Vic Pruden, an innovator in the realm of basketball, is not merely a player and coach but a true champion and builder of the sport of basketball. His illustrious career spans over 60 years, many of which directly impacted students, players, and coaches in the University of Winnipeg athletic program.
Vic graduated from United College in 1958. However, his coaching career began in 1953, when he coached the Varsity Girls Basketball team at Isaac Newton High School. In 1966, he made history when he transitioned to university level basketball and started the first intercollegiate men’s program at United College; later becoming The University of Winnipeg in 1967.
In 1967, Vic founded the Golden Boy Tournament, a groundbreaking university invitational tournament that would eventually become the Wesmen Classic. This tournament, hosted by the University of Winnipeg attracts teams from across North America and crowds in the thousands. To date, the Wesmen Classic is the longest running UWinnipeg sporting tradition.
In 1972, he started the varsity women’s basketball program at UWinnipeg.