Men's volleyball looks to improve
By Michal Tellos
Sports Editor
August 6, 2008
 In addition to picking up some new players during their off-season, the Lancers men’s volleyball recently took part in a friendly match against Vanguard Volleyball Club in an attempt to better themselves before the season’s commencement.
The friendly tournament also included local volleyball club teams, but the team to beat was Vanguard, the only volleyball club in central Ohio specifically for men.
“Vanguard Volleyball is a great club only three hours from us. This is a great opportunity for our neighbours to the south and this summer ‘friendly’ (match) is a great way to showcase our campus and for them to see some great athletes,” said Shawn Lippert, assistant coach of the team.
Vanguard has a prestigious reputation, as it has been known to produce NCAA Division-I players for its closest D-I school – Ohio State University.
Prior to playing in this friendly, the coaching staff acquired several valuable players from varying sources.
Top recruit Justin Kuskoff, a Sarnia native, committed to the Lancers near the end of May, and head coach Huub Kemmere is excited.
“He is quick, intelligent, and has a knack of finding the floor in his offence. Justin’s presence in the team’s dynamic will be a definite plus for the program,” said Kemmere.
Kuskoff was a multiple award winner in his hometown, and also across OFSAA. Several other recruits will aim to make a difference for the Lancers this year as well.
Kyle Williamson, a talented 6’5 player, can play any position.
Playing for the Riverside club team, and for the Essex Red Raiders in high school, Williamson was named a city all-star, helping his team to a silver medal in the city championship. He was also a runner-up for a WESPY Award.
Colin Stoliker, a Chatham native, will also join the squad. Playing for his hometown club and school team, he has helped his school win three straight SWOSSA titles, even winning a gold medal at OFSAA in the last attempt.
Another addition to the team will be Kyle Bendell, a former Toronto Blues Under-18 club player.
A left-side player, he is known for his effective serving abilities, and high kill percentage at the net.
Lippert is looking forward to seeing all of these players work well together. “These recruits will add height, muscle and talent to our young and up-and-coming team,” he said.
Of the future of the team and players, Lippert said that they “will challenge for minutes immediately and will hopefully send our program into the upper levels within the OUA.”
The Lancers will look to improve sharply from last year, when they finished near the bottom of the OUA.
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