The York Junior Lions men’s volleyball club captured the silver medal at the Volleyball Canada under-20 National Championship last weekend in Winnipeg.
Eight players from York’s 2004-2005 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Championship team are members of the Junior Lions.
The Junior Lions had a perfect 3-0 record in round robin play before advancing to the final with straight set playoff victories over Sherbrooke and Quebec. In the championship final, the Junior Lions were defeated in a thrilling five-set match (13-25, 25-20, 35-33, 29-31, 11-15) by the Winnipeg Strike.
Outside hitter Paul Podstawka was selected to the all-tournament team.
Right: Paul Podstawka
“This was a very special team,” said Lions head coach Wally Dyba. “The results are indicative of the quality of athletes that we have been able to attract and develop in our program.”
Sixteen teams from across the country, the majority with affiliation to a Canadian university or college, took part in the three-day championship.
York Lions players who are also members of the Junior Lions include:
- Rob Dyba
- Brad Girardo
- Wayne Lee
- Kevin Lewis
- Jordan Matthews
- Paul Podstawka
- Devon Smith
- Sholan Trivedi