2007 - 2008 WINNIPEG WESMEN RECRUITING CLASS

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL RECRUITS

Marc Ross, 6' 2" Left Side  College Jeanne-Sauvé
Graduating all star and also named to the All-Manitoba Team for the 2006 High School season. Led College Jeanne Sauvé to an AAAA Provincial Final Four appearance in 2006. A member of the 2005 AAAA Provincial High School Championship team (grade 11).  A member of numerous Provincial Teams (18U-2006, 19U-2007). Selected to the Winnipeg Sun’s Top 10 Manitoba male high school volleyball players in 2006.

Adam Erickson, 6' 6"  Right Side   JH Bruns
JH Bruns team captain (2006) was named Volleyball MVP. Named to the MVA High School Graduating All-Star team.  A member of the 19U Provincial team this summer. A multi sport athlete who has received high school basketball tournaments all star selections. A member of the Manitoba Provincial basketball team.

Linden Mandryk, 6' 8"  Middle/Left Side  John Taylor
A member of the Manitoba Graduating All- Star team. Played on the 21U Strike Volleyball Team that won a silver medal at the 2007 National Championships played recently in Winnipeg. Played at the 2006 US Junior Olympic Championships in Minneapolis.

Rory Scott,  6' 6"  Right Side   Dakota
Named MVP at the 18U National Championships after leading his team to the gold medal. Ranked the third best male high school volleyball player in the Winnipeg Sun’s poll. Two time Provincial champion with the Bison Volleyball Club (16U – 2004/05 and 17U – 2005/06). Captain of JH Bruns team for three years before moving to Dakota Collegiate. A very good student with a current GPA of 83.0 %.

Emory Wells, 6' 1"  Setter  Miles MacDonell
Named MVA 18U Player of the Year. Selected as an all-star at the Provincial and National Championships.  Ranked #2 in the Winnipeg Sun’s Coaches Poll. A graduating all-star who was named the Dennis Nord Award winner as the MVA Graduating Player of the Year. Recipient of the Dale Iwanoczko and Todd Davidson Memorial Scholarships. An outstanding student, won the Tom Longboat Award.  A member of the 18U Provincial Team.



WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL RECRUITS 

Alix Krahn, is a 6’1” Middle Blocker out of River East High School (Winnipeg, MB), who can make the step up to university volleyball right away. Alix has led her Kodiak volleyball team to become one of the top high school programs in the province. She is a naturally strong athlete with a burning competitive desire to win! Named to the 2006-07 MHSAA Girl’s Volleyball Graduating All-Star Team, proves Alix excels both on the court and off. She is a Peer Tutor at River East High School and has been an honor roll student throughout her junior and senior school years, presently maintaining a 90.3% average.
“Alix is by far one of the most improved club players in Manitoba. She has a strong work ethic that has directly influenced this raise in the level of her game. She is one of our strongest middle blocker, she has become one of our top attackers out of the middle and her serve is improving each time out. Alix is a very versatile athlete, who could also play right side with confidence if needed. I believe Alix has a bright future at the CIS level”, added Phil Hudson, Club Coach
“I am very pleased to have Alix join our women’s university volleyball program. She has proven that she has the ability to compete consistently at a high level. She brings a competitive attitude, a strong work ethic and a great team presence to the court. Alix has developed nicely over the last few years within her high school program, club team, and this summer she will be a member of our Provincial 18U team. I expect Alix to continue to develop and have an opportunity to contribute at the university level, helping our team strive for the CIS Championship”, Diane Scott, Head Coach University of Winnipeg Women’s Volleyball Team.

Lauren Sears, from Cobequid Educational Centre (Truro, NS) is a 5’11” Middle Blocker who has the potential to make the step to university volleyball right away. Her athleticism, strength and competitive edge have helped to propel her to being a natural aggressive blocker at the net. A member of the Central Nova Club18U team that captured the Provincial Championship in 2005 and 2006, Lauren also played a big part in leading her club team to the Great Nor’Easter Tournament Championship in 2006-2007.  Lauren is an accomplished student with an average of 85% in her final year of high school studies. Her post secondary goal is to study biopsychology with ambitions to become a psychologist or psychiatrist.
“ Lauren is one of the most mature athletes on and off the court that I have ever worked with. She always gives 100% and the focus she brings is invaluable. She brings power and intensity to any team she plays for”, Darren Russell, Central Nova 18U Head Coach.
“The most impressive aspect of Lauren’s volleyball career to date is her rapid improvement in the short period of time that she has been involved in the sport. Although she has been playing volleyball for only three years, she has established herself as the top high school/juvenile middle hitter in Nova Scotia. I credit her rapid improvement to her athletic ability and her coachability. She is never satisfied with her current level of play, but is always striving to take her game to the next level. She is one of the most coachable players that it has been my pleasure to work with.  I can truly say that in my forty years of high school coaching, Lauren is one of my favorite players to coach. I know that the University of Winnipeg is the right choice for Lauren and I am confident that she will continue to improve with Diane Scott as her coach”, stated Bob Piers, Head Coach Women’s Volleyball  Cobequid Educational Centre.
“We are very pleased to have Lauren join our women’s university volleyball program. She is a young athlete in this sport who I believe still has a huge up side. She is a smart young athlete who is keen to learn and willing to try new things, she trusts the process of learning! She has a competitive attitude, natural leadership ability and a strong work ethic. Lauren has much to learn, but is taking the proper steps to achieve more in and from the sport of volleyball. Lauren has had great coaching and support through her high school program, club and provincial team experiences. I expect Lauren to continue to develop and will have an opportunity to contribute right away”, according to Diane Scott.

Leah Brezinski, a 6’0” Middle Blocker/Right Side from Sisler High School (Winnipeg, MB), who is ready to make the step to university. Her strong leadership and competitive nature helped Leah to excel at Sisler and earned her the honor of being named to this year MHSAA Girl’s Volleyball Graduating All-Star Team. A successful club team member, Leah enjoyed success with the Big Sand Volleyball Club that finished third at the 2006 National Championships. Leah’s hard work earned her a starting position with the 18U provincial Team and she was also identified for the 2007 Manitoba 18 year old team. Leah is a hard working student with an overall average above 80%. Her future ambitions include improving her French and study Medicine with hopes of becoming a Physician.
“ Leah’s provincial team and club experience have allowed everyone to see how her time well invested in volleyball has not only paid off in terms of skill development, but her self confidence and leadership qualities have blossomed as well. I look forward to watching her play and continue to improve at the next level”, Lisa Norris Head Coach Sisler High School.
“We are very excited to have Leah join our women’s university volleyball program. She has worked hard in this sport, always striving to improve and challenge herself differently. She is a loyal athlete who is committed to the plan. She has a competitive attitude, a natural leadership ability and a strong work ethic. Leah will develop and grow with the program, contributing day in and day out to help our team achieve our goal of winning a CIS Championship”, according to Head Coach Diane Scott.

Christie Nairn, from St.Joseph High School (Saskatoon, Sask) is a 5’10” Universal Athlete, who will have the opportunity to make an impact at the university level right away. Her natural athleticism, jumping ability and dynamic game make her exciting to watch. Christie has had a solid high school career, experienced great success at the club level with JCVC and has been a member of the Saskatchewan Provincial Team. Christie is a multi-sport athlete having played basketball, participated in track & field, and competed in high level dance and baton. Christie also excels in the classroom and has been on the St.Joseph High School Honor Roll throughout her high school years (2004-2007).
“We are very excited to have an all round dynamic athlete like Christie join our women’s university volleyball program. She is still an outstanding athlete with tons of potential. Christie is smart, eager to learn and pumped about the opportunity she has at hand. She is competitive, loves to win, has a natural leadership quality, and a great team attitude. She still has much to learn, but is willing to work hard on and off the court to achieve more. Christie has played in a strong program at St.Joseph and received excellent coaching in her club program under the guidance of Anne Cote. I believe she has a great start to a solid future in CIS Women’s Volleyball”, according to Head Coach Diane Scott.
Christie is an athlete that brings her A game to practice, games and the classroom.  She is a smart player and leaves it all on the court every time.  Her work ethic and smile in all she does is contagious and admired by her teammates.  Christie will always bring a spark and then light it”, added Anne Cote, Head Coach St.Joseph’s High School

Karen Montgomery, a 5’10” Right Side/Left Side player from Vincent Massey (Winnipeg, MB), has the attitude and work ethic to contribute at the university level. Her natural athleticism, skill consistency and court composure are great assets to any team. Karen has had a great high school career, experienced success at the club level, has been named in the Top 10 Girl’s High School Volleyball Honor Roll and was recently selected for the 2007 Provincial Team. Karen also enjoys beach volleyball, winning gold at Beach Provincials in 2005 and bronze at Beach Nationals. Karen also excels in the classroom maintaining an 87% average, and has been on the Honor Roll grades 7-12.
“We are very pleased that Karen has committed to our women’s university volleyball program. She is a solid all round athlete who brings a great team attitude to the environment. Karen is the ultimate “team player”, she works hard in practice, is consistent game in and game out and she is willing to play whichever role her team needs her too. Karen is a great asset to our women’s volleyball program”, added Diane Scott.
According to Club Head Coach Phil Hudson, " Karen Montgomery is one of the most versatile female athletes I have ever coached, she can play both the right and left side, she's strong defensively and is very consistent in our serve receive. She has a tremendous work ethic, one that allows her the opportunity to continue to improve on the court, and something that will truly help her to compete at the next level. Karen is a smart player, sees the court well, a solid attacker out of all positions, front and back court! "

Sarah Croft, from Weyburn Comprehensive Senior (Weyburn, Sask) is a 5’11” Middle Blocker/Right Side, who has the opportunity to make the step to university right out of high school. Sarah’s height, spike touch and athletic potential have helped to provide her with a great base to build on. She won a gold medal at the Provincial 4A Championships in grade 11. Sarah has had a solid high school career as a two sport athlete, receiving many awards for both basketball and volleyball. Sarah is a very strong student who has been on the honor roll in grades 7-12. Sarah has aspirations of a future in Medical Studies.
“We are very pleased to have Sarah join our women’s university volleyball program. She is still a fairly young athlete in this sport who I believe has plenty of potential. Sarah is smart, willing to learn and willing to commit to the work. She has a competitive attitude, a natural leadership ability and a strong work ethic. Sarah has much to learn, but is willing to take the proper steps to achieve more from volleyball. She has has great coaching and support from her high school and club coaches. I expect Sarah to continue to develop and improve here at the University of Winnipeg”, said Diane Scott.
“Sarah played all three years of Sr Varsity V'ball and started in the last two. Sarah improved more in those three years than most any of the players I've had as a high school coach. Her hard work and determination moved her into the upper echelon of middle players in Saskatchewan. She was an integral part of our success in these last two years and was instrumental in her grade eleven year in the capturing of the 5A gold medal in Saskatchewan high school athletics. Although not a vocal leader, Sarah led her team by example in practices and games. Sarah is a great team player that was supportive of her teammates. I am very proud of Sarah, if someone would have told me that she would become the player she is when I first saw her play in grade 9, I would have been very surprised”, added Blake Johnson, Weyburn Comprehensive Senior Volleyball Head Coach.

Devyn DeGagne, a 5’6” Lbero/Defensive Specialist from River East (Winnipeg, MB) has a work ethic and attitude that is second to none. Devyn is a multi-sport athlete who’s spirit makes a team complete. Devyn’s River east Kodiaks were Final Four participants at this years MHSAA High School Girl’s 4A Provincial Championships. She has competed in indoor and outdoor soccer, competitive swimming, but her main sport of choice is volleyball. Devyn is a solid student, maintaining an 83% average and has been on the Honor Roll since grade 7.
“We are very pleased to have an athlete such as Devyn join our program, her enthusiasm and attitude is always important to a team environment. She understands what hard work is and thrives on the opportunity to prove herself time after time and is up for the challenge of university volleyball. Devyn is the type of athlete that every coach loves to have on their team, she is loyal selfless and brings a huge heart. She will be willing to do whatever it takes to help our team win”, stated Diane Scott.
“Devyn is the consummate team player, she works so hard every minute of every practice. She has improved so much this club season, her defense in 5 & 6 is solid, and her serve receive improves each day. I feel Devyn will only get better with time, eventually developing into a top Libero in CIS”, Phil Hudson - Club Coach



MEN'S BASKETBALL RECRUITS

Cam Hornby,  6’0” guard  Glenlawn
A Winnipeg native, played part of this season at South Dakota State University. He was a member of the Jackrabbits last season as a red shirt in his freshman year.
Hornby had an excellent career at Glenlawn Collegiate High School where he averaged 27 points, 10 assists and four steals in his final year.  Cam led the Glenlawn Lions to the Provincial Final Four Championships where he was named to the All-Tournament team and was named to the All-Manitoba team.  As a junior he averaged 21 points and nine assists and was named MVP of the Provincial Championships after helping Glenlawn win the Provincial Championships.
Cam will be available to play for the Wesmen in November. As per CIS rules, a player transferring schools must sit out for one calendar year.
“We are very excited to add Cam to our roster. he was one of the most outstanding high school players in Manitoba in the last 5 years and he is a tremendous addition to our squad. When Cam becomes eligible in November he will add to our strong backcourt, and in the following years he should mature into one of our leaders”, said Wesmen Head Coach Dave Crook.

Ben Kingdon, 6’8” forward  Oak Park.
Named the Manitoba High School Men’s Player of the Year after helping Oak Park capture the Manitoba Provincial AAAA Championship this past season. Ben was chosen as an All Star and also was the recipient of the Players Choice Award at the Provincial Championships. Kingdon was selected as the number one ranked player in the province by the Winnipeg Sun in their annual poll. Completed his final year of high school basketball averaging 21.0 pts and 10.5 rebounds per game for the Raiders.  A member of Team Manitoba at the 2005 Canada Summer Games in Regina.
“Adding Ben to our program is a great plus. He was highly recruited and it is a pleasure to add a player of Ben’s ability to our program. We believe Ben can step in and contribute as a freshman. At 6’8”, he is an active player who is a great rebounder with the ability to play either with his back to or facing the basket”, said Wesmen Head Coach Dave Crook.
“Ben is a great kid with an outstanding work ethic. He has some work to do but I think he will do just fine as a member of the Wesmen, said Randy Kusano, Head Coach Oak Park.

Ryan Willerton, 6’9” forward  Vincent Massey.
Led Vincent Massey to a top eight finish at the Provincial Championships in March. Ryan has been working hard to make the transition to the university level. Willerton, with a seven foot wing span has the ability to block and alter opposing player’s shots. Willerton participated in the 40th Wesmen Classic where he led the Trojans in scoring on two occasions and was named Player of the Game after a 26 point performance against Sisler. Ryan averaged 16 pts, nine rebounds and four blocks for the Trojans this past year.
“I think Ryan brings some physical skills that you do not find much in the CIS games anymore. With his size and length, once he gains some strength and confidence, he should be a contributor to the team in the future”, said Dave Crook.



WOMEN'S BASKETBALL RECRUITS

Amy Ogidan, 5”11 guard, Oak Park.
Regarded as one of the top high school players in Canada. Last season she averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds and five steals per game for the Oak Park Pirates. Amy has been a member of the Manitoba Provincial Basketball Program for the past five years and has been identified by the National Team thru the Centre of Performance with Canada Basketball.
“Amy is an extremely talented basketball player, one who possesses the ability to impact all aspects of the game.  Not only is she physically gifted, but she also understands the game well.  She presents match-up problems for most teams as she has great perimeter skills, including the ability to shoot from beyond the three point line while at the same time being a dominate interior player.  I am looking forward to watching Amy continue to develop into an outstanding high school player this year.  As well it will be great to watch her play at the University of Winnipeg starting next year where Oak Park grads Heather Thompson and Jessica Stromberg have excelled under the coaching of Tanya McKay”, said Murray Brown, Head Coach at Oak Park.

Rosemary Mills, 5’10” guard, Westwood Collegiate.
Member of the Jr. Wesmen program which has helped her develop into a complete basketball player. Rosemary averaged 29 points and 7 rebounds last season for Westwood. A member of the Manitoba Basketball Team from 2003-2005. Her role model is former Wesmen great JoAnne Wells.
“She is our captain, she is a team leader both in games and in practice and always first when it comes to looking at improving her skills.  She has played both point and shooting guard, but is not afraid to bang inside.  She is right now going through a great workout plan through her volleyball season, so she will be game ready come November”, stated George Valentim, Head Coach at Westwood.

Caity Purvis – Collins, 6’0” forward, Churchill High School.
A very good all around player, Caity averaged 20 points and eight rebounds per game last season. She has been a member of Manitoba’s Juvenile Team and has developed one of the purest shots coming out of high school this year. Winner of the Carl Ridd Award, which is handed out annually recognizes one graduating male and one graduating female basketball player who excels on the basketball court, in the classroom and is heavily involved in the community.
Averaged 16 pts, 8 rebs. a game for Churchill this past season.
 
MacKenzie Prasek, 5’8” guard, Vincent Massey Collegiate
A very good point guard with great basketball court awareness, MacKenzie averaged 18 points and 10 assists per game this past season for Vincent Massey. She was selected to play on the 4A All Manitoba Team for 2006-07. Last summer Prasek had the honor of playing for the Manitoba Juvenile Provincial Team.

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