om © Sports the other press Flash Gordon dcsportseditor@yahoo.ca fipril 7, 2004 Off-The-C Lynne Desautels gives it Flash Gordon Sports Editor When I started watching volley- ball, P'll admit I was confused by the game. Six players who take turns bouncing the ball in the air and once in a while they smack it at one another. Even still they have this strange posi- tion called the Libero. The Libero wears a_ different coloured jersey and runs on and off the court at will, while other players must signal the referee to be allowed on the court. I fig- ured the title must be that of a volleyball deity that goes unbound by the laws of volley- ball. Like every other day, I was wrong. And true enough, I was out of my league when it came to writing about volleyball. Lynne Desautels appeared on the Royals’ active roster in the second half of the season and there was a bit of a cafuffle about her return to the game. Yes, a cafuffle. Her presence was noticeable on the court; she brought verve of her own and this begged Flash to ask, “What’s the deal with that anyway?” So I tracked the dental assisting stu- dent down to make her answer some silly questions in no par- ticular order. Flash: Desautels, how do you pronounce that anyway? — Lynne: Dezz-oh-tels. Flash: Is that Dutch? Lynne: No it’s French Canadian. My father’s side is from Manitoba and my grandma is from Ontario. Flash: Uhh, okay. How impor- tant is it for you to be a Royal? Lynne: | think there’s a school pride that goes with it. Youre part of a program and you want to make your school look good. Flash: What is it about Douglas that creates the lack of school spirit? Lynne: I don't know. That's a tough one, Just the reputation of the teams in general has gone down. Some of the teams aren't as good as they were a few years ago. Nota lot of word of mouth. There will be family, maybe a few good friends at our games. Flash: Does it affect you on the court when there are or aren't fans in the stands? Lynne: Sometimes. If there are more fans from the visiting team, youre kind of like the underdog in your own gym. Flash: Do you think it’s mildly amusing that some of your teammates are a fair bit younger? Lynne: The Grandma. Yes, when they are five years younger than I am and fresh out of high school. They give me a good laugh. I know what they are going through. I’ve been there. Flash: Do you carry any more weight on the court knowing that youre one of the most expe- rienced of the group? Lynne: Oh yeah. I’m the Mum of the team. I’m hoping they've come away with some knowl- edge that I've brought but I just play my game. Flash: Do you feel any responsi- bility to give back to the school? Lynne: I would come back and help like Wanda did this year. Flash: Would you care to com- ment on the success of the team this year, especially with such a young squad? Lynne: They did good for a young team. I didn’t know what to expect. If they put in the time and effort, they could go far. They really progressed as a team. Flash: How do you respond to being selected second team all- star in the conference? Lynne: I dealt with it as only having played half a season. I obviously wanted more. We all set goals for ourselves. Flash: What does the awards banquet mean to you as an ath- lete? Lynne: It’s great to see everyone’s accomplishments and support your team. It’s just a good way to celebrate the year. Flash: Where do you see your- self after Douglas? Lynne: Hopefully in a career in dental assisting. Playing volley- ball and traveling. Flash: What’s your plan for the summer? Lynne: Good question...time to relax, work, and make some money. Flash: Now for the fun stuff. What's your sign? Lynne: Cancer. Flash: What's worse (a) stubbing your toe, (b) getting soap in your eye, or (c) slamming your finger in a door? Lynne: Slamming your finger. ee Page 22 e http://www.otherpress.ca Flash: Say you're stuck on an island and you could only bring three things, what would they be? Lynne: Volleyball, some compa- ny, so a friend and food would be good. Flash: That killed that question. If not volleyball, what would you rather be playing? Lynne: Umm that’s tough. Probably gymnastics. Flash: Aren't you a little tall? Lynne: Yeah, that’s why I got out of it. Flash: Would you rather be an inch taller or shorter? Lynne: Taller. Flash: You do realize that com- pletely eliminates you from gymnastics don’t you? Lynne: Yeah, I guess so. Flash: So are you a country girl, urban chick or somewhere in between? Lynne: In between. I love coun- try but also love the everyday modern style. Flash: If you were a holiday what would you be? Lynne: New Year's. New begin- nings. A fresh start. Flash: Would you believe I have super powers? Lynne: [gets up and leaves] Flash: I guess not. 2003-2004 Male and Female Athletes of the Year Press Release Andre Tee BCCAA Sports Information Director The British Columbia Colleges’ Athletic Association is proud to announce this year’s win- ners for the 2003-2004 BCCAA Male and Female Athlete of the Year. The nominations range from all four sports the Association currently participates in (Badminton, Basketball, Soccer, and Volleyball). Athletic Directors place their vote for a male and a female winner. This year’s winner of the BCCAA Male Athlete of the Year is Meysam Solanti of Capilano College. Meysam is a member of the Blues Men's Soccer National Championship team. This year’s winner of the BCCAA Female Athlete of the Year is Stephanie Bolin of Malaspina University College. Stephanie is a member of the Mariners women’s volleyball team. Congratulations to both of these athletes for an excellent year. Coast Capital Savings Vancouver Community Corporate Rowing 6th Annual Event April 7-May 29, 2004 The Coast Capital Savings Vancouver Community Corporate Rowing Challenge is a seven-week rowing program for businesses, groups and clubs in the Lower Mainland. Each crew practices twice per week at one of three convenient locations. Teams are coached by Vancouver’s best rowers as they learn basic boat handling, rowing and racing skills. No experience is necessary! Packages can be downloaded from the web- site . For more information contact Ed Lunn, Activities Coordinator at 604.527.5005.