Changing silver to gold
The search for the alchemist's equation
June 9, 2005
Jennifer Griffith
Trinity Western University has a lot to be proud of this year. Not only did our women’s soccer team secure our first CIS title, but our men’s volleyball team played an unbelievable, televised match against the University of Alberta for the Championship title. The U of A was not expecting the Spartans, who showed up to play them on Sunday, March 7. They were likely expecting to play three quick games and win the title, but, instead, they faced five long battles, all of which were exciting enough to keep the crowd cheering after each point.
The loss in the fifth game was difficult for the Spartans, especially with the gold medal and banner only two points out of reach. But, with all except two players returning (Jaben Shalk and Jon Rowe are graduating), our men’s volleyball team has a very good chance at playing for the gold medal next season.
How good of a chance, you ask? A great shot, according to second-year middle Doug VanSpronsen. Jeff Lindemulder is expected to fill the vacated Libero position; he brings a high level of competition experience
from CIS, collegiate, and Junior National play. It is also anticipated that Chris Meehan will be an important team leader next season, helping to maintain the team’s unity, which is vital to their future success. The team has players that can do an acceptable job next season, but coaches are still looking to recruit more players for the program.
Third-year middle Justin Pankratz said, “We have a team that can do well, but we always need new players for the program to continue to grow.” He feels it is very important that team leadership skills are passed down to the next group of players.
The Spartans have a lot to be optimistic about. Most of the players hope for a national championship next season. VanSpronsen feels that their great performance at nationals this year will give the team much more confidence heading into next season. He thinks that extra confidence, “combined with our amazing team unity and great coaching staff, will make us that much stronger next year.”
The tough question remains: Can we get past the U of A next year? Our regular season games against the Golden Bears will likely look different next year compared to this season.
Coach Ron Pike believes his team has a sure chance at playing in the gold medal match if they continue to win.
“Trips to National finals aren’t given to you, you have to earn them,” said Pike. The volleyball season is long, and the Spartans will have to earn their spot at Nationals next year. With a starting line-up of returning players, a CIS title may be in store for TWU in 2006.
Now you go...
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