La Trobe University Basketball Club is deeply saddened by the shock loss of one of it's longest standing and most decorated players, Ivars "Kep" Kepitis, at 54 years of age.

Kep was a member of LTU's first ever University Games teams. He was the first ever LTU Basketball player to be selected to the Green and Gold team and due to his superior play, was also the first club member to be awarded a Full Blue by La Trobe University in 1973.

Current Big V men's coach, Andrew Whelan said the news came as a shock. "I was looking forward to playing with Kep at the next Master's games. It's been a while since we played together." Whelan then went on to say that Kep will be remembered as a fierce competitor who played hard with a strong will to win. "The big fella was a tenacious rebounder and had a soft touch around the basket. His rivals were not generally shown his softer side. He was a master debater and quite often could be seen in earnest discussion with the officials, who tended to continue to call fouls that were quite obviously not there.

Since the club's inception, Kep has been a valuable club contributor. Not only did he continue representing LTU at the Master's level, he was also a regular supporter and attendee at Big V matches and social functions. Without the devotion and passion of people like Kep, LTU Basketball would not be the club it is today.

LTU Basketball extends it deepest condolences to the Kepitis family.

Farewell Big Kep. You cannot be replaced!

Funeral Details:
Friday 9 June 2006

2.00pm

St Francis Xavier's School
86 Mayona Road
East Montmorency
Vic 3094