DURHAM ADDS PAIR OF EXPERIENCED RECRUITS

OSHAWA, Ont. - After two impressive seasons of leading the Durham College men's volleyball team to the OCAA men's volleyball championships, head coach Andrew Hinchey has added two more players to his line-up that should help the team get one step closer to a provincial tile. Alex Van Staalduinen of Peterborough, Ont., and Piet Kuypers of Courtice, Ont., have both committed to the Lords for the 2012-13 season.

Both athletes join Durham College after finishing their undergraduate degrees. At Durham, Van Staalduinen is enrolled in the post-grad sports management program while Kuypers is enrolled in paramedics.

"These athletes will bring a lot of maturity and experience to our team," said Hinchey. "Both have completed four years of university and have played at a competitive level. I am really looking forward to seeing both of these players in Durham jerseys this season. Their strong work ethic and determination for success will fit in very well with our team's culture."

Van Staalduinen played club volleyball for the Ganaraska Wolves where his club had plenty of success at the national level. In three years, the Wolves won a bronze medal at the U18 Canadian Championship and finished in fifth place at the U16 Eastern Canadian Open Championship. The team also won a gold medal at the U18 Bugarski Cup. The Peterborough native also played club volleyball for Kitchener-Waterloo. In 2008, the Predators won a silver medal at the U21 Ontario Championship.

Van Staalduinen also has experience at the post secondary level as a coach, as he was an assistant with the Laurier Golden Hawks and Trent University women's volleyball programs.

"I have worked with Alex all summer. With his maturity and volleyball knowledge, he will contribute to the team on and off the court," said Hinchey. "His ball control as an outside passer is excellent along with his blocking and ability to read the play will be an asset to the teams' success this year."

Kuypers is familiar with the campus as he spent the last four years studying Kinesiology at UOIT. Prior to coming to UOIT, the 6-foot-6 middle was a standout player at Courtice Secondary School as he was team captain and MVP. Kuypers also has experience playing competitive beach volleyball.

"Piet is a naturally talented middle, who will read the setters well to close blocks on defence," said Hinchey. "With his height and speed, he will also be an offensive weapon."

Coach Hinchey will look for Kuypers to fill the void in the line-up with the departure of Dave McMann, the OCAA all-time block leader in blocks.

Durham College will open up training camp on September 17. The Lords will also host an alumni game on Saturday, September 29.

Source: Durham College