Camosun Chargers athletes earn All-Star status
February 26th, 2010
Camosun College Chargers
As the BCCAA Provincial Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Championships draw near, the Camosun College Chargers are proud to announce that four of their student-athletes have been named 2009-10 League All-Stars.
The group of home town heroes on the men’s side include third-year right side Aleks Saddlemyer (Parklands), second-year libero Josh Coutts (Claremont) and first-year middle Eric Reidstra (Pacific Christian).
Aleks Saddlemyer Men’s BCCAA 1st Team All-Star
Josh Coutts Men’s BCCAA 2nd Team All-Star
Eric Reidstra Men’s BCCAA All-Rookie Team
“I couldn’t be happier with the awards this year, commented Camosun head coach Charles Parkinson. “To have three Chargers recognized by coaches across the league as worthy of special distinction is phenomenal.”
“Alex Saddlemyer is blessed with so many natural gifts – size, athleticism, work ethic, attitude – and his growth as a player has been phenomenal over the past two seasons,” said Coach Parkinson. “He has earned a tremendous amount of respect from coaches and players throughout the league and I expect he will continue to enjoy success as he moves into the CIS next year.”
Commanding great respect in the back court is Josh Coutts. “Josh embodies all that the Libero is – a true defensive general,” stated the Camosun coach. “He commands great respect in the back court and his positive communication, fantastic ability to read attackers and unbelievable athleticism have resulted in him being the number one Libero in the BCCAA this season. “
On newcomer Eric Reidstra, Coach Parkinson reported, “Eric posses great size, quick feet and superior intelligence. As the season unfolded he became an offensive force for the Chargers, especially on transition where his timing has been superb. Look for terrific things from Eric in the future as experience and training shape him into an impact player in the BCCAA.”
On the women’s side, second-year power and go to player Tanisha Marcelle (Spectrum) earned a BCCAA 2nd Team All-Star for averaging over 3.5 kills a game and almost an ace a game with a hitting percentage of well over 35%.
“Tanisha has been an anchor to our offense,” said Chargers head coach Ailson Hitesman. “Her serving has become a weapon as she has realized the amount of confidence she has and is tapping into it to complete her scoring power. She is a reliable passer and can cover a lot of court on defense. We are looking forward to seeing where Tanisha can take her game in the following season. Her upside is tremendous!”
Heading into the Championships seeded #6, the Chargers women are excited to perform on home ground and have embraced the fact that the odds are not 100% in their favor. The Chargers will first face Island rivals, the VIU Mariners (seeded third) – a team that has beaten Camosun 3-1 and 3-0 in league play over the season.
“There is a lot of parity among the teams and any one of them can falter in a playoff game,” commented Camosun head coach Alison Hitesman. “Often, the teams with the best advantage are the teams seeded lower. We are the underdogs and I enjoy that advantage point.”
Armed with optimism, the team has already found pride in knowing that their hard work has resulted in the team’s first appearance at the Provincial playoffs since 2006-07.
“This is important for the athletes playing their final year with us,” said Coach Hitesman. “For a number of these individuals, simply earning a berth in this competition and being a part of the action as Camosun hosts its first Provincial Championships is a highlight in their College career and I hope we are able to help build upon this at the playoffs this week and bid them farewell on a high note.”
Catch the Chargers begin their quest for gold this week at the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence (4371 Interurban Road).
Thursday, February 25
Women Camosun Chargers (#6) vs. VIU Mariners (#3) 6pm
Men Camosun Chargers (#5) vs. CBC Bearcats (#4) 8pm
Check the official BCCAA Men’s and Women’s Provincial Championships Website for the complete schedule and additional tournament information.