THORPE LEADS WEST TO MEN'S VOLLEYBALL ALL-STAR WIN

ETOBICOKE, Ont. - Humber's trio of Matt Isaacs, Andre Brown and Paul Kemboi helped the West Division defeat the East in 4 straight sets at the OCAA Volleyball All Star Game, which was played at the Humber College Athletic Centre on Saturday.

Normal volleyball games are a best of 5 format, but the all star game allows for a minimum of 4 sets to allow for all players to play.

The set scores were 25-22, 25-10, 25-22, 27-25.

The West Player of the Game was Andrew Thorpe of Fanshawe, and the East Player of the Game was Matt Woods, of Loyalist.

ALL STAR WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS:

Friday:

All participants were greeted and presented with a custom accreditation badge and Mizuno lanyard, and an Outtahand T-shirt.

Outtahand Reverse 6's

This was a huge hit with all the players. In fact the event had two Reverse 6's event running, as 48 played in the big event and all of the other interested players were put into another on the extra court.

Champions: Jessica Chui & Jason Hernadez of Seneca

Second: Kelly Nyhof & Matt Isaacs of Humber

An onsite pizza reception followed the event.

There was a well attended coaches hospitality reception at the hotel.

Saturday:

Players, coaches and administrators arrived at the facility and were greeted with a full continental breakfast.

When players entered their respective dressing rooms they found personalized lockers and dry fits warm up tops.

Team practices and pictures followed.

The All Star Weekend luncheon was next on the agenda. Amy Hoskins of Loyalist won the Heads & Tails contest and took away the movie night package, valued at $150.00.

All feasted on a terrific meal, presented by Humber Catering.

Upon leaving the lunch all participants recieved a special edition Sports Illustrated cover with their picture on it.

It was back to the gym for the athletes to compete and watch the skill challenge. The coaches were directed to a special coaches forum, which was held just above the gym.

Lots of fun was held in the Skills Challenge as 6 teams of 3 participated in 2 events - a target serving event and a serve, pass and set one.

Winners: Men's West - Paul Kemboi/Humber, Cody Williams/Sheridan, Justin Scapinello/Mohawk

The coaches meeting welcomed almost 40 men's and women's coaches. A great dialogue took place in the meeting that was led by convenors Scott Gray of Sault and Dave Mantel of Redeemer. Many motions and thoughts will be brought to the AGM in May.

It was then game time!

Players went to their benches and were greeted with custom embroidered gym bags, towels and framed team pictures.

All playes were then introduced, and took a spot on the baseline.

The players who were stepping on the court for their last ever OCAA event were given flowers and a special "sports card" bearing their picture and year statistics.

The anthem was played and the game started!

As above, the game was very well played and enjoyed by the players and the crowd of over 300 people.

Source: Humber College