UBC freshman running back Shane Noel (right) takes a handoff from quarterback Parker Simson during fall camp practice in Vancouver. (Richard Lam/UBC athletics)
Feature University Football

‘Sugar Shane’ brings sweet feet to Thunderbird Stadium, ex-STMC back ready to take flight with ‘Birds

VANCOUVER — If the reports from training camp carry over into the regular season, then a popular touchdown anthem at Thunderbird Stadium this fall is going to be a sound bite of the line ‘Sugar, Sugar’ from that infectious 1969 bubble-gum pop smash by The Archies.

UBC's Michael O'Connor has ridden both sides of the emotional roller-coaster over his first two seasons as the Thunderbirds' starting quarterback. (Richard Lam/UBC athletics)
Feature University Football

Michael O’Connor: UBC’s QB-1 on how his humbled ‘Birds prep for redemption in 2017

VANCOUVER — In those on-field moments, when he breaks contain and puts his feet to work, UBC Thunderbirds’ quarterback Michael O’Connor is a guy that can make you miss.

UBC receiver Alex Morrison missed most of 2016 with a broken arm, but he's got his health back and is headed off to New York Giants' rookie mini-camp on May 11. (Bob Frid, UBC athletics)
Feature University Football

UBC Thunderbirds receiver Alex Morrison answers call to duty at New York Giants rookie mini-camp

VANCOUVER — While gaining an invitation to the New York Giants rookie mini-camp offers UBC Thunderbirds’ receiver Alex Morrison no guarantee of an NFL future, recent history has shown that his particular destination packs a ton of karma in the pursuit of a professional football career.