Ernie Zoppa’s contributions to Carleton as an athlete and a coach are immense. He played for the Carleton Ravens basketball team for three years (1956/59). During this time, the team won the Ontario – St. Lawrence Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship twice (1957 and 1959). Ernie co-captained the team for two seasons (1957/58;1958/59). He was awarded the Doug Banton Award for Basketball in 1958.

After graduation, Ernie returned to Carleton in 1963 to coach the intermediate men’s basketball team, the Cardinals, which won the city intermediate championship. The following year, Ernie joined the Ravens’ basketball team, where he would coach for the next four years (1964/68). He enjoyed exceptional success, bringing home the championship in three out of four years. This set a coaching record of 70 wins and 31 losses.

In addition to coaching and playing, Ernie served Carleton as an executive committee member of the Carleton University Ravens Basketball Alumni Association; a member of the Hall of Fame Executive Committee; and Chair of the Event Committee.

This fund will allow the Men’s Basketball Coach to cover expenses and items in support of the team that are not covered by operating funds. This may include expenses related to a part-time coaching assistant.