Augustana Athletics

6:00 p.m. Cocktails
6:30 p.m. Team Awards
7:00 p.m. Dinner
8:00 p.m. Major Awards
$20.00 Student-Athletes
$30.00 Guests

Special guest speaker: John Short
Slideshow presentation

Everyone welcome!

Call Cathy at 780.679.1195 for more information or for tickets

The Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Leggitt as Head Coach of the Vikings Women’s volleyball program.

Stephen brings over 24 years coaching experience to the Augustana Women’s Volleyball program. He is a level four National Coaches Certification Program coach who has just returned to Alberta after 3 years at Montana State Northern, 2 years as an assistant coach and 1 year as Interim head coach. From 2001 -2006 he was an Asst coach with the University of Calgary and York University volleyball programs helping Calgary obtain a bronze medal at nationals in 2002 and helping York University reach nationals for the first time in 12 years. From 1994 to 2001, he coached with the Ganaraska Wolves women’s volleyball club in Ontario, winning a number of provincial championships, culminating in an 18U national silver medal in 2001. 2001 also saw Stephen make the move to Calgary to continue his coaching studies at the National Coaching Institute and to work with the Dino Men’s volleyball program. In 2001 he was the Head Coach of team Alberta 18U Women’s program capturing a gold medal in the Western Canadian Elite Championship.

Over the years Stephen has placed a number of athletes on provincial programs, Jr. National team Program’s as well as Canada’s Sr. National team. In 2004, Stacey Gordon, an athlete whom Stephen coached for 5 years with the Wolves Volleyball Club, was named NCAA player of the year. In the summer months Stephen is the technical director for Volley Blast summer camps in Alberta and Saskatchewan, managing a twelve-court facility with over 350 athletes and 40 coaches. “I’m very pleased and excited to take over the Women’s program at Augustana, and I look forward to building on the winning tradition here as the University makes the jump to the ACAC”

“I am pleased to have Steve take over the reins of a program that has been so successful in the past” said Director of Athletics Greg Ryan. Athlete Rachel Toppin expressed the following, “ We are looking forward to the experience, technical background and Western Canadian contacts that Steve can bring to the team. This will help in our transition to the ACAC”.

The Augustana Vikings hockey team’s season is over, but they did not go quietly, forcing the S.A.I.T. Trojans to earn their berth in the championship series in a 5-6 Augustana loss. Team scoring leader Torrie Dyck ended his stellar season with a bang, netting a hat-trick, while Quinn Amiel also had a three-point game with a goal and two assists. Richard Dupre also scored for the Vikings while Joel Chisholm, Ben Starbuck, Daniel Hope, Dean Prpick, and Casey Rempel all added an assist. Goaltender David Ritz made 32 saves.

While season is over, the guys can be proud of having the best season in four years at Augustana and challenging the best in the league. Congrats on a fine season and good luck next year.

The University of Alberta – Augustana Campus and Vikings Men’s Basketball program are pleased to announce that Chad Molzan has committed to joining the Vikings Men’s Basketball program beginning in the 2010-2011 season.

Chad is a 6’3” forward at Drumheller Composite High School where he is an honour student and a great student-leader. The Dynos are currently ranked #1 by the Alberta Schools Athletic Association (A.S.A.A.) for all 2A high schools in Alberta. This season Chad has been a statistical leader chipping in with high numbers in scoring and rebounding as well as playing solid defence and providing excellent on the floor leadership.

“His strong passion for winning and balanced approach to being a student-athlete make him an excellent fit at Augustana. He brings everything he has to every game and as the competition gets tougher he only gets stronger. We are looking forward to having Chad step in and contribute next season.” Says head coach Dave Drabiuk of the newest Viking.

“Chad has received outstanding coaching at Drumheller Composite from head coach Jeff Messom. His talent is a direct result of his hard work and desire to compete at a high level. The Viking Nation is going to love cheering him on next year,” adds assistant coach Jared Leeb.

Chad had this to say about his decision to join the Vikings: "I think Augustana will be a great fit for me next season for school as well as basketball. It's a small campus with a small town atmosphere that suits me very well, as I have lived my whole life in Drumheller. I'm excited to join the Augustana team after my high school career is over and after hopefully winning the 2A Provincial Championship. I'd like to thank Chad Pidhaichuk, Jesse McClean and Jeff Messom for making me the player I am and the team we are today. I am definitely looking forward to a new start in Camrose and playing in a Vikings uniform next season."

Chad and the Dynos are no strangers to the A.S.A.A. Provincial Championships having won silver last year, losing in the final to a very talented Picture Butte squad that featured 2 nationally profiled players. This year the Dynos are looking to win it all. The 2010 Provincial Championships are being hosted by Daysland School and the games will be played at the Augustana Gymnasium in Camrose March 18-20. This is an exciting opportunity for Chad to play his final high school games on the same court that will be his home court next year when he suits up for the Augustana Vikings.

Chad will be studying math and physics in the Bachelor of Science program while attending the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus.

Open Tryouts: Friday, April 9, 2010
Invite Only: Saturday, April 10, 2010
Cost: $25 (Includes t-shirt)

The Augustana ID Camp is mandatory for all athletes who wish to be included on the 2010 - 11 roster. Friday’s sessions are open to any Grade 10, 11 or 12 student, while Saturday’s sessions are invite only. Individual meetings (for those invited back) will follow the last session on Saturday.

To register, please e-mail Leanne Shenton, Head Coach at shenton@augustana.ca.  Make sure to provide your name, grade, position, and height.

» Register before March 17th and pay only $20.
» Make out cheques to the University of Alberta, Augustana Faculty
» Send to:

Augustana Campus, University of Alberta
4901 – 46 Avenue
Camrose, AB
T4V 2R3

Both Volleyball squads travelled to Saskatoon this past weekend to compete in the Western Canadian Championships. The women hoped to improve on their silver medal from the previous championship. They started the tournament in round robin play against the team that vanquished them a year ago, the host team, Kelsey Amaruks. Kelsey was able to over come a large deficit to win two straight. The girls were able to win the rest of their round robin matches with ease, giving them a bye into the Quarterfinals, where they found themselves matched up against the Ambrose Lions. Unfortunately, Ambrose took advantage of some sluggish play by the Vikings by playing their best match of the season, winning in two. The loss meant that Augustana finished tin a tie for 5th place. While the girls were disappointed, they can hold their heads high after having an excellent season, highlighted by their ACAL championship.

Both Volleyball squads travelled to Saskatoon this past weekend to compete in the Western Canadian Championships. The men came to Saskatoon as the only team that has ever won the tournament in its two-year history. They began with one match on Friday night, facing off against the fourth ranked team from Manitoba, St. Boniface. With several starters resting with nagging injuries, the Vikings got off to a slow start, trailing by more then ten at one point during a 16-25 loss. Fortunately, the boys got their heads in the game and rebounded to win the next two sets 25-17, 15-10. An early start was due the next day, as the Vikings had a pair of round robin matches to finish before the playoff round. Coach Tom Tigchelaar gave his rookies a chance to play and they did not disappoint, sweeping both matches. The wins put the Vikings first in their pool, giving them a break before Quarters. There, they faced a familiar foe, the Portage Voyageurs. Despite a few lapses in focus, the guys were able to take the 25-19, 25-21. In the Semifinal, Augustana faced off against the Kelsey Amaruks, a team they had faced in the final each year. After blowing the Amaruks away in the first set, the Vikings found themselves trailing in the second set. However, they fought their way back and took the set and the match, winning 25-23. After a long break, the Vikings found themselves facing another familiar foe; their hated rival the Ambrose Lions. The lions were especially motivated for the match after losing to the Vikings in front of a home crowd at ACAL final four the previous week. The first set was a back and forth affair, with the Vikings pulling away late in the game to win 25-20. Bryn Petch, who did not play until the Semifinal because of a sore shoulder, was a significant presence in the middle for Augustana. In the second set, however, the Lions refused to give in and took it 23-25.A poor start had the Vikings trailing early and lead to a 11-13 deficit. However, they responded against adversity the way they had all weekend and took the final set 15-13. Steve Gross was named Augustana’s Tournament All-Star. The Vikings now go into the ACAC next year having never lost the tournament final. Congrats on a job well done.

Trivia:

• Hometown: Leduc
• Height: 5’9
• Position: Leftside
• Year of study: third
• Degree: Bachelor of Management
• Sports background: Grew up involved in several sports, particularly in hockey and ringette, in the 8 grade she finally gave in to her coach’s pleadings for her to join the volleyball team.
• On the difference between this team and last year: Being a veteran is a fun change. It’s nice to see the experience and composure from the veteran’s combine with the tenacity and energy of the rookies.
• On the campus and city: Love the campus and city. Living on campus is the best way to meet people and this campus is particularly great. It’s also great that the community takes an active interest in the school.
• Personal goal: to provide motivation and support for all the girls and to be a good captain.
• Team goal: Win ACAL and Western’s.
• Favorite sports movie: Remember the Titans, because the history and the story of perseverance.
• Plans for Future: Immediate, take management or marketing position with a WHL or AJHL hockey team. Eventually, would like to attain same position with either Hockey Canada or IIHF.
• Favorite athlete: Hayley Wickenheiser, for keeping humble roots, showing patriotism, and persevering through tough times.
• Pregame routine: Don’t eat much, just some fruit, and play music and focus.
• Playing style: Gritty, work hard on defence, make shots to get kills, tool blocks.
• Thoughts on ACAC next year: excited

Article:
As the prospect of competing in the ACAC next year looms over the Vikings women’s volleyball team, Tamara Armstrong can’t wait.“I’m excited for next year,” says the third year outside hitter, “it will be nice to compete against good teams every night instead of once or twice a year.”

Hailing from Leduc, Alberta, Tamara was involved in competitive sports throughout her childhood, but back then, if someone said she would one day play college volleyball, she would probably have scoffed at the idea.

“I played hockey and ringette growing up,” says the 5’9 Armstrong, “and I thought volley ball was lame, but I gave in to my 8th grade coach’s badgering and gave the sport a try. I was fairly successful thanks to my height, and I fell in love with it.”

Volleyball, and the opportunity to attain a degree in Management, has led her to the Vikings, were she has been a consistent performer and dependable leader for the program, leading to her new responsibility as captain.

“I haven’t found it to be a big change from last year,” says Armstrong, “outside the court I was already an organizer last year. The most important thing this year is to provide constant support and motivation to my teammates and do my part on the court.” And on the court she has not disappointed, as evidenced in the women’s home opener against the Concordia Thunder, where she helped the team to a 3-1 victory through spectacular serving and consistent back row play while chipping in on offense with 12 kills.

Armstrong is enrolled in Bachelor of Management and hopes to eventually get a management/marketing position with a hockey federation.

Despite some tight contests, Augustana curling was unable to come away with a medal this past weekend as they hosted the ACAC Championships. Both the men and women’s teams finished fourth.

The men’s hockey team now find themselves trailing best of five series with the S.A.I.T. two games to none. After dropping the first game at S.A.I.T. 1-5, the Vikings were unable to rebound on Sunday and fell once again to the Trojans 3-8. The season will be on the line Friday at S.A.I.T.

Get ready Camrose. Starting this weekend, Augustana’s hockey team will compete in the ACAC semifinals against the three time defending champions, the S.A.I.T. Trojans. The Vikings surprised the Trojans early in the season winning 4-2, but were handled easily in the last three games, including a 4-0 loss at Encana. That contest ended with a scuffle between several players. The Vikings have not forgotten and will be looking to establish themselves early in the series.

Game 1 Friday, February, 26th at 7:00pm-SAIT
Game 2 at Camrose / Encana Arena:Camrose-Sunday, Feb. 28th. @ 6:15 PM (Warm-up @ 5:45 PM)
Game 3 Friday, March 5th at 7:00pm-SAIT
Game 4 (if needed) at Encana Arena: Sat. March 6th. @ 7:30 PM (Warm-up @ 6:50).
Game 5 Sunday, March 7th at 6:00pm (if necessary)

The men’s volleyball team was busy this past Friday as they participated in an invitational tournament hosted by Concordia University. Both schools are preparing for the U21 Club Provincials on March 27-28.

The guys played four matches, starting with a matchup against a team of Alumni players from Concordia, Red Deer, Grant Macewan and other powerhouse schools. The Vikings started strong by winning 25-23, but dropped the next two sets in a 1-2 loss.

The rest of the tournament went smoothly as they won their remaining three matches over Concordia, Olds and U of A’s French Campus to finish with a 3-1 record. It was a good day for the team as they showed a lot of promise and are looking forward to competing against the best college players in the province.

Playing in the final weekend of regular season against the CCAA #3 nationally ranked team, 4th year guard, David Ness compiled 42 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the statistical and emotional charge for the Vikings. His tenacious play at both ends of the floor confirmed his position as a leader on his team.

David finishes off the season with 337 total points with 113 rebounds, 55 assists, and 35 steals for the Vikings.

David is a fourth year student attending Augustana Campus, U of A taking Physical Education.

Congratulations David on an outstanding weekend and season!

Source: ACAC