Men s Seawolves volleyball team heading to nationals
Author: Communications
Posted on Mar 8, 2010
Category: UNB Saint John
After a three-game sweep against the Holland College Hurricanes in front of a packed gymnasium at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, the Men’s Seawolves Volleyball Team was declared ACAA champions and had secured a spot at nationals for the second year in a row.
Chika Ikejiani, the Seawolve’s captain and fourth year bachelor of science student in biology and psychology, says it means a lot to the team to be able to represent their conference and university on the national stage.
“We are a very small campus and to be ranked one of the top 15 teams in Canada is amazing,” said Ikejiani. “This is our second year back at the national tournament and that speaks volumes for the development of our program.”
The Seawolve’s coach, Wayne Manuel, said their goal was to be ACAA champions again this year.
“We felt that we could challenge for the Atlantic title as we had a good core of returning players who had the experience of winning last year.”
Manuel has been coaching volleyball since he started teaching 35 years ago. This is his second year with the Seawolves.
Just prior to Sunday’s final, Manuel was recognized as the ACAA Men’s Coach of the Year along with three of the Seawolves, Brian Brigden, Chika Ikajaini and Colin Rouse, who were named to the ACAA All-Conference team.
The team will be heading to nationals in Edmonton, Alta., which will take place on March 11-13.
Manuel hopes they can improve their performance at nationals this year and show that they’re able to compete with the best teams across the country.
“The other teams will be very strong—stronger than any competition that we’ve faced this year and we will have to raise our game if we want to compete.”
Ikejiani says he and his teammates have been focusing on this tournament all season long.
“It’s going to be an amazing experience and we hope that our fans back at home are watching and supporting their Saint John Seawolves.”
For more information about the CCAA National Volleyball Championship, visit sites.macewan.ca/vbnationals2010/?utm_source=nationals&utm_medium=redirect
Contact:
Natasha St. Pierre, Communication Officer (506) 458-7969