OTTAWA, Kan. - Ottawa University’s men’s basketball program has announced the signing of Michael Chouinard for the upcoming 2008-2009 year. He is from Cleveland, Mo. and attended Cass Midway High School.

Chouinard, a 6’5” forward, earned four letters in basketball, football and track for the Vikings. He was a three time all-conference selection for Cass Midway and earned all-district honors this past season. Chouinard helped lead the Vikings to an 18-7 record, averaging 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal per game. He shot 70 percent from the free throw line, 40 percent from behind the three point line and shot 43 percent overall from the floor. Chouinard reached the 1,000 point milestone this past season and holds the school record for most three point field goals made in a game with seven. He is also the high school teammate of Braves’ signee Zach Fischer.

“Michael is a great student and a very good player. He is a frontliner that is very skilled. He shoots the three well and is a very good passer,” said OU head coach Andy Carrier. “With some added strength and college experience, he will develop into a very good varsity player in out program. We are thrilled he has chosen OU.”

Chouinard is the son of Karen Chouinard and plans to concentrate on his general studies before deciding on a major.

Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA. Ottawa University’s educational mission brings together a residential campus in Ottawa, Kan. and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Kansas City, Mo.; Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe, Ariz.; Milwaukee Wis.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; as well as multiple international instructional sites. For more information, visit http://www.ottawa.edu.