The graduating class of 2008 McMaster Mens Volleyball

Ladies and Gentlemen
Before the start of this evening’s match we would like to take a moment to recognize the seniors of the Men’s volleyball program.
These six players have each made their own mark on the program and will behind a legacy of excellence for the future Marauders.

#4 Nathan Groenveld
A 4th year political science student who has continuously improved throughout his time here at McMaster to become one of the premier players in the league. Nathan has racked up 483 kills and 143 service aces so far in his career at McMaster. Nathan’s skill and competitive nature have made him a key player in both the Marauders offence and defense.

#4 Nathan Groenveld

#11 Jon Krawec
A 4th year social science student has anchored the Marauders sere receive and defense in the libero position. Jon has made over 370 digs in his career- setting a new team match record with 22 against York this year. His passion and fire have been an inspiration to his teammates throughout his time as a Marauder. We wish Jon the best in all of his future pursuits as he moves on to his next stage as an Alumnus.

#11 Jon Krawec

#3 Adam Schulz
A 5th year computer science student, a native of St Catherine’s turns the page on his career as a Marauder having contributed in almost every way imaginable. While at McMaster Adam has been integral in solidifying the strength and conditioning standards with the team and has mentored and assisted almost every athlete currently in the program at one time or another. On the court, filling dual rolls on the Left side and Right side, Adam has accumulated 563 kills and an outstanding 103 blocks including 50 solo blocks for the Marauders. Best of luck to Adam as he leaves the program to pursue other avenues in volleyball and otherwise.

#3 Adam Schulz

#10 Duncan Gillespie
A 5th year philosophy student from Barrie has truly been one of the high flyers for the Marauders in his career. Duncan has consistently led the team in vertical touch and also in hitting efficiency. Duncan records 521 kills 82 solo blocks and 196 block assists. Dunc is also a certified pilot and will move on to bigger and brighter skies after his career as McMaster. A great athlete and an even better teammate and person- Duncan is truly at the top of the Class.

#10 Duncan Gillespie

#13 Sean Panchal
A 5th year political science student from Rick Hansen Secondary in Mississauga has been running the offence for the past five seasons. A starter since his first year, Sean has collected 561 digs, 87 aces and an incredible 3187 assists. His play on the court will be missed and his leadership and team mentality will be difficult to replace. Sean has been co-captain for 4 years here and his impact on the Marauder program is immeasurable.

#13 Sean Panchal

#9 Parrish Offer
This 5th year political science student from Kingston has also been co-captain for 4 years. Parrish’s contribution to the Marauder Volleyball program has been as an outside hitter and libero. Parrish has tallied 716 kills along with 522 digs making him one of the leaders on both sides of the ball for the Marauders. Parrish has been described as the engine of the program- he makes the team go. His skill and leadership is matched only by his enthusiasm and genuine love for the game and his teammates. Parrish is a role model for every captain to follow.

#9 Parrish Offer

The CLASS of 2008

Official Press Release

 On 19^th June 2009, The Minister of Health, Senator the Honourable Jerry Narace announced that he has recommended that the Caribbean Games 2009 in Trinidad and Tobago be postponed as the Ministry continues its efforts to mitigate the spread of the A H1N1 pandemic.  Following meetings and collaborations between the Minister of Health and the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Minister Gary Hunt, it was determined that it would be difficult to find another slot and as such postponement would mean cancellation.  This decision was based on several factors and the top 3 factors directly affects the Athletes and Officials from all 26 countries and the wider Trinidad and Tobago community as follows:-    

1. Participants, officials and guests attending the Games from other countries can be a source of additional infection for the population of Trinidad and Tobago.


2. The age groups of the Caribbean athletes corresponds to the age groups most affected by the current Pandemic


3. The housing of the athletes and officials creates the ideal environment for H1N1 transmission (communal living).

While the organizers, athletes, officials and volunteers, who have been preparing for these games for more than 3 years, find the news extremely disappointing they understand and respect the decision.

Below are statements by Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of Caribbean Games 2009 Ms. Dennise Demming, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) Mr. Larry Romany and Secretary of Caribbean Associations of National Olympic Committees (CANOC).  

Ms. Dennise Demming - Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of Caribbean Games 2009 

There’s one word to describe the actions of the government – responsible.   In postponing the Caribbean Games, the government of Trinidad and Tobago has acted in the interest of the athletes and people of the region.  As Chairman of the LOC, I understand that decision   … but it is a bitter sweet.

For 3 years now, the Board has served selflessly and ensured the refinement of the vision for the games.  For about 2 years now, the staff of the LOC has been serving diligently to put together a well oiled engine.  Twelve hundred athletes have been preparing tirelessly for this event … xxx hundred volunteers have been simulating CGO9 …  A lot of good work has gone into this activity. 

We looked forward to the opportunity to demonstrate that our people are competent and able to stage a world class event.  The legacy of the games is not simply physical facilities but the experience gained in ramping up and I trust that this experience will be put to use for some future event. 

For all of us, the real learning was in the journey and I remain committed to making “Sport the Weapon of Choice for our Youth” 

 

Mr. Larry Romany - President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) 

This is a difficult moment but the decision taken by the Government that T&T cannot host the inaugural Caribbean Games as scheduled (12- 19 July) due to the Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus is respected and supported by the TTOC. 

Since the virus was first identified and detected last April, the TTOC was mindful of the risk potential the H1N1 virus could pose to the 2009 Caribbean Games. These concerns were further heightened on 11 June when the World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared flu pandemic. 

I believe that the priority is the well-being of the athletes, coaches, administrators, officials and volunteers. 

This is a blow for the Caribbean Olympic Movement. You are looking at nine years of planning and dreaming. Words cannot adequately describe the disappointment. However, we must remain resolute and indomitable. 

It has been a tremendous learning experience for all the Caribbean Games stakeholders.

The challenge is to create a lasting legacy of knowledge and relationships. It has been a deeply emotional experience For the T&T Olympic Movement .Our dedication and commitment to the Olympic movement, and the Olympic ideals and values has been put to the test. As host NOC for the inaugural games .It was an honour and a privilege .What the Caribbean Games meant to the movement, the athletes and the youth and Caribbean people inspired us[ T&T] to undertake our responsibilities and obligation with a sense of mission and purpose. There are still those around the world who believe that the Caribbean cannot unite, nor that we have the vision, capacity or capabilities to organise a multi-sport Games. 

I would like to apologise to all the athletes and coaches throughout the Caribbean for the disappointment and inconvenience caused. I know there is a profound sense of disappointment that everyone would be feeling, including, the hard working and dedicated Caribbean Games Organizing Committee Board of Directors, staff and volunteers who had so valiantly responded to the call. But the risks regarding the realities of H1N1 has to be accepted and addressed. 

I wish to thank the local, regional and international sponsors and partners who would have stepped forward to offer support either monetary or value-in-kind.  

I acknowledged that the decision as to possible new dates for the inaugural Caribbean Games is one that will have to be decided on by the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC).

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has communicated its position. It is now left to CANOC to decide on the future status of the 2009 Caribbean Games. 

 

Mr. Elton Prescott - Secretary of Caribbean Associations of National Olympic Committees (CANOC). 

As Secretary of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees, I have conferred with the Chairman and members of the Executive of the Association and informed them of the implications for our athletes, technical officials and guests of the information and recommendations of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago - Ministry of Health. 

These implications have led us as responsible organization, after discussions with the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, to agree that the Caribbean Games 2009 should be postponed.

CANOC continues to be truly appreciative of the efforts of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, especially Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, the volunteers, the National Federations and the Board and Staff of the LOC.   We are also sensitive to the disappointment we all share over this development. 

The Executive of CANOC will meet shortly to determine a further course of action having regard to the interests of our NOCs, athletes and the realization of the dreams of all of us to stage the Caribbean Games in the region. 

Pane Vino Opening in Lindsay

One of my oldest friends is opening a restaurant in Lindsay, Ontario that I'm pretty excited about. It is an Italian restaurant called Pane Vino, which translates to bread and wine. Keelan is working very hard to get this open and they've just released a video which is at the bottom of this post. If you're in the Lindsay area or want to just have a really great meal, be sure to check out Pane Vino
Pane Vino Lindsay
Click arrow below for a preview of Pane Vino - turn up the volume, be patient and feel the love

Carribean Games Postponed

Preliminary reports are coming in that the inaugural Caribbean Games in Trinidad and Tobago are going to have to be postponed due to S1N1 (Swine Flu). A meeting is taking place on Monday, June 22nd to try and find and alternative date. This article talks about the number of TT volleyball players that have come in contact with the virus.

TT’s Influenza A/H1N1 cases jump to 18
By LARA PICKFORD-GORDON Thursday, June 18 2009

After reporting that TT had seven confirmed Influenza A/H1N1 cases on Tuesday, the Health Ministry yesterday reported that the figure has jumped to 18.

This means that TT has the most cases for a Caribbean country while Cuba, Barbados, Bahamas, Dominica has recorded single-digit figures, and the Dominican Republic, one death.

The World Health Organisation reported that 76 countries had 35, 928 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 163 deaths. The Ministry said this was an increase from June 12 when 29,669 cases were reported in 74 countries.

According to a release from the Health Ministry yesterday there are 11 confirmed H1N1 cases in Tobago and seven in TT. It stated, “the most recent cases have been discovered as part of the Ministry’s surveillance procedures and epidemiological controls.”

The Ministry said consistent with protocol the persons infected have been placed in isolation and were being treated. “All patients are doing well,” it said. Newsday learnt that investigations were being conducted into the cause of the increase in Tobago.

Meantime, the Health Ministry has been informed by the health authorities of the US Virgin Islands that no volleyball players from their national team who were in Trinidad and Tobago recently have tested positive for the H1N1 virus. This follows positive tests for one member of the TT volleyball team and 11 members of the Suriname team who participated in the international volleyball tournament held from May 31 to June 6.

The Ministry said it has “ramped up activities in relation to the H1N1 prevention, management and control and is committed to informing the public of all new developments”. Attempts to get additional information regarding the increase in cases in Tobago proved futile. County Medical Officer of Health, Dr Mentor Melville, has been directed to refrain from commenting in the media. Newsday was told that all enquiries are referred to the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health. When Dr Cumberbatch’s office was contacted, Newsday was asked to “direct all enquiries to the Communications Unit”.

“We are conducting surveillance and asking the public to continue using hygiene practices to prevent the spread of the influenza A/H1N1,” said Kevin Garcia Communications Consultant of the Health Ministry in response to a question about the jump in cases in Tobago.

Caribbean Games 2009

The 2009 Caribbean Games are fast approaching and I will be traveling to Trinidad & Tobago to compete with the team. The games run from July 13th to the 19th and have 28 countries competing in various sports. The Central American and Caribbean Games are the oldest continuing regional games. Only the Olympic Games have a longer continuous history. Mexico, Cuba and Guatemala were the three only countries present at the first games, which were then called the Central American Games.

This will be another good test for us as we will play powerhouses Cuba and Mexico in competition as well as get another chance at the Bahamas who knocked us out of World championships.

The games website is http://www.caribbeangames2009.com/ and will have live video during the games.

A New Era begins...

This is my formal announcement that I will not be returning to Denmark next year to play for Middelfart VK. I am currently in a transition phase in my life right now. Having played professional for a year, I understand a new style of game; a different type of practice; and a different way of life. Just recently upon traveling to Jamaica, I again was introduced to a new style, type of practice and way of life! At this point I need to explain something: this Jamaican team is very very skilled. We have pretty controlled passing, excellent attacking and at times we are an effective blocking team. The missing piece right now is our offensive sets. We get great passes but continue to run high outside sets. As an outside hitter, I can say with full confidence that the Jamaican team does not really need me to hit the ball. They have guys who can do that already. With that in mind, I have decided with the support of the Jamaican management and head coach, to transition into a setter. I really believe that this Jamaican team can be successful and I also believe that I can be an accurate and effective setter. I understand that I have hours and hours of work to do in the gym to get the repetitions that I need to set at the international level, but I am willing to dedicate myself to getting those reps and becoming a top level setter.
Some who are reading this may question my ability or reasons for doing this. Keep in mind that I am only 24 which may seem old to some and young to others, but the top age for volleyball is 28 because you're still in strong physical shape but you have a greater understanding for the game. And that is exactly what I want to increase by taking on this new roll; I want my understanding of that position and thus the entire game to increase. I've got some great coaches surrounding me to help me with my quest, but if there are any setters out there feel free to post me some suggestions or things that you have found particularly difficult in your struggle!
I will continue to update my blog regularly on my pursuit to be an effective setter. For those of you in Denmark and especially my girls teams that I was coaching, it has been a difficult decision for me to make, but I wish you all the best and hope that you will remain in contact with me!