This past weekend Dalhousie University and ourselves grinded it our for the AUS championship title. After 2 close 4 set matches, Dal prevailed with the banner. We left Thursday to travel up to Halifax for our Friday evening match, the match was a barn bunner, back and fourth, clearly showing that no team wanted to give up the loss easisly. Set scores were 25-20, 25-22, 28-30 and 26-24. We actually were up in the 4th set 24-23, but were unable to capitalize on some points and Dalhousie pulled out the win. Recieving honors for the match was #1, Brett LaDrew, who tallied up 8 kills and 3 blocks in the 4 set match. Leading into Sunday's match, we realized the attitude had to be 'must win'...and for the 700 plus fans (thank you by the way...surreal experience!!), our mindset starting off was definitely that. The first set pushed into extra points, with dalhousie taking it 28-26. In the 2nd set, we bounced back to pull out a 26-24 win. At this point, it seemed to be a nail bitter finish. However, as the 3rd and 4th set would pan out, our team found it more and more challenging to sideout and compete against the Tigers. They took the following sets with scores of 25-19 and 25-20. Recieving the player of that match, and deservingly so was 5th year, graduating senior, John Sheehan! Who had 4 kills, 8 digs, and 3 blocks.
After the game on Sunday, I heard someone in the crowd say 'Back to the old ways I guess' as they left the gym, part of me wanted to say something but I figured the best way to preach my thoughts would be on here. The 'old ways', as that fan stated, was Dalhousie dominating the AUS year after year, the 'old ways' was UNB making playoffs and having to hope for a poor performance by Dalhousie and a standout performance by themselves to have a real opportunity to take home the title. The 'old ways', do NOT exist to our program any longer. Even prior to last season, when we defeated Dalhousie, our program was on the uprise, graduated alumni like Greg Black, Davin St. Pierre, Ryley Bolden (along with countless others) changed the history of our program. They demonstrated that our team could be a force to be reckoned with, and even if losing the banner happened, the program itself was still very much a 'championship' program. Now if I sat here and said that standing on the endline after the match watching Dalhousie win their awards, or hearing them cheer in the lockerroom downstairs as we sat in ours quietly after the match wasn't extremely torturing as an player, I'd be lying through my teeth! Because I want to win, everyone on our team did...It's why athletes play sports at higher levels. Pro athletes gut it out each year during their seasons, and they may not all be champions in the end, and battles may be lost...but the war goes on, and they strive to be better the following season.
BUT, a large positive that I personally can take away from this weekend is, I'm only 4th year, I still get my final crack at re-gaining the AUS banner next season. We lose 2 seniors, but have a solid returning core, and great additions joining our family next season. I hope that our loss this past Sunday stays vivid in my teammates minds, and that feeling of salt in the wound doesn't leave their body too quickly but rather challenges them each and everyday during the off season to make themselves better, to create the best opportunity possible for our team next season, because it unquestionably will for me.
As mentioned above, we lose 2 players this season...I want to say thank you and goodbye to those two graduating seniors. John Sheean and Kyle Blanchard, I can't say enough about the two of you. Your class acts, on and off the court and over your careers at UNB, you've brought the program into a new era and now (regardless of the final results this weekend), can walk away from the jersey's as proud alumni!
This week I'm going to introduce you to a first year guy, who has a bright future with our program; Cody Timmons (#16)...aka 'T'! Cody's a 1st year 6'5ft Middle out of Halifax, NS who's studying business at UNB. He brings a personal swag to the court (practice or match) every single day, and although his boisterous cheering after he blocks you, or aces you, may get under guys skin sometimes, to me, it has shown his true competitive nature...and how much winning matters to him as an athlete. Something that will benefit our team in years to come as he becomes a more key player on the court. Here are some facts about the kidd: Q) Why did you choose to play volleyball at university instead of basketball?
A) I chose volleyball because UNB had just won the aus title and the program was on a rise. I knew after watching UNB play while I was in high school, that I could only get better if I practiced with a quality team each day. Also, Dan had just recieved CIS coach of the year so I knew he would push me constantly also.
Q) What has been your favorite moment as a Varsity Red thus far?
A) My first CIS kill! It was late in the 2nd set against MUN and we had a comfortable lead, and Brooksie was on the court and I knew he'd wanna hook me up. Sure enough, we passed a 3-ball and I hit a 51 deep into 5! I couldn't help but smile while Blanchard grabbed me and shook the hell outta me to celebrate.
Q) What is our biggest goal to obtain during the off season?
A) My biggest goal in the off season is to add a couple of inches to my vertical jump. I could get away with my spike touch in high school, but everyone in this league puts up a high block. A lot of plyometrics and strength training for me over the summer months!
Season may be done, but the blog isn't! Logan and I will still be keeping you all up to date about our teams community activities throughout the remainder of the school year, so stay tuned! Cheers everybody...and thanks again for all your support throughout the season at our matches, you're all the best!
Costa
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