NAVC Bears Win Gold at USA Club Championships

Congratulations to the NAVC Bears Juvenile U17 Men’s volleyball team, as they captured the gold medal in the USA Junior Men’s Club National Championships. The Edmonton based team consists of outstanding volleyball athletes from Edmonton and its surrounding communities. The 7 month season was a tremendous success as the team not only captured the Provincial title in April, a disappointing 5th at the Canadian Nationals in Abbottsford but gained redemption as they hoisted the trophy in Austin Texas this past week in the 41 team, 4 day, 12 match tournament.

This 31st Annual tournament, formerly, called the Junior Olympics is the third year in a row the Bears have been accepted to participate in and it was a third time charm as they beat teams from Florida to Hawaii as well as strong teams from Puerto Rico. Lead by tournament MVP David Ponich who will be a senior at Ross Sheppard High School next year and all-stars Jackson Maris (setter) and Calvin Nickifor (middle), the Bears defeated last year’s champions Gigantes from Puerto Rico in the quarter finals 2 -1, handled the tall Balboa Bay team from California 2 -1 in the semi finals and in the final defeated for the second time in two days the Rise Above volleyball team from Calgary.

Coach Jones, who son Christopher is a starting power hitter was overwhelmed with the entire effort of his players; “It took all 12 players and the support of their families to make it happen …. Their dedication and commitment to each other this year was outstanding…. I am so very proud of these young men!”

Congratulations Bears!

The NAVC Green 17U Bears team is comprised of the following players: Cory Buchholdt, Brennan Murray, Michael Lee, Jackson Maris, Taryn Knutson, Patrick McIntyre, David Pnich, Grant Sonnenberg, Blake Hinchey, Calvin Nickifor, Alex Ingstrup, and Chris Jones.