Post-Season ‘Cats

At this time last year, I was struggling to find something new to report on. As a sports contributor, the time after the Bobcats’ seasons have ended can become a little bit stale on my end. Luckily for me (and you!), the ‘Cats have been making some noteworthy post-season noise.

Brandon University Men’s Volleyball standout Paul Sanderson has been honoured as CIS Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year for 2009-2010. The 4th-year Australian import picked up this honour last Wednesday in Kamloops as he was also named a CIS All-Canadian (first team) for the third time in as many seasons with the Bobcats. Known across the country for his keen all-around ability, Sanderson led the entire CIS in total points, notching a never-before-seen 416.5 this year—leading the pack by a decisive margin of 60 points. The previous record (made by Sanderson in 2008-2009) was 395.5. To further silence his critics, the 24 year old graduating education student also held the #1 position in kills and points per set; all the while marking 30 service aces on the season—enough to tie for the Canada West leader.

Also in Men’s Volleyball news, Head Coach Russ Paddock was honoured as Coach of the Year in the Canada West conference. Despite their fall at home to rival Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack in a Sunday tiebreaking match, Paddock’s Bobcats were able to record a successful 12-6 season; all the while remaining on the CIS’ Top Ten rankings all season.