SAIT Trojans headed to National Championship carrying John Smith’s legacy
Posted Mar 25, 2022 10:51 am.
Last Updated Mar 25, 2022 11:05 am.
From tragedy to triumph.
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) men’s basketball team is heading to the National Championship this weekend—for the fifth year in a row—but it’s been a long road to get here.
Last October, SAIT Trojans’ former star player John Smith was tragically killed after being shot defending a woman outside of a Calgary nightclub.
The Trojans said Smith will never be forgotten and is remembered for his charisma.
WATCH: CityNews’ Taylor Braat speaks to SAIT Trojans about former star John Smith
“He had a heart of gold, was brilliant, funny, talented, driven, and authentically himself. He was truly a revolutionary embodiment of Black joy. He made everyone around him feel seen, heard and empowered to self-love,” his family wrote in a statement following his death.
Smith excelled on and off the court, he was described as a mentor to youth in the United States and Calgary. He was also the president of the Black and Indigenous Student Union.
“He carried himself in such a way that he attracted anybody to him. If you did know him or didn’t know him, he was a person who would talk to anybody,” said Pat Boulin, the Senior Assistant Coach of the SAIT Trojans men’s basketball team.
Friday is a very special game for the Trojans as they continue to carry his legacy and honour number 11.
Tip-off is at 6 p.m.
— With files from Taylor Braat, Mark Strashok and Kayla Butler
