both the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks and the Laurentian Voyageurs.
The Campbell surname is familiar with Canadian university basketball fans. Both Campbell’s father (Peter Campbell) and stepbrother (John Campbell) have had successful careers in the OUA. The elder Campbell enjoyed a 31-year career as the head coach for the Laurentian Voyageurs and the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks. During his career, Peter Campbell won the Stuart W. Aberdeen Memorial Trophy for Coach of the Year in 1996-97. After spending 11 years as the Dalhousie Tigers bench boss, John Campbell joined the Toronto Varsity Blues program in 2013-14. He guided the Tigers to two Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championship titles and earned the AUS coach of the year honours in 2010-11.
“We are thrilled to have Jamie join us as the next head coach of our men’s basketball program,” said Shannon Chinn, Huskie Athletics Chief Athletics Officer. “Jamie brings a high pedigree of excellence and a successful track record in U SPORTS basketball. We are confident that Jamie will thrive in Saskatchewan for years to come and are excited to welcome him to the community.”
Selection committee member and men’s basketball alumni Rob Lovelace is excited about Campbell joining the Huskies.
“We are excited on having Jamie Campbell be named the Huskie men’s basketball head coach. With his history of success in U SPORTS as well as passion and drive for pushing student-athlete success, we look forward to Jamie keeping the Huskie men’s program as one of the best in the nation.”
Campbell’s first official day on campus will be July 13 when he will get started on the quest to bring the men’s basketball program back to the national championship stage. The Huskies enjoyed a magical post-season in 2021-22, finishing the season with a national silver medal after falling to the Carleton Ravens in the national finals.
