VOLLEYBALL ENDS OCAA TITLE DROUGHT
After winning back-to-back provincial titles during the mid-70s, an OCAA gold medal eluded the Humber Hawks men's program for the next three decades.
When Hall of Fame head coach Wayne Wilkins took over the program in 1994, the Hawks made ten consecutive appearances in the OCAA postseason, reaching the finals three times.
In 2005, Humber put together its best season to date, finishing 16-0 in regular and postseason play, to win the programs first title in 30 years.
HAWKS CHEW UP COMPETITION FOR THE GOLD
February 26, 2005
Ken Rodney
Sports reporter
For the first time since they repeated as champs in 1974-75 the Humber Hawks men’s volleyballers are the best team in the province and they couldn't be more excited.
The Hawks won all three tournament matches in straight sets.
“It feels incredible. We’ve put in so much work all year long,” said Humber power Chris Simek. “We were shaky at the beginning of the season, but everybody played strong.”
The gold medal game was a hard fought contest against the number two ranked Seneca Sting. In that match, Humber scoring machine Simek delivered a 27-kill performance to solidify himself as the tournament MVP.
“Simek’s contribution is the offensive power that he brings to the court,” said head coach Wayne Wilkins. “He had 28 offensive points. Those numbers just don't happen. The guy was on fire.”
The drive and determination to close out this tournament were evident in the final game of the championship when the Sting jumped out to a 5-0 advantage before being beaten back by the Hawks. The early deficit harkened back to last year’s provincials where Humber blew a two game lead to lose the gold.
“When we started the game down 5-0 the thing that immediately ran through my mind was ‘here we go again,” said Wilkins.
Many factors contributed to this win, including the strong passing of libero Mike Smith and net play of Adam Kinoshita, Jesse Mabon and Peter Dionisio.
Team members said they were proud to win the tourney for their head coach, who’d delivered an impassioned pre-game speech.
“He deserves it more than anyone else,” Mabon said. “He puts his heart and soul into the volleyball program at Humber.”
For Wilkins, this victory was something he’s been working toward since his days as a player at Humber.
“I’ve been searching for this for 12 years,” Wilkins said. “We train to strive for a goal, and that goal is a championship.”
Leading up to the finals, Dan Shermer was named the player of the game for a strong setting effort in the semifinal victory over the fifth ranked Fanshawe Falcons that earned the Hawks a berth into the gold medal match.
Simek opened the tournament with a 19-kill effort and player of the game honours against the Cambrian Golden Shield
Shermer and Dionisio were both named to the tournament All-Star team.
The Hawks now turn their attention to nationals this week in New Brunswick, where they hope to represent the province well and bring home the hardware.
“It comes down to our game plan and determination. I can't guarantee gold, but I can guarantee that we will do the best we can to come out on top of the National Championship,” Shermer said.
The undefeated Hawks will face teams from all over the country, but if provincials are any indication, the Hawks could be the team to beat once again.
