Chargers men's volleyball team shapes up for 2010
June 9, 2009
With the 2008-09 CCAA National Bronze medal finish freshly tucked under their belt, this year’s Chargers men’s volleyball team is shaping up to be another team with the potential to go all the way in pursuit of the 2009-2010 title.
Replacing veteran Chris Abra who will begin studying at the University of Victoria this Fall will be Grant Haggerty from Winnipeg, Manitoba. At 6’5” and 205 lbs, Grant brings a strong physical presence to the middle. A former national level pairs figure skater, Grant moved to Kingston, Ontario to train under Olympic bronze medalist Lloyd Eisler at the the national training centre. After a number of years of skating, Grant made the decision to return to Winnipeg and to volleyball, where he helped his high school team win a silver medal at the Provincial Championships. A tremendously gifted athlete, Grant will bring a new energy and power to the Chargers and should be an immediate threat in the middle.
Also bringing a new look to Camosun will be 6’2” rookie setter Davis Proch from Kelowna. A member of an athletic family, his brother Nigel plays for VIU and this sibling rivalry will undoubtedly result in some epic battles as the Chargers and Mariners confront each other on the court this year. Helping his KSS team to a 4th place at the Provincial Championships, Davis has been a leader throughout his career, and was the captain of his Kelowna Kannonz club team, quarterbacking them to a silver medal at Provincials this season and a First Team All-Star selection.
Another versatile athlete joining the Chargers is AJ McFarland who was recently named to the 19U Provincial Team. AJ played on the Senior Boys’ Volleyball team at Semiahmoo Secondary for the past three years, earning a bronze, silver and gold at the Provincial Championships. He earned a First Team All-Star award this season and was the captain of the team for the last two years. A member of the Fraser Valley Volleyball Club, his team also struck gold at the recent Provincial Club Championships. AJ was a member of the BC Summer Games Beach Volleyball team in 2006, and in 2008 scored gold at the U18 Provincial Championships, 5th at the National Championships and was named a member of Team BC Beach. A setter and libero, AJ’s versatility brings a wealth of options to the Chargers program.
Also bringing versatility to the Chargers in 2009 will be the first international recruit to join the program. All the way from Norway, Henrik Herrebrøden will study at Camosun next season and play on the left side and in the libero position. A skilled athlete, Henrik touches just under 11’ which helps his success as a power hitter in the Senior Men’s league in Norway, where he competes against older and more experienced athletes.
Local recruit Eric Reidstra, a 6’7” middle from Pacific Christian School, is a true two sport athlete who has chosen volleyball for post-secondary competition. An All-Star at the 2008 Chargers High School Tournament, he has enormous potential in the middle blocker position. Blessed with long arms, great speed and very light on his feet, look for him to challenge for a starting middle position quickly.
Former Charger and former Provincial Team player Garrett Marcellus (Oak Bay) returns to the Chargers after taking a one year hiatus from the college scene. A 6’6” former National Team Challenge Cup Bronze medalist, he has big shoes to fill on the left side with the departure of Dan Goodburn who leaves Camosun after five years as the most highly decorated student-athlete in Chargers history. A solid passer and blocker, Garrett has added a wicked serve to his arsenal plus a year of senior men’s club competition during his time off. Both pursuits have toughened him up mentally and helped him develop a wider array of shots to confound the opposition.
The Chargers’ blue chip crop of rookies and returnees will be joining a solid core of athletes who have tasted victory both provincially and nationally.
Dynamic left side player Brent Hall from Red Deer (Lindsay Thurber) will return for his fith year. A Provincial Championship All-Star, Brent is a student of the game and brings incredible passion and intensity to the floor each and every day on the left side.
Two-time BCCAA Player of the Week, Provincial Championship MVP and National Championship All-Star, 6’5” Aleks Saddlemeyer (Parkland) will be back for his third season with the Chargers. Following a break-out season last year, even bigger things are expected from Aleks this season and he will be one of the leaders on the floor. Armed with a cannon serve and the ability to hit from the front and back row with equally devastating results, expect his offensive output to be even higher this year.
Denis Boyd (Vanier Catholic, Whitehorse), affectionately known as “Yukon” after his home province, returns to the Chargers in 2009-10. A starter in the middle, Denis’ performance in the second half of the season was instrumental in the success of the Chargers both provincially and nationally.
Acrobatic libero Josh Coutts (Claremont) will also be back in a Chargers jersey next season. Endowed with great hand-eye coordination, Josh is a solid passer and presents a solid, balanced platform to the ball off even the most difficult serves. He controls the back court like a general and led the league in digs last season, despite joining the Chargers mid-way through the year. Look for him to be even better next year, digging behind a much bigger block.
Second year setter Sam Hillier (Elgin Park, Surrey) returns to the Chargers to quarterback the offense with the departure of Derek Twomey to University after two seasons with Camosun. Coming off the bench as a serving specialist and setter, Sam showed tremendous improvement through the season and guided the Chargers to league victories against Douglas and Capilano Colleges.
Other athletes returning include Oak Bay grads Carsten Penner, a young and fearless left side player and specialist Curtis Wood, whose key serves helped secure a provincial championship for the Chargers in 2008-09, Martin Adey from Winnipeg, the fastest middle on the team, right side Blaine Barron from Maple Ridge (Garibaldi) and Reynolds grad Spencer Salmond.
In addition, look for a number of athletes to participate in the try-out camp in early September, hoping to dislodge one of the veterans and earn a spot on the Chargers 2009-2010 roster.
Contact
Charles Parkinson
Head Coach, Chargers Men’s Volleyball
cparkinson@shaw.ca
250–888–3174
Last updated: September 23, 2015 5:17 pm
