2010-11 Canada West men's volleyball preview

Alberta Golden Bears
CW Rank: #1
CIS Rank: #1

2009-10 CW Record: 14-4, 1st
2010 CW Playoffs: 2-0, 1st
2010 CIS Tournament: 2-1, 3rd
Last CW Title: 2010
Last CIS Title: 2009

Key returnees: Christopher Womack, Spencer Leiske, Simon Lidster
Key additions: Mike Platinga, Mitch Irvine, Kyle Baird, Jarron Mueller
Key departures: Mike DeRocco, Jason DeRocco, Thomas Jarmoc

EDMONTON - Despite missing three of their top offensive players from last year, the University of Alberta Golden Bears come into the 2010-11 season with a veteran lineup and the expectations of excellence that this program has created.

Leading the charge are fifth-years Christopher Womack (left-side), (right-side) and setter Tanner Nault. Of the three, Leiske, a CIS championship all-star last year, has been a starter, either at right-side or middle, over the past three seasons, while Nault split time last season with incumbent starting setter Mike DeRocco. With his departure, Nault will take over leading the Golden Bear offense on a full-time basis, and Womack.

The Alberta middle, usually a strength for the team, should continue in that vein as returning players Justin Merta, Simon Lidster, Tristan Aubry and sophomore Matt McCreary will soak up floor time. Third-year Libero Erik Mattson started last season, and should be in that role once again, with fourth-year Matthew Tokarik and a pair of freshman as depth.

Added to the roster are Mike Platinga (3rd, left-side), Mitch Irvine (3rd, right-side) and Kyle Baird (4th, right-side) and sophomore setter Jarron Mueller, who played for Mount Royal College last season.

Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics

Brandon Bobcats
CW Rank: #2
CIS Rank: #4

2009-10 CW Record: 12-6, 3rd
2010 CW Playoffs: 1-2
2010 CIS Tournament: N/A
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A

Key returnees: Paul Sanderson, Kevin Miller, Kyle Dellezay
Key additions: Brendan White, Craig Lowe, Fred Marsh, Garrett Popplestone, Brett Young
Key departures: Dan Ashfield, Riley Phillips, Luke Reynolds

BRANDON - The Brandon Bobcats could be the most explosive team in the program’s six-year history.

Last year’s CIS and Canada West MVP Paul Sanderson is returning for his fifth and final year. Sanderson, a product of Melbourne, Australia, set conference records last year including the most kills in one match (36) against Alberta.

Joining Sanderson are countrymen Fred Marsh, Brendan White and Craig Lowe. Marsh, a towering 7’0” middle, brings more size to a tall team. White, a 6’9” left side from Brisbane, comes to Brandon from the Queensland Pirates. Rounding out the Australian connection is Lowe, a 6’5” left side who previously trained with the Australian Institute of Sport.

Other recruits include Garrett Popplestone, a transfer from Medicine Hat College originally from Brandon, and Souris, MB product Brett Young, a promising 6’3” left side.

Bobcat Athletics

UBC Thunderbirds
CW Rank: #9
CIS Rank: N/A

2009-10 CW Record: 4-14, 9th
2010 CW Playoffs: N/A
2010 CIS Tournament: N/A
Last CW Title: 1984
Last CIS Title: 1983

Key returnees: Blair Bann, Demijan Savija, Joe Cordonier
Key additions: Ben Chow, Milo Warren
Key departures: none

VANCOUVER - Last year the UBC Thunderbirds experienced something very rare for a Richard Schick-coached volleyball team - a losing season. Not since 2003-04, Schick’s first with UBC, has the team finished the regular season below .500.

Demijan Savija was easily their most explosive and dangerous outside hitter last season, as he led the team with 3.19 kills-per-game, but injuries slowed him down and even forced him to miss several matches, further hampering the UBC offence. Schick is optimistic about Savija’s chances to bounce back and stay healthy this year though.

While Savija may be one of the best hitters in the league, Blair Bann is almost certainly the best libero. Bann, one of two fifth-years on the team alongside setter Ryan Zwarich, has won the Canada West Libero of the Year award three years in a row, and has taken home CIS Libero of the Year honours twice in that time.

In addition to a bevy of veterans, the T-Birds have five first-years on the roster, including Ben Chow, a left side hitter who was ranked the second-best B.C. high school prospect by The Province newspaper. Ian Perry is a red-shirt freshman who originally joined the ‘Birds as a setter, but has been learning the libero position, and is coming off a stint with the Canadian Junior National team where he played libero.

T-Bird Athletics

Calgary Dinos
CW Rank: #4
CIS Rank: #5

2009-10 CW Record: 13-5, 2nd
2010 CW Playoffs: 3-1, 3rd
2010 CIS Tournament: 3-0, 1st
Last CW Title: 1994
Last CIS Title: 2010

Key returnees: Graham Vigrass, Jay Blankenau, Ciaran McGovern, Curtis James
Key additions: Allen Meek, Levi Nutma, Andrew Visser
Key departures: Oleg Podporin, Tom Porta

CALGARY – In many ways they came out of nowhere to win the national championship in 2010. Now, a veteran group embarks on the defence of that title.

Despite losing six fifth-year seniors to graduation, the Dinos may not even skip a beat. CIS tournament MVP Graham Vigrass and David Egan are solid in the middle, Jay Blankenau and Ciaran McGovern are two of the best setters in the nation, and Allen Meek has the ability to dominate on the right side. He rejoins the squad after sitting out the 2009-10 season.

Meanwhile, a solid group of newcomers complements the core that includes four fifth-year seniors – left side Curtis James, libero Blake Giles, setter/left side Aaron Cyr, and Egan. Andrew Visser, Levi Nutma, and Jace Richards make the trip up Crowchild Trail from Mount Royal to join the Dinos, while middle Trent Monagle comes in from Grande Prairie. It was another middle, however, that had by far the longest trip – Jovan Jankovic joins the Dinos all the way from Pancevo, Serbia.

Calgary looks to make its second straight trip to the national tournament, held March 3-5, 2011 at Trinity Western in Langley, B.C.

Dinos Athletics

Manitoba Bisons
CW Rank: #5
CIS Rank: #7

2009-10 CW Record: 9-9, 7th
2010 CW Playoffs: 0-2
2010 CIS Tournament: N/A
Last CW Title: 2003
Last CIS Title: 2003

Key returnees: Ryan Munt, Dane Pischke, Chris Voth
Key additions: Carson Kauenhowen, Chris Komishon, Evan Jackson
Key departures: none

WINNIPEG - There are only five of 13 players returning from last season and the core is built on the young leaders of Chris Voth, Ryan Munt and Dane Pischke. The Bisons remain a young but experienced squad, as there are no fifth years and only one fourth year player along with six first year rookies for the Bisons.

In his 30th season with the program, head coach Garth Pischke stated he has already seen a marked improvement this season as the team is more consistent and has minimized errors as opposed to last season.

The core of the team starts with third-year left side Chris Voth, fourth-year left side/libero Ryan Munt and third-year right side Dane Pischke. Pischke and Voth led the team in kills last season with Pischke ranked 10th in kills and blocks, eighth in points in conference leaders in 2009-10. Munt was second in Canada West digs last season. Other veterans are middle Joseph and libero Derek Nieroda.

With the returning vets, there are three rookies who will make an immediate impact this season. Middle Carson Kauenhowen returns home, in his third year of eligibility, and gained confidence while playing at Vancouver Island University as one of their captains. Another newcomer is first year left side Evan Jackson who was a champion with the Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute (MBCI) and named as a 2009 Tournament All-Star in the 2009-10 season. In addition, the Bisons will have a new setter with rookie Chris Komishon coming from St. Paul’s H.S., after he red-shirted last season, and was a high school champion while Graduating All-Star and All-Manitoba team who should be a force at the net.

Bisons Athletics

Regina Cougars
CW Rank: #10
CIS Rank: N/A

2009-10 CW Record: 0-18, 10th
2010 CW Playoffs: N/A
2010 CIS Tournament: N/A
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A

Key returnees: Lindsey Isaak, Drew Smith, Brody Waddell, Jamie Wilkins
Key additions: Joel Colter, Matt Hender
Key departures: Mathew Brooks, Derek Delavau, Colin Finch

REGINA - With an experienced core of returners and a pair of key additions that could make an immediate impact, Regina’s hopes to improve on last season’s performance.

At left side are fourth-year players Jamie Wilkins and Brody Waddell. On the right side, Taylor Anderson will fill in for the graduated Mathew Brooks, who left the U of R after last season as the school’s all-time kills leader. Leon Dyck and Nathan Cherwaty will also see time at right side. Drew Smith, who had a team-leading 46 blocks last season, will start in the middle alongside Lethbridge College transfer Joel Colter. Also in the mix at middle is Dyck and Kelly D’Autremont.

Lindsey Isaak has been injured, but Barthel expects the fifth-year libero to reclaim his starting position early in Canada West play. Back-up setter Caleb Eschbach and second-year Ryan Cherwaty have filled in at libero in Isaak’s absence.

The Cougars will also have a new look at setter this year, as Australian import Matt Hender will take over from the departed Derek Delavau. Hender will be backed up by Eschbach and rookie Dane Sanderson.

Cougar Athletics

Saskatchewan Huskies
CW Rank: #7
CIS Rank: N/A

2009-10 CW Record: 6-12, 8th
2010 CW Playoffs: N/A
2010 CIS Tournament: N/A
Last CW Title: 2004
Last CIS Title: 2004

Key returnees: Matthew Busse, Geoffrey Zerr, Bryan Fraser
Key additions: Chris Gilbert, Adam Wendt
Key departures: Cole Hintz, Daniel Quintal

SASKATOON - With a number of impressive recruits in 2009-10, the Huskies improved from a 2-16 season in 2008-09 to a 6-12 record last year.

Now, armed with another year’s knowledge and experience, the rebuilding Huskies look to middle blockers Geoffrey Zerr and Ben Bourgeois, along with CIS all-rookie right side Matthew Busse to lead the team to a playoff position. Zerr led the Canada West in kill percentage for the majority of the season finishing fifth at .412. He also led the team in blocks with 40. Bourgeois finished the season with 87 kills and 39 blocks. Busse was one of the Huskies top offensive players tallying 161 kills, 17 service aces and 16 blocks.

Now second-years, Braden McLean and Bryan Fraser also show signs of being big parts of the Huskies future. McLean had 31 kills in 30 games played and Fraser had 22 kills in 15 games.

Brian Gavlas will return for his 17th year with the Huskies. The Huskies finished as one of the top two teams in the Canada West 11 out of the 17 years Gavlas has been at the helm.

Huskie Athletics

Thompson Rivers WolfPack
CW Rank: #6
CIS Rank: N/A

2009-10 CW Record: 10-8, 6th
2010 CW Playoffs: 2-2, 4th
2010 CIS Tournament: 1-2
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A

Key returnees: Kevin Tillie, Colin Carson, Mike Hammond, Spencer Reed
Key additions: Aleks Saddlemyer, Ryan Talsma, Adam LeBlanc, Mike Hawkins
Key departures: Behlul Yavasgel, Robin Schoebel, Gord Perrin

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - It is a whole new chapter for Pat Hennelly’s crew. Gone are three of the big names of the past: Robin Schoebel, Behlul Yavasgel and Gord Perrin.

The new leaders are a pair of second year players: 2010 CIS Rookie of the Year Kevin Tillie (outside hitter) and Colin Carson (setter), both of whom played internationally this summer. Tillie was with France’s Senior “B” team while Carson wore the maple leaf with Canada’s Junior National Team.

Hennelly has recruited a number of veteran college transfers to remain competitive in the Canada West. They include Aleks Saddlemyer (4th year, right side), Ryan Talsma (5th, right side) and Adam LeBlanc (3rd, middle). Back is Darcy Barisoff (3rd, outside hitter), who had retired three years ago. Returning are middles Joel Caschetto (5th) and Mike Hammond (4th). Spencer Reed (2nd) has taken over at libero and Alex Davis (2nd) is also expected to contribute.

High school recruits include Casey Knight (outside hitter), Stuart Richey (outside hitter), Jessie Bazergui (outside hitter) and Jason Fennema (right side).

WolfPack Athletics

Trinity Western Spartans
CW Rank: #3
CIS Rank: #3

2009-10 CW Record: 11-7, 4th
2010 CW Playoffs: 1-1, 2nd
2010 CIS Tournament: 2-1, 2nd
Last CW Title: 2007
Last CIS Title: 2006

Key returnees: Marc Howatson, Josh Doornenbal, Rudy Verhoeff, Ben Ball, Jarrod Offereins
Key additions: Nick Del Bianco, Branden Schmidt, Devyn Plett, Micah Jansen Van Doorn
Key departure: Steven Marshall

LANGLEY, B.C. – The defending CIS silver medalist Trinity Western men’s volleyball team has already secured a return trip to this year’s Nationals as host of the 2011 championship, but the Spartans will be looking to gain their invite based on their own merits.

The Spartans are led by veteran middle’s 6-7 fifth-year Josh Doornenbal and 6-5 fourth-year Rudy Verhoeff, who were fifth and sixth in hitting percentage in Canada West last season, fourth-year setter Ben Ball, second in CW assists last season at 10.37 per set, libero Jarrod Offereins, sixth in digs/set at 2.29, and second-year middle Lucas Van Berkel, who was impressive at this summer’s World Junior Championships after recovering from midseason surgery last year.

TWU expects an immediate impact from rookie left side Nick Del Bianco (Surrey, B.C.) and 6-6 right side Branden Schmidt (De Winton, Alta.).

The Spartans will be without 6-7 fourth year left side Marc Howatson for the fall as he recovers from a serious ankle injury.

Spartan Athletics

Winnipeg Wesmen
CW Rank: #7
CIS Rank: N/A

2009-10 CW Record: 11-7, 5th
2010 CW Playoffs: 1-2
2010 CIS Tournament: N/A
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: 2007

Key returnees: Dan Lother, Matthew Schriemer, Marc Ross, Matthew Stubler
Key additions: Thomas Douglas-Powell, Ty Loewen, Brendan Black, Nathaniel Therrien, Kevin Bommersbach
Key departures: Andrew Town, Justin Duff, Maurice Williams

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Wesmen could be described in one word…young. The team will feature only two players with more than two years of CIS volleyball experience.

Co-captains setter Dan Lother (5th year) and outside Marc Ross (4th) will be leading the Wesmen both on and off the court this season. Lother is coming off a solid 2009-2010 season, placing second in Canada West assists (10.23 apg) earning him a Canada West All-Star. Ross played last season as a full time starter and took advantage of his opportunity finishing the season with 121 kills.

Matthew Schriemer, a second-year opposite, was named to the 2010 CIS All-Rookie Team. Second-year middle blockers Devin Schmidt, Kenneth McKenzie and Matt Dueck are back. Matt Stubler recorded 88 digs in his rookie season last year and he will be looked upon to provide both power and defense. Middle Derek Miller will look for increased playing time this year. Setter Dominique Pereira, a red-shirt last season has excellent credentials.

Coach Larry McKay will have seven first year recruits on his roster. Leading the way is 6’4” outside Thomas Douglas-Powell, a member of the Australian National Junior team. Local recruits Nathaniel Therrien, Ty Loewen, Brendan Black, Kevin Bommersbach, Erik Wiebe and Stefan Dirks round out the recruiting class.

Wesmen Athletics
 
About Canada West Universities Athletic Association
Canada West is consistently the most decorated of the four conferences in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), winning at least 10 CIS national titles every year since 1997-98. Comprised of 14 schools, from the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, Canada West produces numerous major award winners and Academic All-Canadian student-athletes each year, with many going on to athletic success around the globe in pro leagues or events such as the Olympics, Paralympics or Universiade Games.