16 March 5, 1996 — by Chad Copeland The Douglas College men’s volleyball team took there undefeated (10-0) record into the provincial championships (Feb 23-24) Home court gave them an advantage in what was supposed to be a hard fought tournament. What they found instead was theimdominant brand of volleyball could not be contested allowing them to cruise through the tournament in two relatively easy matches. Douglas found themselves up against Malaspina in the semi-finals. The Mariners harpooned higher ranked Okanagan in the quarter-finals to earn the right to meet the # 1 seed from Douglas. The home team took control early annihilating the visitors 15-1 and 15-2 in 31 minutes (WOW). Strong offensive performances from Ken Kleindienst (11 kills), Brian Boles (11 kills), and the solid supporting cast had Douglas cruising to an easy win. However, a letdown in the third set. allowed the drowning Mariners to get their heads above water and make it a contest. Malaspina had numerous opportunities to reel in their opponents yet could not hook them and force a fourth set. Douglas prevailed delighting the crowd and sending the # 5 ranked team in the nation off to the provincial final. The gold medal match pitted division rival Trinity Western University against the Douglas College men. The opening match was a mesmerizing display of blocking, passing, and killing resulting in a 15-5 trouncing by the home squad. The visiting Spartans climbed back on their chariots for the second set and took a 13-8 lead. Douglas broke through Trinity’s armour and speared their opposition in a dramatic comeback; winning 15-13. The Spartan’s could have surrendered in the third set yet battled valiantly. Their futile efforts were beaten back by the aggressive Royal,s who pounded Trinity into submission. The final kill came from Brian Boles on a feed from James Sneddon. To the victor went the spoils. Douglas is provincial champions and is on their way to the 1996 CCAA Nationals in Truro, Nova Scotia Mar 7-9. Tournament MVP was Ken Kleindenst(Douglas). Tournament all stars were: Chris Bring on the Nation! Mens volley ball team prepares to do battle with Canada’s best by Miguel Strother Hey there sports fans! Just a little note to let you know how things are going here at the Other Press sports dept. Actually things seem be going quite well. We have managed to meet most of our deadlines in order to bring you up to date on some, if not all, of the Royal teams. Considering the lack of experience we have, I am very pleased with the progress. At least that’s my not- so-humble opinion. If you have another I encourage you to come down and let us know what you would like to see done, after all this is your paper and these are the teams and athletes that represent you. As you probably already know the men’s volleyball team is going to be representing Douglas College at this year’s National championships. The best of the best will be competing for one of the most prestigious titles Canadian volley ball has to offer. Some of the best and brightest young stars will be showcasing their talents to major university scouts from all over North America. I know what you’re all thinking ‘Boy wouldn’t it be just great if we could have up to the minute coverage of all that exciting action.” Well this young journalist is eager to please and I have made just the John Mark Galenzoski(Malispina), Macpharland(Camosun), Cooper(Camosun), Dan Bainard(TWU), James Sneddon(Douglas), Briab Boles(Douglas). Kleindest was also arrangements that are needed in order to make your wishes become a reality. How you ask? After a great deal of running around and a whole lot of nagging (sometimes begging) the proper funding was granted to ensure that every member of the student body will be able to know exactly what goes on at a National volley ball championship. On Tuesday the Sth of March at 8:00 am Pacific time (approximately the same moment as the ink dried on the Other Press’s latest issue) the men, their coaches and other hangers-on such as myself will have boarded an Air Canada flight which will embark on the first leg - Sneddon and Cam Secret of Douglas picked as a member of the CCAA all Canadian squad and the BCCAA Ist team all conference team. James were also selected to the all conference of a journey that will ultimately, baring any ALIVE type incidents, bring us to the lovely winter haven of Turulo Nova Scotia. From here the Royal will have what is left of the day to get settled and adjust to the four hour time change before they get some practice time early Wednesday morning. Thursday is the first day of competition and will certainly prove vital in the outcome of the tournament. Douglas will be in tough situation as they have drawn the home team as their first opponent. We go in ranked as high as fourth place in the country, with a squad which many people, including ex-national team Usually Jock Talker talks about sporting events, but today, I would like to make an apology. A few days before our last deadline Alison Gill, the Lady Royals basketball coach phoned me, she wanted a story written about three ladies who had played their last game for the Royals. I was glad to write the article. These athletes had put their heart and soul into a Royals uniform and they deserved to be honoured. The article appeared in it’s original form, above it was a team photo.However, the article appeared with the caption “the Goils.” As Sports Coordinator it is my responsibility to control the sports page layout. I finished most of the layout and left the rest to any OP member who could spare the time. The caption was someone else’s addition, and to Alison Gill, and the entire 95/96 Lady Royals basketball team, my sincerest apologies. Good, now that I’ve got that off my chest we can move on! For the second part of this column I’d like to pass out a note of Congratulations to the Douglas College Royals men’s Volleyball team. The men managed to walk away with the Provincial Volleyball Jock Talker by Lance Bradley Championships on February 24. They leave today for the National Championships in Nova Scotia. Here’s hoping they really kick some eastern ass! The last part of this column, I’d like to talk about an incident in a CIAU (Canadian University) hockey playoff game. With the game tied the Mocton Blue Eagles and the University of Prince Edward Island headed into overtime. The loser’s season was over. A player from UPEI took a shot from twenty feet that appeared to go in. The puck hit the post, went in, hit the crossbar and came flying out in a matter of milliseconds. The goal judge turned the light on, but play continued. As soon as the play was dead the referee conferred with the goal judge, and the two linesman. He then, after long discussion, declared it a goal, thus ending the Blue Eagles’ season. Now, I’ve played competitive sports since I was four. Played in adult hockey leagues (wanna talk competitive?) for the past four years. I have seen some very competitive lose their temper (I have a broken nose to prove it!), I’ve lost my temper (I’m_ very hard. But I have never, ever, never, ever resorted to the antics of the Blue Eagles. After rightfully declaring the goal a goal, the Blue Eagles swarmed the referee and were yelling at him, a few players began to punch, kick and even spear the unprotected Zebra. Now some of you may be asking Where was the coaching staff this whole time? Well, showing the maturity and leadership skills a University coach should possess, he grabbed the steel rod which holds the nets in place and heaved it at him, shattering a pane of glass behind the referee. Coach of ‘the year candidate? I think not! he’s since been relieved of his duties. The players deemed most responsible (irresponsible?) were suspended from participating in any athletic . activity on campus. The Canadian Amateur Hockey Association is also planning a review. Personally, I hope the CAHA bans every player from playing hockey-ever! This kind of bullshit, beer-league goonery is what gives the great game of Hockey a bad reputation. I don’t think any Moncton player will read this, (I hope they do, but the intelligence level of these players is obviously below neanderthal!!!) but I hope one day, somehow, they realize their mistake. Maybe as punishment the courts will give them community service, make them referee a PeeWee Rep playoff game! Ironic, isn’t it? team and Brian Boles made 2nd team all conference. The team leaves Feb. 5 to challenge for the national volleyball crown. member Gary Russell believe has a very good shot at bringing home the national title. This is the first time any of the men have been to a national championship and they will have to “mature quickly” claims Russell. This will easily be the toughest test the players have faced in their volleyball careers but if they can reach the level of intensity and focus that they proved they were capable of earlier in the season, then there is a strong possibility that our gym will soon be draped with a banner displaying the esteemed title of “National Volleyball Champions.” DOUGLAS RUGBY CLUB PRESENTS "ST. PADOY’S DAY POUNDER" 649 FRONT STREET, NEW WESTMINSTER SATURDAY, MARCH 16th 1996 ADMISSION: Oa: "SORAISEALL YOUR GLAS! OULADS ANDLASSES, AND COME SHAKE YOUR SHAMROCK BEFORE ST. PADDY’S DAY PASSES"