Head Coach Cody Magneson is excited about what he has seen thus far from the 2017 Eckville Aces senior boys’ volleyball squad. As he looks down the road he sees the growth continuing for a major challenge on the horizon.
“We are fortunate to have been selected as the host school for the 1A Boys’ Provincial Volleyball Championships. Ten of the top teams from across Alberta qualify for the event,” Magneson said.
The coach points out, “Our team has had a strong start to the year and should be highly competitive. Everyone who qualifies will have won the right to get here and will be playing at or near the top of their game. Gaining experience at last year’s provincials is certainly a positive as we prepare.”
Brian Holland, tournament chair and Eckville Junior-Senior High School’s principal, says planning has been underway for over six months already.
“As soon as we secured the bid we have had meetings with parent organizers, staff and other groups to ensure that we run a first class event,” Holland said.
While planning has already began, people who would like to volunteer from the community at large are certainly welcome.
“It is a huge undertaking and we have already had several local sponsors step up to assist with the costs associated” says Holland. “Our student volunteers will also get to play a role in minor officiating, hosting and other areas. As always we can use additional adult volunteers in a variety of capacities and anyone who is interested can contact either Mr. Magneson or myself.”
People will have the opportunity to see the Aces squad on display at their annual home tournament Oct. 13-14.
“There are several quality teams in our tournament including Central Alberta Christian High School, defending 2A provincial champions and the Acme Redmen, 2016 provincial bronze medalists at the 1A level. Our team has already had a great match with CACH and look forward to using this event to continue to build towards the last half of our season,” said Magneson.
Eckville is looking forward to hosting the provincial games on Nov. 22-25, 2017.
“This is a true sporting highlight for the athletes, and our team was a participant in last year’s championships in Bow Island, so they are well aware of the challenges they face.”