Men's Volleyball News

Local Star Ben Smith Signs on with the Av's

Avalanche Head Coach Steve Kamps is pleased to announce the signing of local star Ben Smith for the 2013-2014 season.

Ben has been actively involved in volleyball in the East Kootenay’s. He has captained Team Kootenay at the Western Summer Games team in 2010, Mt. Baker High School and EKVC teams throughout his career. Ben has attended 3 straight Baden Cups and was a member of the 2012 Provincial Team BC that placed 2^nd at the Western Canadian Championships. “Ben is a natural athlete and he can play numerous roles on our team. He will make a big impact with the Avs for the 2013-2014 season” commented Kamps.

Ben has received numerous athletic and academic awards throughout junior high and high school and will be entering into Sciences at the College of the Rockies in the Fall. He is excited for the opportunity to play for COTR after watching them play for many years.

Av's Sign Aussie Curtis Stockton

College of the Rockies’ International Department and Avalanche Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Steve Kamps are pleased to announce the signing of first year 6’7” right side Curtis Stockton. Curtis is the second member of the Greater Melbourne Volleyball Academy to join the Avs.

Curtis has played indoor and beach volleyball for the Victorian State Teams since 2007 at the Australian Junior National Volleyball Championships. Medallists each year, the team won the Indoor Championships in 2011 (U19’s) & 2012 (Under 23’s). Curtis was selected in the 2009 ‘National All Star 7’ Team (Honorary) and Victorias Most Valuable Player (U17’s) and recently selected in the 2012 ‘National All Star 7’ U23’s Honorary Team. A career highlight was representing Australia in Thailand and Iran, at the 8^th Asian Youth Boys Volleyball Championship in 2010.

Curtis is excited about joining College of the Rockies Avalanche and will be studying Business.

Two Av's Moving on to the CIS

Jeremias Guenter and Brendan Visser will be moving onto CIS volleyball with the University of Calgary Dinos. Both Athletes enjoyed two successful seasons with the Avalanche and have used their College experience to develop into CIS players. Both Jeremias and Brendan have the ability to compete for a starting position with the Dinos next year. Brendan is an outstanding passer and defensive player. His greatest strength is his consistent play. Jeremias’s physical attributes will allow him to be an impact player at the CIS level. “ It has been a pleasure to work with these 2 committed athletes over the past two years. We will have some big shoes to fill with these 2 players moving on” commented Avs Head Coach Steve Kamps. Both athletes have also used the two years at the College of the Rockies to pick up their first 2 years of Science courses and they will be entering into the Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Calgary.

Av's Sign Local Talent

Head Coach Steve Kamps is pleased to announce that Scott Bedell (Mt Baker Secondary) will be joining the Avs for the 2012-13 season. Scott has extensive volleyball experience including 4 straight Baden Cup invites and as a member of the U17 Team BC program. "Scott will compete hard for a starting left side role. His tremendous ball control and positive attitude will be a huge asset on the court" commented Kamps. Bedell will be taking University Transfer Sciences and looks forward to playing for his home town Av's!

A Trio of U18 Dinos sign with the Avalanche

College of the Rockies Men's Volleyball Coach Steve Kamps is pleased to announce that a trio of U18 Calgary Dinos club volleyball players have committed to playing for the Avalanche for the 2012/13 season. Nick Schmidt (6’2”-setter), Tyler Remenda (6’0”-Left side) and 6’5” (Josh Lockert) will be joining the Avs.

Nick Schmidt (Western High School) is currently one of the best U18 setters in the country. Nick has extensive volleyball experience playing for a variety of top clubs in Alberta including Canuck Stuff and the Dinos. “Nick is a natural leader on the court and has outstanding volleyball knowledge. He will provide us with the experience we need in the most important position in volleyball”,commented Kamps. Nick will be entering the pre-engineering transfer program at the College of the Rockies and he is looking forward to contributing to the success of the team .

Tyler Remenda (Lord Beaverbrook High School) will bring extensive experience to the Avs. He has received numerous awards throughout his high school and club careers including, 3 time MVP for high school and has received 10 medals in his club career. “Tyler brings a great deal of confidence and composure to the floor. He has an outstanding passing platform and is strong defensively. He will compete for a starting position as either a power hitter or a libero” said Kamps. Tyler will be entering the Kinesiology program at the College of the Rockies.

Josh Lockert (George McDougall High – Airdrie)will bring both size and experience to the Avs in the middle. Josh led his high school team to a zone championship in 4A division and was named to the 1^st team all stars. “Josh has tremendous potential as a middle blocker and I look forward to developing him.” Commented Kamps. Josh will be taking the Kinesiology program at the College of the Rockies.

Avalanche Sign Two top BC Prospects from Prince George

Men’s Volleyball Coach Steve Kamps is pleased to announce that Trevor Zemlak and Mitchell Duthie will be joining the Avalanche for the 2012-1013 season. Both athletes were recently ranked in the top 15 prospects among BC high school players. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Trevor and Mitchell. Both of them have Provincial team experience and with their size they will make an immediate impact in the PACWEST” commented Kamps.

Trevor Zemlak, a 6’8” left side, attends D.P. Todd Secondary High School in Prince George where he was captain of the senior volleyball team and is currently the captain for the U18 PGYVC Kodiaks. As a member of Team BC, Trevor has participated in the 2010 and 2011 Western Elites. Trevor has enjoyed a successful volleyball career receiving numerous all-star and MVP awards. While at the College of the Rockies he will be taking first year science courses leading to a career in Engineering. Trevor will bring dedication and his hard work ethic to the team and looks forward to working with Coach Kamps.

Mitchell Duthie, a 6’5” outside hitter, attends Kelly Road High School in Prince George. He has received numerous all star awards and was also named the MVP of his high school team. He was also a member of Team BC in 2010 and 2011. Mitchell will be taking University Transfer courses and looks forward to bringing his offensive potential to the floor for the Avs.