May 1, 2007 - 5:57am
by Brent Dunlop
The Malaspina Mariners are looking to defend their title as the top overall athletic college in the league.
Top talent will fill the 2007/2008 Mariners rosters, including players from Winnipeg, Kelowna, Prince Rupert and communities up and down Vancouver Island.
Men’s basketball:
Malaspina men’s basketball head coach Tony Bryce is elated the team has won a recruiting battle against Thompson Rivers University for Jacob Thom, a 6’1" point guard from the Prince Rupert Rainmakers, who has verbally committed to Malaspina. Thom was a first All Star at the AA high school provincials and an MVP in the North West zone AA championships.
“Jacob is a solid all-around point guard who does a little bit of everything,” said Bryce. “He’s a great passer in the open floor and has the ability to make those around him better in the half court. He can also score, rebound and defend. This young man nearly averaged a triple double at this years AA championships, which is almost unheard of. He’s very long, with a 6'6" wing span, which helped him win the top defender award at the tournament as well.”
“As Jacob continues to fill out and grow as a player, I expect great things from him,” added Bryce. “He’s what I call a basketball junkie (loves to be in the gym), so the sky could be the limit for him. After watching Jacob several times over the course of the season, I personally feel he’s one of the top high school point guards in the entire province this recruiting year. I am extremely excited to have him on board and look forward to watching him grow as a player and leader.”
Men’s Volleyball:
The Mariner’s men’s volleyball team looks to defend their title and ‘three-peat’ the provincial crown with three new additions to the line-up.
Bret Weninger (Kelowna Senior Secondary) has many accolades, including bronze at the 2006 Beach Volleyball nationals, 2005 and 2006 team BC Beach, 2006 AAA high school provincials (third), one of three finalists for the Augie Ciancone Memorial award (awarded to the most outstanding high school male and female athlete in the area of the Central Okanagan), and a member of one of four teams to try out for Team Canada Beach (U19 World championships).
Weninger’s desire to improve and his love of the sport make him the player he is. His great attitude on and off the court along with his great ball control make him a great libero. He previously played as a setter, so he understands how to lead a team. As a libero, he will now be expected to be the leader of the defense. It will be great to have Brett on the team next year.
Iain Harrington, a libero from Winnipeg, and Drew Manson from Comox, who plays power and right side, will also join the Mariners for the upcoming season.
Harrington has shown great foot speed along with great defensive positioning. He takes pride in being a strong passer and seems to have a passion for playing defense. He was a member of Team Manitoba in 2005-2006 (3rd at 2005 Nationals), 2006 High School (3rd at Provincials), 2007 Club Provincials (finished 3rd), Captain from 2005- 2007 (high school varsity volleyball), and a captain for 2006 Team Manitoba.
Manson’s offensive ability both attacking and serving will help the Mariners this year. Having watched Drew for the past three years, it has been great to see him develop not only as a player, but also as a leader. His recent accolades include: 1st team All-Star, Provincial High School 2006 Player of the Game and All-Star, 2006 Island finals, MVP Comox Valley Invitational - October 2006, MVP - Malaspina University-College Tournament - October 2006, All-Star - Semiamoo/Whiterock Tournament - September 2006, 17U Team BC Member 2006.
Women’s basketball:
The women’s basketball team is building up their roster for the 2008/2008 season.
Richelle Rafnkjelson, from the Campbell River Tyees will join the Mariners in September, 2007. She was an all-star at the North Islands and Island Basketball Championships in 2007. She is also an honour role student who has won numerous awards for academic excellence.
Katie Pearson, a point guard from Ladysmith, led the 49ers in scoring, averaging 21 points per game and picking up numerous MVP awards. This diverse, disciplined athlete has managed to maintain a spot on the honour role from grade 8 to 12. She has been recognized with various service awards in her five years of high school.
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