November 27, 2008 - 2:51am
The VIU Mariners have a new look and name for the 2008/09 season. In May 2008, Malaspina University-College was granted full university status by the government and they also received a new name, Vancouver Island University.
For the Men's Volleyball team, there was a changing of the guard at this time as the team was losing six starters for the next season. These athletes were either moving onto CIS, taking a year off, or had finished their programs. Many people have counted the Mariners out for the 2008/09 season, but with some strong recruits and some key returning players, the Mariners have started with a 6-1 record, good for 1st place in the BCCAA and a top 3 ranking in Canada.
Opportunity is the key word for the Mariners. With the many lost players from the year before, there are opportunities for new players to step up. This has been the situation for many of the Mariner players. Milo Warren, 3rd year Mariner, is finally getting his chance to be one of the key players for the Mariners. Milo continues to be one of the Mariners key offensive players and one of the teams top passers. Scott Weninger, 5th year athlete, is leading the way offensively is the teams best passer and blocker.
Drew Manson is getting his opportunity to contribute through his tough serving as he leads the league is aces. The surprise players for the Mariners are Lee Hamilton and Carson Kauenhowen, both first year middles coming from Saskatchewan and Manitoba respectively. As 1st year players, they are doing an exception job defensively as well as contributing to the offense. The quarterback of the offense, Dan Metcalf continues to do an efficient job of running the offense and getting everyone involved.
The 2008/09 Mariners are built for the future, but are making the most out of this season. With 9 of the 12 players being in 1st and 2nd year, the Mariners are a young team. This bodes well for the future. Having said that, the Mariners will need to pick up some key recruits for the following season as they will be losing some offense on the outsides.
Next up for the Mariners is the Camosun New Year's Tournament on Jan 1-3 in Victoria.
After that, the Mariners are looking forward to getting the second semester games underway.
Tags: In the Community
