That Special Moment
by ACAC Sports Writer Curtis J. Phillips
Edmonton, AB - Along with Christmas Joy comes the joy in seeing a student/athlete develop as a player, student and person.
With that in mind we asked coaches: "Has any one student/athlete surprised you and gone Above and Beyond be it on the field of endeavour or just as an individual and why?"
"One of our men's volleyball players, Jarrod Dextrase, is working with a young child who is confined to a wheel chair. The boy requires constant care. He invited the family – three children, mom and dad – to attend the last home games. It was expected that the boy may only make 30 – 45 minutes of the game but ended up staying for the entire match. Jarrod made sure tickets were ready for them and that he spent time with the boy before and after the game," Francois Fournier Athletic Director at GPRC.
"Josh Daniel has really stepped up this season. He is new to Ambrose, a transfer from St. Mary's. He has been able to be successful both on and off the court and has stepped up as a vocal leader that also sets the tone for practices," Neil Nystrom, Ambrose Lions men's basketball coach.
"Joel Kotyk is a fourth year player at Medicine Hat College who has developed into a fine young man. In his early playing career, he lacked the discipline and commitment to take full advantage of his athleticism. He has become the leader of our program and models exemplary behaviors to be a successful athlete and person. He is committed to spending time in the gym, attends class on a regular basis, and acts as a surrogate support for the younger players. The reason I coach, is to aid in the development of players such as Joel," Dr. Mark R Porter Medicine Hat College Rattlers men's volleyball head coach.
"Taylor Beck she has stepped up as solid goal scorer and a player who not only is factor 5-on-5 but on the penalty play and penalty killing. She works hard on and off the ice and is a dedicated player and team mate," Terry Larson head coach SAIT Trojans women's hockey.r
"Elise Nawrocki finishing 33rd at the CCAA Cross Country Championships, a huge improvement over last year. Truly impressive, it's only her second year of competitive running!" Matthew Norminton, cross country head coach Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder.
"Becky Martin's play this season certainly came as no surprise to myself or our team. However, on a conference scale, she certainly set a standard for play this season that we can all be proud of," Trevor Moore head coach Medicine Hat College Rattlers golf.
"The amazing individual performance of Rachel McKenzie winning ACAC in her last year of Nursing... capping off a huge improvement this last year and rookie Emily Spencer earning ACAC Rookie of the Year," Bertil Johansson head coach Lethbridge Kodiaks cross country running.
"Very hard to narrow down as I have had lots of guys display great character this semester. I would say that it would be two guys that were Liberos for me last year and both willingly accepted the challenge of playing new positions this year because the team needed them too. Logan Sept is setting and Adrian Strandberg is playing left side. Both guys have worked extremely hard, have never complained about the challenge, and have been very receptive to coaching. They have improved so much which is very cool to see. They both have been a joy to coach," Paul Armbruster, Ambrose University Lions men's volleyball head coach.
"One thing that is interesting is that Takeisha Wang was recognized at City Hall for her accomplishments. She won the gold medal in Mixed Doubles at the 2015 Under 19 Pan American Games in Tijuana and she won the gold medal in Mixed Doubles at the 2015 Under 23 Junior Nationals in Moncton," Kevin MacAlpine head coach Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder.
"Alex Andryszewski has played multi positions this year (Leftside, right setter) and is a big reason why we are still 12-0," Keegan Kuhr, Keyano Huskies men's volleyball coach.
"Julia Kemper has risen to a new level. She has changed positions this year from middle to left side and becoming a much-needed terminator for us and developing an all-round game as well," Colin Kubinec, Ambrose University Lions head coach women's volleyball.
"Robert Myles and Cory Richardson. Cory's leadership and play making and Roberts athleticism have been welcome additions ton our program. Both student athletes are stand up guys as well," Ryan Heggie men's basketball coach Lethbridge Kodiaks.
"It's a team sport and success is reliant on a lot of individuals coming together as a unit. It would be very difficult to single out anyone specific when so many of them have done so much over the first three months of the season.," SAIT women's basketball coach Bir Parmar.