FORMER STAR PLAYER RETURNS TO TAKE THE REINS OF THE EXCALIBUR PROGRAM

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. - Trent University Director of Athletics Bill Byrick is excited to announce Josh Neadow as the new head coach of the Excalibur men’s volleyball program.  Neadow takes over the role after spending the previous five seasons developing into one of the top liberos in Canada while playing for Trent.

“We are delighted to have Josh leading our men's volleyball program through a re-building period. Josh is a very accomplished player and leader and will bring a level of both competitiveness and style that will give the student athletes a role model to follow,” said Trent
Director of Athletics Bill Byrick.  “If he can instil the intensity and skill with which he played with into his team, I’m confident Josh can return the Trent Excalibur to the top of the Ontario college ranks.”

As a player for the Excalibur, the Parnham, Ont.-native was named an Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) All-Star three straight years, including First Team honours following the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.  Playing the libero position, he lead the OCAA in digs each season from 08-09 to 10-11.

Neadow was also honoured at Trent by receiving the prestigious Arthur Cup following the 2009-10 season. Awarded annually to a male and female in their final undergraduate year, the Arthur Cup goes to a student-athlete judged to have made the most contribution to the Varsity Athletic programs in terms of ability, sportsmanship, participation and leadership during their time at the university.

In May of 2011, Neadow was rewarded for his outstanding collegiate career by being one of only 45 players invited to the Canadian men’s national team camp.  He fell just short of being selected to the veteran squad that would compete at the 2011 World Universiade in China.

Neadow brings experience as a coach in numerous sports at the high school and club level to his new role at Trent, and he will be joined by a team of veteran coaches who will assist with the growth and development of the team.

Under Neadow’s guidance, the Excalibur will look to bounce back after a disappointing 3-15 season in 2010-11.  Coach Neadow will make his regular season coaching debut on the road Nov. 4 and will make his home debut when the Excalibur host the Seneca Sting on Nov. 11.

Source: Trent University