A National Championship Season to Remember
March 23, 2023 - The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) had a highly successful championship season at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) nationals.
VOLLEYBALL
MEN'S RECAP:
The Briercrest Clippers had an incredible season in the ACAC Men's Volleyball Championship, entering as a fourth seed and emerging as champions, ultimately defeating the defending conference champions and national bronze medalists, the Red Deer Kings. The Clippers traveled to Toronto, Ontario, where they won nine out of twelve sets played.
Although the Clippers lost their first match to the Fanshawe Falcons in the quarter-finals, they quickly turned their attention to the bronze medal match, which they won to secure their second conference title and first national medal.
In addition to the Clippers' success, Jose Caceres of the Ambrose Lions was named the CCAA Men's Volleyball Coach of the Year. In his first season with the Lions, Caceres made an immediate impact, instilling confidence in his athletes and creating an atmosphere of joyful excellence. His dedication and leadership were recognized with this prestigious award.
Congratulations to the Briercrest Clippers and Jose Caceres for their outstanding performances this season, representing the ACAC with pride and excellence on the national stage.
WOMEN'S RECAP:
The 2023 ACAC Women's Volleyball Championship saw an interesting matchup between the Lakeland Rustlers and the Augustana Vikings. While the Rustlers had won 30 straight sets leading up to the final, the Vikings had earned three playoff victories in the past week and were the lone team to defeat the Rustlers during the regular season. Ultimately, the Rustlers took home the 2023 ACAC Women's Volleyball banner securing their rights to the CCAA Championship, but with an ACAC wildcard in play, the Vikings saw themselves to Nanaimo, British Columbia as well.
Both teams won their quarter-final matches and advanced to the semi-finals, with the Rustlers securing a spot in the championship final and the Vikings dropping a tough match against the Camosun Chargers to move to the bronze semi-final. Although the Vikings ultimately closed out their season in the bronze semi-final, they should be proud of their history-making season, as they earned their first ACAC medal in program history.
In the championship final, the Rustlers dominated to earn the 2023 CCAA Women's Volleyball National Championship title. This was the Rustlers' fourth CCAA medal since 2013, cementing their status as a top contender in the nation.
Head Coach Austin Dyer was also recognized for his leadership, as he was named the CCAA Women's Volleyball Coach of the Year. Dyer has built a strong and successful culture at Lakeland over the past 14 seasons, and this award is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Congratulations to the Rustlers on their championship win and to Coach Dyer on his well-deserved recognition!
BASKETBALL
MEN'S RECAP:
The SAIT Trojans had an unforgettable week as they hosted the best men's basketball teams from across Canada for the CCAA Men's Basketball National Championship. The tournament featured eight talented teams, all vying for the coveted title of national champions.
For the Trojans, this was a special year, as it marked their sixth consecutive appearance on the national stage. It was also a particularly meaningful year for fifth-year player Charlie Conner, who was determined to bring home a national banner before his college career came to a close. And Head Coach Marty Birky was also coaching in his final year at the helm.
The Trojans had an impressive tournament, dominating their opponents in every game they played. They faced the Dawson College Blues in the championship game and maintained their lead in every quarter to secure the national title. Charlie Conner earned the Championship Most Valuable Player award.
The SAIT Trojans staff worked tirelessly to create a memorable experience for everyone involved, and they went above and beyond to push the limits of what can be expected for high quality online coverage and events for future tournaments.
Congratulations to the SAIT Trojans on their outstanding achievement, and to all the teams that competed in this year's tournament. It was a thrilling week of basketball, and the Trojans are truly deserving of their title as the 2023 CCAA Men's Basketball National Champions.
Additionally, Sean-Michael Clancey of the Keyano Huskies was named the CCAA Men's Basketball Player of the Year. Clancey has been described as having electrifying skills on the court, an unmatched drive to win and extremely respectful of the game and his opponents. Congratulations Sean on this notable award.
WOMEN'S RECAP:
The Red Deer Queens and Augustana Vikings had the opportunity to showcase their talent at the national level in Hamilton, Ontario. The Queens had already been crowned conference champions, securing their spot in the national tournament, while the Vikings had also earned a berth to nationals.
Both teams put up a good fight in the bronze semifinals, with the Queens coming out on top against the Humber Hawks and the Vikings falling short against a strong Dawson Blues team.
The Augustana Vikings had an outstanding season under first-year coach Megan Wickstrom, capturing their third ACAC medal in program history and earning their first berth to CCAA Nationals since 2014. The Vikings should be proud of their accomplishments this season, and their future looks bright with Coach Wickstrom in command.
The Red Deer Queens had a lot to prove in the national tournament, aiming to redeem the ACAC against the Dawson Blues who had medaled in three of the previous four seasons at nationals. Despite their best efforts, the Queens came up short, experiencing heartbreak at the national level. However, they can still hold their heads high, finishing fourth in the country and enjoying a 15-game winning streak this season.
Congratulations to both the Red Deer Queens and Augustana Vikings on their successful seasons and appearances at the national tournament. They have proven themselves to be top contenders in the ACAC and have represented their conference with pride at the national level.
BADMINTON
At the CCAA Badminton National Championships held in Truro, Nova Scotia on March 9-11, 2023, top badminton athletes from the ACAC showcased their skills and earned numerous silver and bronze medals.
Jonathan Su and Jasleen Kaur from the Concordia Thunder displayed relentless offensive attacks throughout the tournament and secured a CCAA Bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles category. Sylvie Bibeau and Noel Do from the NAIT Ooks exhibited consistent performances, earning them a CCAA Bronze medal in the Women's Doubles category.
Abby Ledda and Cecilia Wolski of The King's Eagles, while forced to switch to a more defensive game, put up a valiant effort in the Women's Doubles category, ultimately earning them a CCAA Silver medal.
Despite putting in an excellent effort, ACAC Women's Badminton Player of the Year, Johnna Rymes, faced a highly skilled opponent from the OCAA in the Women's Singles event, leading to heartbreak on the national stage, but still coming away with a CCAA Silver medal.
Finally, congratulations are in order for Narayan Ramdhani from The King's University Eagles on being named the CCAA Men's Badminton Player of the Year. Narayan is known for his ability to switch from being an easy-going fan to a completely focused athlete in an instant. Congratulations, Narayan, on this well-deserved honour.
CURLING
The ACAC was well-represented at the 2023 CCAA Curling National Championships in Sudbury, Ontario from March 15-19. ACAC teams won medals of every color, received first and second team all-star recognitions, earned exemplary leadership awards, and took home both coaching awards.
In the women's final, the Augustana Vikings faced off against the Niagara Knights in a well-calculated chess match. After a back-and-forth match, the Vikings tied things up, leading to a decisive tenth end in which they secured the victory and won their first CCAA Curling National Championship title.
In another match, the SAIT Trojans men's curlers were also competing for a national title against the Humber Hawks. The Hawks applied a ton of pressure through ends four, five, and six and were able to close out the match against the Trojans. SAIT's silver medal marks the team's first CCAA Curling accolade since winning gold in 1986.
Finally, the Concordia Thunder women captured bronze medals after coming in clutch against the Humber Hawks. With this victory, the Concordia Thunder Curling program now has four medals to their name, two for the women and two for the men.
Congratulations to James McCabe of the Concordia Thunder for earning the Exemplary Leadership Award, and to Taina Smiley of the Concordia Thunder and Shannon Kleibrink of the SAIT Trojans for both earning the Curling Canada Coaching Awards.