The York University Lions men’s volleyball team will begin 2017 by welcoming three other Ontario University Athletics (OUA) squads and a team from Japan to the Tait McKenzie Centre for the 38th annual Excalibur Volleyball Classic, Jan. 5 to 8.
The action begins on Thursday, Jan. 5, with the host Lions (5-2) facing Budo University at 9pm. Also competing in the tournament are the Nipissing Lakers (5-1), the Queen’s Gaels (5-4) and the Western Mustangs (3-3). Preliminary round games continue on Friday and Saturday, with the bronze- and gold-medal games set for Sunday.
Visit yorkulions.ca/excaliburclassic for a full tournament schedule.
The action on the court promises to be intense as five high-calibre teams compete for the gold medal. The four OUA teams will also be looking for success they can build upon as they enter the second half of the season and, eventually, the playoffs later this semester.
The host Lions are the defending champions of the tournament after winning the gold medal last year, their first at the event since 1989 and their second overall Excalibur title. The Mustangs were the champions in 2015, which was their third title in five years, while Queen’s last won the trophy in 2002 and was also victorious in 1999. The Lakers are still looking for their first title.
Budo University is making its third appearance at the tournament, having previously travelled to Toronto to play at York in 2011 and 2013. The Lions also played against Budo in August 2012 as part of a team trip to Japan.
The Lions, Lakers and Gaels are all part of a three-way tie for second place in the OUA East Division after the first half of the season with 10 points apiece, while the Mustangs play in the OUA West and sit third with six points.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Tait McKenzie Centre prior to each game. Prices are $5 for each individual game and $25 for a family tournament pass (five family members).
Past champions:
- 2016 York
- 2015 Western
- 2014 Laval
- 2013 Ryerson
- 2012 Western
- 2011 Western
- 2010 Laval
- 2009 Dalhousie
- 2008 Dalhousie
- 2007 Manitoba
- 2006 Manitoba
- 2005 Ryerson
- 2004 Ryerson
- 2003 Laval
- 2002 Queen’s
- 2001 Toronto
- 2000 Trinity Western
- 1999 Queen’s
- 1998 Tskuba (Japan)
- 1997 Sherbrooke
- 1996 Laval
- 1995 Manitoba
- 1994 Laval
- 1993 Montreal
- 1992 McMaster
- 1991 Calgary
- 1990 Manitoba
- 1989 York
- 1988 Penn State
- 1987 Winnipeg
- 1986 Penn State
- 1985 Manitoba
- 1984 Ball State
- 1983 Manitoba
- 1982 Alberta
- 1981 Penn State
- 1980 Penn State