Thunderbird mid-year report card

The first term is over, so it's time for The Ubyssey's annual mid-year report card. We've taken a look at every varsity team that has played since our last report card and graded their performances. Some of the teams have finished their seasons, others will play until the end of February and into March. Agree with our marks?

Football: A+

Was there any doubt about football’s grade? They won their first Vanier Cup since 1997, beating Calgary and Montreal along the way, and have three of the top CFL draft prospects in Terrell Davis, Taylor Loffler and Quinn van Gylswyk. The question is if they can keep up their winning ways.

Men's Soccer: A-

Being on the men’s soccer team is hard — if you don’t win the national championship, the season is deemed a failure. It’s just expected you win at this point. And the team was perfect until the semifinals when they fell 5-4 in a shootout to the tournament’s hosts, the York University Lions. York went on to win the tournament and UBC settled for third place after beating University of Quebec in Montréal 2-0.

Women's Soccer: A+

Many critics thought the ’Birds would need some time to warm up to their new coach, Marisa Kovacs. They couldn’t have been more wrong. The team lost their third conference game and then proceeded not to lose for the rest of the season. In the postseason, the team outscored their opponents 14-1, winning the national championship game 3-0 over arch rivals Trinity Western University. 

Swimming: A

Also another given as both teams have cleaned up all season long. The teams, both men’s and women’s, unsurprisingly captured first at both the Odlum Brown Limited Colleges Cup and the Canada West Championships. They did, however, lose their annual alumni meet — hence no A+. Erin Stamp, Keegan Zanatta and Erika Seltenreich-Hodgson all have had standout seasons.

Women's Field Hockey: A+

Another UBC team, another national championship. The team won their fifth straight title under their second coach even after a slow start to the season. Think they can win their sixth straight in 2016?

Men's Rugby: A

The women’s team lost three of their four conference games and tied the University of Lethbridge 12-12. Their dismal record failed to qualify them for the playoff. The men's team has had quite the opposite season. They are now 8-0 and have won all of their games by 13 or more points. The team also captured the Mainland Cup 20-0 against Burnaby Lake RC. Come January 16, the team will look to defend the Wightman Boot against rivals, the University of Victoria.

Men's Basketball: B

With 6-2 in conference play and 13-4 overall, the team has played consistently well. But if they hope to win the CIS Final 8 they are hosting this March, they are going to have to be better. Conor Morgan, Jordan Jensen-White and Phil Jalalpoor have all been playing excellently and the rest of the year looks promising if the team can polish up.

Women's Basketball: C-

The women’s basketball team has been having a hard time finding their feet this season, which isn’t particularly surprising considering the class the team graduated last year. New recruits have shown plenty of promise. But with a 2-6 conference record and a four game losing streak, playoffs are unlikely this season. Although next year could be very exciting.

Men's Volleyball: B+

Perennial contenders, the team has started the season of pretty strongly. The team suffered avoidable losses against Manitoba and struggled against the University of Winnipeg, but has played consistently well otherwise. They are on the road in California at the moment being beat up by NCAA heavyweights. So when they return to Canada, the competition shouldn’t be too hard.

Women's Volleyball: A-

The team, after a 3-6 win preseason, bounced back and are 11-1 in conference play, dropping a single meeting to Mount Royal University. Playoffs don’t start until the end of February, but you can bet you’ll see UBC there and competing for the title.

Cross Country: A-

Not being in the spotlight is nothing new for the cross country team, but it hasn’t slowed them down — nor has the departure of longtime coach Marek Jedrzejek. Both the men’s and women’s teams first posted perfect scores taking places 1-5. The teams then headed to Charlotte, North Carolina to compete in the NAIA Championships where the men placed sixth — their highest ever. Meanwhile the women, who were three time defending champions, took second.

Men's Hockey: C

Another team, another new coach — this time in Adam Shell. The team has faired okay, posting a 8-5-3 record last term. It’s a long haul to qualify for the playoffs, but the team has the talent to make it happen. They’re rough around the edge and have lots of new faces, but it could turn out to be an exciting season.

Women's Hockey: C+

Similarly to the men’s team, the women’s record isn’t amazing — although it isn’t terrible either. With 11-7-3 overall and 9-5-2 in conference play, the team has played well throughout the season. About half of their loses have been within one point and another quarter have been in overtime. Right now, the highlight of the season has been their hilarious viral video, but you shouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t stay that way.

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