Volleyball set for Classic debut

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/12/2017 (2853 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Logan Brennan, a veteran libero on the University of Winnipeg men’s volleyball team, will become part of a Christmas tradition once reserved for basketball players.

The Wesmen Classic, which was a holiday fixture operated as a hoops-only extravaganza for the first 50 years of its existence, will be a volleyball showcase for the first time when the tournament runs Dec. 28-30 at the Duckworth Centre.

Brennan, who hails from Bragg Creek, Alta., is one of five fifth-year players on the Wesmen squad. The school announced plans earlier this year to rotate the Classic between its men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams on an annual basis. First up is head coach Larry McKay’s No. 7-ranked men’s volleyball team.

“We’re very excited to be part of this in our last year,” said Brennan at Wednesday’s media event to unveil the 2017 tournament draw. “We’re really lucky it happened just in time for us. For me, my parents, they haven’t been out to a game, but because this Wesmen Classic is happening, they’re going to come out. So that adds even more excitement for me.”

Winnipeg will host four other top-11 U Sports teams at the reconfigured Classic, which will also include the Manitoba Bisons (No. 10), Western Ontario Mustangs, New Brunswick Varsity Reds, Brandon Bobcats (No. 4),Regina Cougars, Laval Rouge et Or (No. 6) and Ryerson Rams (No. 11).

Taylor Howe, a 6-4, fifth-year outside hitter from Calgary, has been encouraged by his team’s progress. The Wesmen went 10-2 in Canada West play during the first half of the season while earning splits with No. 3 Calgary and Brandon. But they endured more than their share of marathon matches.

“I like us grinding out wins,” Howe said. “I think out of our 12 games, we’ve had six five-setters. It’s good because we’re learning how to play under pressure — to be clutch, to be calm when it’s all riding on the last 15 points, but I would like to see us ride out more three-setters and take care of business when we have those easier games. You see the top teams in the league, when they have easier teams, they take care of business and get it done in three. They make it clean.”

Winnipeg’s veteran-laden crew includes third-year setter Mikael Clegg, who gained valuable experience last summer while playing for Canada’s national junior team.

The Wesmen aim to qualify for the national championship in spring, but Howe has circled a Jan. 5-6 matchup with the No. 1 ranked defending national champions from Trinity Western. What makes the showdown more intriguing is Howe’s brother Jackson is a first-year middle blocker on the Spartans squad.

“I think we’re capable of beating any team we face,” Howe said, “including Trinity — my little brother’s on that team. I’d love to take it to those guys. I think there’s a bit of an extra incentive to take it, to really go after those big teams because we really have it in us, but we really have to be disciplined and perform.”

Tournament passes can be purchased for $25. Children 12 and under and U of W students get in free.

Basketball will still be part of the holiday tradition, with a 16-team junior varsity boys high school tournament running Dec. 8 and 9. The final is slated for Dec. 27.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @sawa14