York beach volleyball team to represent Canada at world championships

York University’s duo of Darren Goss and Mingo Miguel has been selected as one of two men’s teams that will represent Canada at the World University Beach Volleyball Championships in Songkhla province, Thailand from June 17 to 20.


Right: Darren Goss


The pair, whose goal is to finish in the medals, captured the consolation title in the first World University Beach Volleyball Championships held in Guadeloupe, France in 2002. Goss and Miguel are also two-time Canadian Junior Champions and were gold medallists at the 2001 Canada Summer Games.


Goss just completed his final season with the York men’s volleyball team, leading the Lions to the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Final. He was named an OUA All-Star for the fourth consecutive year and was selected a second team Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) All-Canadian. A sociology/education major and native of Victoria, BC, he is York’s career leader in attack attempts.


A former member of the York men’s volleyball team, Miguel served as an assistant coach with the Lions this season. A three-time OUA All-Star and a CIS All-Canadian in 2002-03, he was consistently among the conference leaders in kills, digs and points.


Left: Mingo Miguel


A native of Victoria, BC, Miguel was the Ontario nominee for the TSN Dale Iwanczko Award in 2002-03.


Lions head coach Wally Dyba will serve as coach for the two men’s teams. He has coached York to six OUA Championships in 27 years and is the league leader in coaching victories with 260 wins.


Right: Wally Dyba


Dyba has international experience, having served as a guest coach with the Canadian National team in World League competition. He has also coached the York men’s volleyball team at Holland’s Kerstvolley Tournament.