The Columbia Bible College Bearcats men’s volleyball team has added a trio of talents for next fall.
One of the three faces should be familiar to Bearcats fans, as libero Justin Wood returns to the team after a five-year absence.
Wood played a key role on the Bearcats historic 2011 national championship run, and then returned the following year to help CBC finish fourth in the country.
“The addition of Justin immediately provides us with one of the top defenders and serve receivers in the country,” said head coach Jason Warkentin. “His drive for excellence, reading of the game and passion to win will be a driving factor for our team next year. Even more than that, he is a winner, a perspective which we need to have around this program.”
Wood said he’s looking forward to contributing.
“I miss playing the game, I want to help this program get some wins again, and I want to embrace the role of mentoring younger athletes,” he stated.
Also joining the Abbotsford team is setter Graham Walkey from Prince George.
Walkey brings an impressive resumé of playing experience. His list of accomplishments include: North Central zone MVP for 2016 season, 1st team All Star at AA boys provincials 2016, Silver medal at 2016 AA boys provincials, North Central zone champions, Played with the “black” team at the 2016 BC boys all-star game, BC Summer games 2016 beach bronze medal and Coast Capital Savings Leadership Bursary recipient and Team BC 16u in 2015.
“I am looking forward to making the transition to the high caliber of college volleyball,” he said. “I am also excited to join the tight knit group of athletes in the Bearcat program.”
The third signing is outside hitter Jacob Molitwenik from Vernon.
He captained his Vernon Christian high school and led them to several appearances at provincials. His versatility and offensive potential is what caught the eye of Warkentin.
“One of Jacob’s biggest strengths is his athleticism,” Warkentin stated. “The transition to the college game will be a jump from the level he has been playing at, but the combination of his athleticism, character and willingness to work leave no doubt in my mind that he will be successful.”