Jen McKenzie is no stranger to New Brunswick.
Especially when it comes to basketball.
The commissioner of the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association – she is preparing for her second year at the helm as preparation begins for Season IV next spring – will hit New Brunswick soil this weekend to experience a first in her storied athletic career.
McKenzie certainly knows her way around a golf course, but for the first time in her life, she will tee it up in the Picture Province, part of the amazing celebrity fundraising initiative known as The Archie, in support of World’s Oldest Basketball Court.
Everything unfolds Aug. 15 at vaunted Algonquin Golf Course in picturesque St. Andrews.
McKenzie has made sure to brush up on the event’s history.
The Archie, entering its third annual run presented by Riverview Lincoln of Fredericton, pays homage to Lyman Archibald, a protégé of James Naismith and a member of the first ever, yes ever, basketball team.
Archibald would bring basketball to New Brunswick, establishing a court at the St. Stephen YMCA.
And there you have the story. The building has survived decades from its opening in 1893, was re-discovered after a fire a few years ago, almost demolished, but is now on the radar to become a major tourist attraction in the Border Town and province.
Artist conceptions and visualization are amazing under the watchful eye of New Brunswick native Tom Liston and his remarkable crew of volunteers and partners, hoping to accelerate funds to create what would be a massive masterpiece focusing on the history of the game.
McKenzie has absorbed all the stories of The Archie and landed a spot on a very familiar person’s team. A year ago, Saint John’s Kurt Peacock nailed a hole in one with a yard sale purchased golf club and a found ball to win the use of a vehicle from Riverview Lincoln.
It was an amazing moment and will be talked about for years.
McKenzie is only too glad to catch up on the history of The Archie, the World’s Oldest Basketball Court, connecting with Liston and many more basketball aficionados.
The tournament, VIP reception, dinner, 3 v 3 tournament and so much more await.
‘I tried desperately to make things work last year and play, but there were some conflicts, so it was definitely on my radar this year,’ said McKenzie, the Dartmouth, NS, resident who is an outstanding basketball official at the university and professional levels. ‘There seemed to be so much excitement surrounding the event and as we get closer to it, you can feel how much this means to everyone. The MWBA has been associated with the tournament from a distance, but the relationship amongst basketball people is amazing. It’s just a great opportunity to learn about this amazing project, be with basketball-minded people and so many entrepreneurs and maybe introduce people to our incredible league.’
The list of celebrities will ensure a remarkable variety from athletes, media, Broadway performers and more.
Three-time Canadian Olympian Miranda Ayim is back in St. Andrews. Ayim was our nation’s flag-bearer at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Juno Award winner David Myles of Fredericton brings his passion for music and basketball to St. Andrews, performing an exclusive set for VIP, golfers and Platinum partners.
Husband and wife team and multiple Paralympians David and Sabrina Durepos can talk medals all day long, considering the haul they have combined for over the years representing Canada at the Olympics and international stage.
Popular Jack Armstrong, the colourful and loquacious sportscaster, is back in town and will take as many Toronto Raptors, Olympics and more questions you have for him.
Broadway’s Tony Lepage and fellow actor Matt Deangelis, world silver medalist boxer Charlie Cavanagh, Sportsnet columnist Michael Grange, the brilliant hip-hop star Maestro Fresh Wes, former Team Captain and Olympian Joyce Slipp (an avid fan of the MWBA), Raptor radio play-by-play Eric Smith, former Olympian and Raptor colour commentator Sherman Hamilton, Fredericton’s own Dianne Norman, the remarkable multi-sport athlete and Canadian Olympian, sportscaster Paul Jones and more will be on hand.
The down-to-earth celebrity tournament is something McKenzie cannot wait for.
‘I am absolutely delighted to be joining Kurt’s team and meeting my teammates and so many others,’ she said. ‘I love golf and cannot wait to play the course I keep hearing so much about. Those who have played it tell me I am going to say ‘wow,’ a lot.’
She also looks forward to connecting with Liston.
Liston was in St. Stephen last spring, cheering on the MWBA’s four New Brunswick-based teams at the first-ever McDonald’s Battle at the Border, featuring Moncton Mystics, Fredericton Freeze, Port City Fog of Saint John and Miramichi Her-Icanes. The MWBA also features Halifax Thunder, Halifax Hornets and Lake City 56ers of Dartmouth/Cole Harbour out of Nova Scotia.
‘I know Mr. Liston is an avid fan of basketball and the MWBA and we couldn’t be any happier to have someone like him in our corner,’ said McKenzie. ‘We finished our third year on an incredible high as a league and the work is well under way for next season already.’