2019

This year’s Friends of Mustang Volley recipient in Jean-Paul Barker. JP is the perfect choice for this award as he has been a huge part of Saskatoon’s volleyball scene as both a player and a coach. JP joined the volleyball team when he was in grade eight and carried the love of the sport throughout his high school career. When JP started at the University of Saskatchewan, he earned a place on the Huskie’s volleyball team. JP also held a spot on the Junior National team for three years. After he graduated from the College of Education in 1988, JP became a teacher and immediately started coaching volleyball. After 15 years coaching elementary students, JP moved into high school and has been a coach at that level for the last 17 years. JP has coached both the boys and girls’ teams at Holy Cross and has led the teams to city champions as well as winning the Mustang Volley tournament last year. JP does not just lend his expertise to volleyball, he also coaches track and community basketball. He is a truly humble man who continues to coach for the betterment of the athletes he works with. Congratulations JP! Thank you for all that you do for your students.

2018

The 2018 Friend of Mustang Volley is presented to the legendary Paula Patola! Paula has been instrumental to the Mount Royal school community where she has taught senior English for the past 15 years – and she has been involved in Mustang Volley right from the start. Paula is a true West Side girl: she completed her elementary at Vincent Massey and graduated from Mount Royal Collegiate in 1982. A natural athlete, she was a competitive figure skater until grade nine when she was introduced to high school volleyball and basketball. Paula was coached by Carol Howlett in senior volleyball, and their team placed second in the city in 1980. Irene Wallace challenged Paula as a basketball player, as she played senior from grades 9-11. The team won City Championships in 1980 and took home silver at Provincials. A turning point for Paula as an athlete was playing club and provincial team volleyball for Anne Cote from 1979-1982. Anne’s dedication as a coach and sense of fun changed the game for Paula. Paula played on the provincial team for basketball as well and was named MVP in 1981. Paula’s dedication to sport and her skill as an athlete was apparent – she even missed her grade 12 graduation to travel to Washington to play volleyball. She played two years of basketball as a U of S Huskiette, and also played in Kindersley on the highly competitive A&A Club Senior Women’s team with whom she travelled extensively. These many awards and titles speak to the dedication, heart, and tenacity that Paula puts into everything she does. Her dynamism and drive are key characteristics of her personality; she invests so much of herself and inspires greatness in others.  Paula generously gave of herself to her family, and after having three children, Paula began teaching English and coaching at Aden Bowman where she continued the legacy of the love of sport. She went on to cultivate that level of skill and passion in her own players. Her junior girls’ basketball team took home city championship titles for two consecutive years in 1988 and 1989. Her senior girls’ volleyball team were also city champions throughout the early 90s. Paula coached her senior girls’ basketball team to win numerous city championship and provincial championship titles. Coaching with Layra Farmer was the highlight of Paula’s sports career at Bowman. This fall, Paula has begun a new chapter in her exciting career, as she has transferred to Nutana Collegiate. There is no doubt that she will continue to change lives positively wherever she goes. On behalf of the Mount Royal family, thank you, Paula for your incredible gifts to athleticism, to teaching, and to this community!

2017

It is an honour to present this year’s Friend of Mustang Volley to Jeff Kenney. Jeff has been a teacher at Mount Royal since 2003 and his involvement in our tournament has been instrumental to its success. He was transferred to Centennial Collegiate this fall and that was when we realized just how much Jeff actually did to make Mustang Volley run smoothly. For over thirteen years, Jeff helped with supervision, sponsorship and the awards committee. In many ways, he was the face of the tournament by encouraging students to get involved and challenging them to give their very best. The most important part of the tournament is having the students take ownership and Jeff was exceptional when it came to inspiring our young people to get involved.

Jeff was exceptional when it came to inspiring our young people to get involved. Jeff started his commitment to Mustang athletics as an intern when he coached the Junior Boys volleyball team in 2003. By attending coaching clinics and working with some talented coaches, Jeff improved his knowledge of the game. In 2004, he volunteered with the U14 JCVC club program and the following year, he assisted Grant Elke and the U15 Court Marshalls to a provincial championship. He is currently coaching the Green Girls team at Centennial and continues to share his love for the game with his student athletes. As this year’s Friend of Mustang Volley, Jeff really stands apart from past winners. Other Friends have been recognized as former players, coaches or officials.

Jeff is being honoured as a true Mustang- master teacher, knowledgeable coach and key member of the tournament committee. All of this year’s student body knows about Mr. Kenney’s leadership and many miss his reserved and humble nature. He has created many pathways for students to excel and Mustang Volley was an important piece of that achievement. Congratulations, Jeff! It is awesome to recognize you as the 2017 Friend of Mustang Volley.

2016

This year’s Friend of Mustang Volley is Leslie Foss. As a proud Mount Royal alumni, Leslie played for Carol Howlett on the Senior Girls Volleyball team from 1984-86. She was also on the juvenile provincial team and represented Saskatchewan at nationals. With her Senior Women’s team, T-Shirts, they earned a National Championship and later, with her Masters team, they earned a gold medal in 2005. It is no wonder that she excelled on the Beach Volleyball scene as well. Leslie was an exceptional player and she worked hard to become an accomplished leader.

As a coach, Leslie had a distinguished career in Prince Albert coaching both the club team, the P.A. Toppers and at Carlton Collegiate where she led the senior teams to very competitive seasons. Coaching and teaching for seventeen years, the Carlton Crusaders won three provincial titles and two Mustang Volley Championships. Her 1993 and 1994 teams were inducted into the Prince Albert Hall of Fame last year for their back to back wins. On top of all this, Leslie coached both the provincial teams and was the head coach for the Canada Games Women’s Beach team in 2001. Her passion for volleyball attracted some exceptional players over the years and many have gone on to play post-secondary ball.

In 2007, Leslie and her husband Todd took a huge risk and left the prairies for the Turks and Caicos. They started a car rental business and have slowly watched it grow over the years. She is a gym owner and a personal trainer. She is also working hard to introduce volleyball to the island where there are plenty of gorgeous beaches but no real gyms to train in. If you are ever travelling there, look for the Grace Bay car rentals or their gym, The Sandbox. Congratulations, Leslie! We admire your competitive spirit and recognize all the effort you put into raising the bar for girls’ volleyball in Saskatchewan.

2015

It is an honour to present this year's Friend of Mustang Volley to Keith Cote. It seems very fitting that Keith be recognized as it is the 30th anniversary of the tournament and he has always been instrumental to the success of this event. For years we have been honouring important people in the volleyball community and more than any other recipient, Keith is the heart of this tournament. In 1977, Keith began managing the Kindersley A and A women's volleyball team. He was in Kindersley to teach but he also played hockey for the Klippers and coached at the local high school. With the success of the women's team, the A and A juvenile girls team was formed and they achieved provincial titles in 1977 and ‘78. When he left Kindersley to go to law school, the organization of club volleyball went with him. The A and A squad switched to Saskatoon A and A and those teams became synonymous with excellence as the teams won 10 provincial titles in 11 years. Some of these teams won Western championships and National medals.

Keith also became involved with the Saskatchewan Volleyball Association. He served as a coordinator and manager of the women's provincial program from 1981 - 1988. He also served as vice-president for Sask Volley and worked closely with Volleyball Canada. He was manager of the Canada Games teams in 1983 and 1987. Working closely with the women's teams, Keith was responsible for improving the skill level of his athletes and inspiring them towards success.

Keith began teaching at Mount Royal in 1984. As the senior boys coach, he wanted to offer the young men a competitive tournament and Mustang Volley began. A year later, the boys and MR's prestigious girls' tourney amalgamated to the current three day format as Mustang Volley. The rest is history as this tournament is one of the most widely respected volleyball events in Western Canada. With Keith's vision, the level of play was exceptional and all the athletes remember being a part of something very special in sport.

As the senior boys' coach, Keith worked hard from 1984-'91 to create a reputable team at Royal. They won numerous city titles and provincial medals and capped off the 1990 season with a provincial championship. Building on the success and spirit of the tournament, Keith started a boys' volleyball camp in 1988 and in 1992, they included girls. The Mount Royal Boys and Girls Volleyball camp was a place where the athletes' skill was enhanced and the love of the game was inspired.

In spite of being overly involved at his high school, Keith managed to find the time to help form and manage a new club-Jeff's Crestwear Volleyball Club or JCVC. When his children began to play the game they grew up with, Keith was an important part of the club that shaped elite athletes and had them continue into university and college volleyball. In 1999, he was the VP of Marketing and Communication for the World Junior Women's Volleyball Championship.

It has been 15 years since Keith has been chair of Mustang Volley and it is no coincidence that the level of play has increased each year. Every fall you will see Keith with an extra spring in his step as he envisions a competitive tournament that highlights the best players in Western Canada. Teaching for over 30 years at Mount Royal, he is truly an inspired Mustang and a master teacher spreading his love of history, psychology and the law with his students. His passion for sport and academics fuels his desire to constantly grow with his students. As a Learning Leader and pillar of the Royal teaching community, Keith continues to be a role model for new teachers in our building. His desire to listen to the voices of his students led him to the Collegiate Renewal team from 2007-11. Keith remains active in old timer hockey and in the summer months, you will find him rollerblading.

It is difficult to put into words Keith's importance in the history of Mustang Volley. He is the face and heart of Mustang territory as we venture into three days of competition. No other staff member has been as committed to young people in the sport of volleyball as Keith and the larger community recognizes and appreciates his leadership. For 30 years, Mustang Volley has been a touch stone for volleyball excellence and with Keith as its leader, the tournament is one where memories and championships are born. Thank you, Keith, for your time, your dedication and your passion for the sport of volleyball. It is an honour to present you with the 2015 Friend of Mustang Volley!

2014

This year's Friend of Mustang Volley is Jacky Lee Keeler. Jacky is a 1999 Mount Royal grad and a perfect selection for this year's recognition. As a dedicated student, she was an important part of the student government serving all four years and being the class president in grade 11 and 12. She excelled in volleyball, basketball, badminton and track and field. She was lucky to play in both Mustang Volley and our own basketball tournament, The Tip Off Classic. On top of committing to her team play, Jacky Lee also found time to volunteer at the many activities Mount Royal had to offer. In groups such as the Voyageurs, Jacky Lee learned how to work with people and to lead her peers with a sense of Royal pride that stays with her today.

It was her infectious enthusiasm and strong leadership skills that lead her into teaching and back to Mount Royal - her old stompin' grounds. In her first years of teaching here, she found many ways to inspire students and to encourage them to grow. Outside of the classroom, she coached almost every sport- volleyball, basketball and track. She was one of the lead volunteers for Mustang Volley, the Tip Off Classic and the Mustang Mania cheer competition. Over the last several years she has become one of the faces of Mustang Volley, co-chairing with Keith Cote. You could see her at the gate, organizing the minor officials, overseeing the results and creating a memorable program. As a staff member, Jacky Lee led by example with a welcoming smile and a dedicated spirit. No one was prouder to be a Mustang than Jacky Lee. This September, in an effort to continue her professional growth, she moved to Lakeridge School. Many staff members have commented on the small hole left in our building without her but it gives us great pride to know that the Lakeridge community already love and appreciate her.

The best way to remember a person's dedication is to recognize them for it. The best way to get Jacky Lee home was to say thank-you and have her accept this award. Congratulations, Jacky Lee and remember there is always a warm spot for you in Mustang Territory!

2013

It is an honour to recognize Adam Ewart as this year’s Friend of Mustang Volley. Adam is a very well known volleyball leader who was born and raised in Saskatoon. In fact, Adam is a former Mount Royal Mustang who played for Keith Cote from 1985-87. He was an All Star at the tournament in ’86 and then he was the Most Valuable Player the following year when the Mustangs were crowned tournament champions.

Encouraged by long time coach, Don Bates, Adam started playing volleyball while in elementary school. He captured two provincial club championships with the Tiger Riggers Volleyball Club. While in high school at Mount Royal and Bedford, he won two city titles.

After graduation, Adam joined the Canadian Navy where he suited up for the Pacific Fleet team. While on the coast, he played for Camosun College in Victoria. As an accomplished athlete, Adam’s love for the game started as a player. Being a setter, he was the team leader and saw the game in a very smart way. It made sense that his extraordinary passion for the white ball would make him an exceptional coach.

His first taste of mentoring young athletes was with the very successful U of S Men’s Volleyball program. From 1996 until 2003, Adam was the assistant coach who helped to capture CIS Silver and Bronze medals. As a Provincial Team coach for over ten years, he led the 2005 and 2009 Canada Games teams. As a Provincial coach and role model, he led his teams to 12 provincial titles. This is an amazing accomplishment in a province our size. What Adam is most proud of, as a volleyball mentor, is that his athletes have gone from his tutelage to playing at the college, university and national levels. Clearly, their coaching was very instrumental to their excellence. Adam will recognize so many faces in the gyms at Mustang Volley because he continues to coach and to motivate these young athletes.

On another note, Adam is the Voice of Mustang Volleyball as a long time commentator and broadcaster of the Championship games. With his insight and passion for the game, he is able to connect with the viewers and offer them an insider perspective. Interestingly, Adam’s wife, Kathy, is a math teacher here at Mount Royal. Their family is a testimony to the sacrifices and to the pride that a coach feels when they have done an outstanding job. Clearly, honouring Adam at this year’s Mustang Volley was an easy decision. An elite player, an inspiring coach and a true ambassador of the game, Adam is the epitome of what this award stands for. Congratulations, Adam! You are the very worthy recipient of this year’s Friend of Mustang Volley.

2012

It is an honour to award this year's Friends of Mustang Volley to Don Smith. As one of Saskatchewan's most recognizable volleyball faces, Don has distinguished himself as an elite contributor to the sport. Starting in high school with the Aden Bowman Bears, Smitty played all sports and won the Provincial Volleyball title in 1974. His love of sport took him to the College of Physical Education at the U of S and it was here that his passion for volleyball led him to Mark Tennant and the women's Huskiette squad. He was a valuable member of the coaching team from 1980-1987. In 1981, they won the CIAU National Championship.

Don's first teaching assignment was at Marion Graham Collegiate where he quickly established himself as one of the top coaches in the province. While at Graham, Don won three City Championships and the Provincial title in 1993. Added to the provincial banner came the teams' win at Mustang Volley and another connection deep into Mustang territory. Once moved to Aden Bowman, Smitty transferred his knowledge to this fledgling program and was rewarded with another City and Provincial title in 1999. As a teacher and a coach, Don stressed the importance of discipline and hard work. Former players and colleagues describe him as a leader who focused on fundamentals and a person who loved to have fun.

In 1985, he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame as a member of that 1981 CIAU team. In 1994, that same winning team was inducted onto the U of S Athletic Wall of Fame. Accolades for his coaching were recognized across our province.

The volleyball community in Saskatoon is very aware of Don's accomplishments in the gym. What might surprise many are his exploits on the water. The Smith family was one of the founding members of the Saskatoon Sailing Club and of course, Smitty became an excellent racer. He has garnered awards provincially, nationally and internationally in Enterprise racing. He shares this love for sailing with many friends whom he has taken on trips across the world. From the white ball to the white sail, Don is a talented teacher who is eager to pass on his many gifts.

Whether it is volleyball, basketball, sailing or ballroom dancing, Smitty is an exceptional choice for this year's award not only because of his commitment to sport but also because he is so eager to share his stories of excellence. An interesting side note is that Don's wife, Shirley Finnell, has also won this award, making them the first husband/wife duo in support of volleyball at Mount Royal and beyond.

Congratulations, Don. As a true Friend of Mustang Volley, we recognize your passion for the game of volleyball and this tribute is a testimony to your dedication and that deep desire to share your expertise.

2011

This year's Friend of Mustang Volley is Kerry Alcorn. Kerry has been involved with volleyball in the province for close to 30 years. As a player, he suited up for the University of Saskatchewan from 1981-1986. After his five years as a Huskie, Kerry committed himself to the program as an Assistant Coach from 1986- 2010. Taking his passion south of the border, he was a volunteer Assistant Coach with the University of Kentucky women's team in 1997.

As a talented player and gifted coach, Kerry inspired his players to be their best. He coached at the provincial level, club level and high school ranks for over a decade and he is easily recognizable in any gym. Another strong connection to Mustang territory is Kerry's coaching involvement in the Mount Royal Volleyball Camp. He has been there since the beginning in 1989 until the present. His humble demeanour and quiet competitiveness make him an extremely knowledgeable coach.

Kerry appeared in Mustang Volley with his high school teams on three separate occasions. Coaching the Walter Murray Marauders and Aden Bowman Bears, Kerry's teams always played well. In 1996, Kerry led the Bears to a silver medal finish. Many of Kerry's players continue to play the sport today and this is a real testimony to his passion and commitment to the sport.

Many Mustang Volley fans recognize Kerry's face and his voice. He has been the Shaw Cable television play by play announcer for eight years. As the voice of volleyball expertize, it is always an interesting learning opportunity to hear him call the Championship games. This year's Friend of Mustang Volley is Kerry Alcorn and his commitment to volleyball in Saskatchewan is a testimony to his passion for the game. Congratulations, Kerry.

This year, the tournament committee would like to honour Sandra Senftner as our “Friend of Mustang Volley.” Sandra’s involvement in the game of volleyball as both a ‘super fan’ and a parent has lasted for many years. Most importantly, as an official, Sandra left her mark as a dedicated leader in the game. She started officiating in 1976 but her love of competitive curling took her away for a few years. With the Jeux Canada Games coming to the province in 1988 (Saskatoon) and then again in 2005 (Regina), Sandra took these athletic opportunities to renew her commitment to the sport.

Starting in the Pee Wee leagues, she soon increased her knowledge and expertise by moving through the high school ranks and into the University and International scene. When the World Junior Games took to the stage in Saskatoon in 2000, Sandra played a major role in the supervision of officials from around the world. It was a great event to showcase the sport and an awesome opportunity for Sandra and her officiating friends.

Mustang Volley has been a tournament close to Sandra’s heart as she has been with us since 1987, as an assignor, an official and a senior supervisor of the game. For over 22 years, Sandra has been a motivated leader on the court and appreciated as a technical, fair and very talented leader in the game. People who have been in the tournament for many years have always looked forward to seeing and working with Sandra.

Her role as a parent has been a proud one as her daughter Kristi competed with the Aden Bowman Bears for the three years they dominated the tournament from 200-2003. Kristi won two consecutive all-stars at Mustang Volley before she headed south to Jamestown College team in North Dakota where she went on to lead the Jimmies as a dedicated student athlete. Both Sandra and Kristi encouraged each other in the game they loved.

Since 2005, Sandra’s role as official changed as she transitioned into the Program Coordinator for Saskatchewan Volleyball where she inspired and mentored new officials. After years of watching, encouraging and leading young players to appreciate the game of volleyball, Sandra made the decision to retire this year. It will seem odd to think that she will not be up on her pedestal calling the game that she so clearly loves, but the people who know her best, know that she will not stay away from the gym. The sport of volleyball has served her well and allowed her talent to shine through the many teams and many friends she was able to inspire. It seems fitting that this humble super-star be recognized as this year’s “Friend of Mustang Volley.” Congratulations, Sandra. Your love for volleyball has been admired and infectious.

 

It is an honour to present Lee Reimer with the 2009 Friends of Mustang Volley Award. Lee is one of Saskatchewan’s most accomplished motivators and teachers of women in sports. Her accomplishments as an athlete began at Walter Murray Collegiate where she competed in volleyball and track and field. She carried her passion as a Marauder to the U of S where she excelled as a Huskiette in shot put as a 4 time CWUAA champ followed by 2 Bronze Medals at the National Championships for track and field. She graduated from the U of S with a BSPE in ’81 and her B.ED in 1982. Her love of teaching and coaching has taken her on a journey to Aden Bowman, Evan Hardy, Walter Murray and thankfully, here at Mount Royal. The combination of hard work, high expectations and a great sense of humour have made Lee an exceptional coach and colleague with the Mustangs.

Lee’s most impressive mark in Saskatoon has been as a group fitness instructor where she has challenged and motivated athletes since 1983. She was an athletic therapist with the accomplished Saskatoon Hilltops football team from 1986-‘90. In 1995, she became a Provincial Training Instructor and is currently running group fitness classes at Mawson Health and Fitness Center and on campus at the PAC. If you are looking for a good work out and a great atmosphere- visit Lee and see her enthusiasm for yourself!

As a high school coach, Lee’s accomplishments need to be highlighted as she has left her mark and her laughter on athletes across the city. She coached Sr. Track/Field, Basketball, Badminton and even became one of the first women coaches in high school football where she set an example to many young female players who broke down the walls of the boys dominated sport. Her most memorable time with girls’ volleyball came when she mentored the Murray Marauders to 4 City Championships in the ‘90’s. Those same teams captured a Provincial Championship, 2 Silver Medals and 2 Bronze showings. Both former Mustang All Stars, Elaine Lee and Jody Babey, played under Lee and credit her with much of their later Huskie success.

Lee’s connection to Mustang Volley as both a player and a coach has made her the perfect candidate for this year’s tribute. Her teams took home the Championship in both 1991 and 1992. The best thing for Mount Royal happened seven years ago when Lee’s expertise brought her to the west side and into the heart of Mustang Territory. Since then she has been involved with Mustang Volley with the Gate and was the Tournament Chair for Results. Our luck turned around last year when Lee offered to coach our Senior Girls’ team with Angela Anderson. She brings experience, leadership and passion for the game and has injected her commitment into the hearts of our young student athletes. Lee Reimer is an excellent choice for this year’s Friends of Mustang Volley and is a great ambassador for all young women in sport today. Congratulations, Lee Reimer.

2008

In this our fifth year of recognizing a "Friend of Mustang Volley", the tournament is proud to honour a person who has had a major impact, not only on the Mustang Volley tournament, but also on the sport of volleyball and the young people who are involved.

It is an honour to present Anne Cote with the 2008 Friends of Mustang Volley Award. Anne is one of Saskatchewan's most accomplished volleyball ambassadors. As a player, official and coach of young women's volleyball for over thirty years, Anne has dedicated her enthusiasm and knowledge in the sport by mentoring hundreds of student athletes. Anne began teaching the sciences with the Saskatoon Public School Board in 1989. She is an excellent teacher who is able to combine hard work with a great sense of humour. She set her expectations high in the classroom and that naturally transferred to her energy on the volleyball court.

Anne has left an impressive mark on volleyball in Saskatchewan. She began her coaching career with the Kindersley A and A Volleyball Club in 1978 and soon took her expertise on the road to coach the A and A team out of Saskatoon. In the 1990's, she formed JCVC (Jeff's Crestwear Volleyball Club) where she helped to train both elite and developmental athletes. Her club teams have won over 20 provincial titles. She has coached numerous provincial teams and was the head coach of Team Sask in the Canada Games in 1983 and 1987, and served as an assistant in 2005. She is proud of all of her players including at least 25 who have represented Team Canada. More importantly, over 100 of her athletes have continued their education by playing at universities and colleges in both Canada and the United States In 2006, she was selected by Volleyball Canada as the Top Female Coach in our country and in 2007, she added to that honour by being inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame.

Anne's connection to Mustang Volley is a decorated one. For many years, she served as head official for the tournament. She also coached the Aden Bowman Girls team to many victories. In 1999, the Bears won the Consolation Finals; in 2001, they were Bronze medalists; in 2002 and 2003, the girls took home the Tournament Championships with the Gold medals and Anne coached them to Silver in 2004. During the Bears' 2001-2004 run, her teams captured four straight city titles and three consecutive provincial championships. The Anne Cote volleyball dynasty was known throughout the province not simply because of her teams' athletic prowess, but also for their sportsmanship and love of the game.

In the fall of 2006, Anne's volleyball journey took her in another direction- south. Anne accepted a volunteer coaching position with the Division 1 University of Memphis Tigers women's volleyball team. In 2007, she became the official assistant coach of the Tigers where she is teaching and mentoring young people in the game she still loves passionately.

Imagine all the seeds of success that Anne has planted in volleyball players across our country and beyond? The Anne Cote legacy continues to impress as these players become coaches and a new generation of young girls learn that you can push yourselves hard in sport and still have fun. As an official, a coach and a mentor, Anne's inspirational leadership in volleyball is respected as she is truly a role model and “Friend of Mustang Volley”.

2007

Mustang Volley is pleased to honour Mrs. Marilyn Walter our “Friend of Mustang Volley—2007.” Mrs. Walter began her high school athletic career as a basketball player, seeing volleyball as something to do before basketball season began. By the time she got to the University, however, volleyball had become her passion. Marilyn began playing volleyball in the 1960's and has continued to play, uninterrupted, ever since.

Marilyn was a starter on the U of S Huskies Women's team from her first year in 1971 until she graduated in 1976. In 1975 the Huskies were the CanWest champions, going on to finish second in the National Championship. Simultaneously, Marilyn played on the Huskies Club team which came third in the All-Canadian Open that same year. Marilyn is still an active player on the club team, and in 2006 she participated in the World Masters Games.

As well as her legendary longevity as a player, Marilyn has made major contributions to the sport of volleyball as a coach. From 1976 to 1979 Marilyn worked as Technical Director for the Saskatchewan Volleyball Association where she coached in a variety of situations including camps and clinics aimed at developing the sport as well as the next provincial team for the Canada Games. In 1979 Marilyn began her teaching career at Nutana Collegiate where she coached the Sr. Girls' team for five years. She then spent eleven years at Walter Murray, two years at Bedford Road, and ten years at Evan Hardy coaching senior and junior girls' teams.

And if playing and coaching are not enough, Marilyn has also been involved as a volleyball official since 1974, working through the ranks to officiate at the 1989 Canada Games held here in Saskatoon and at the 1993 games in Kamloops. B.C.

Not surprisingly, Marilyn has had a long history with Mustang Volley beginning with Mustang Volley's forerunner, the Mount Royal Girls Invitational, at which she coached teams from both Nutana and Walter Murray. Mrs. Walter's Evan Hardy team was the silver medal winner at Mustang Volley in 2000. In addition, Marilyn has officiated at the tournament every year since 1979.

As a player Marilyn has traveled all over Canada, and as a coach and official she has nurtured generations of student athletes and volleyball stars. Her major contribution, however, is undoubtedly the passion and commitment that she has inspired in all her students and players over the years. There is no doubt, that her career in volleyball has been an incredible journey, a journey that is far from finished. Congratulations, Marilyn, and thank you “Coach Walters” from your friends at Mustang Volley.

2006

Paul Janzen began playing competitive volleyball in his Grade 10 year at Rosthern Jr. College in 1988. RJC was one of the top two high school programs in the province at that time. Paul also played on the provincial team for two years, and the Saskatchewan Canada Games team that won the silver medal at the 1989 Games. He also won a national title with the Jr. Huskies and went on to play three years with the U of S Huskies.

Following university, Paul coached both men's and women's club teams. He eventually became involved as a provincial team coach, ultimately becoming head coach of the Women's under-18 provincial team. In 2001, he was an assistant coach with the Saskatchewam Men's Canada Games team.

Mr. Janzen came to Mount Royal as a Biology teacher in 1997 and immediately became the chairperson of the Mustang Volley organizing committee. Among his many accomplishments in that position was the logo that continues to symbolize Mustang Volley. In addition to his work on Mustang Volley, Mr. Janzen also spent two years coaching the Jr. Girl's team, followed by 3 years with the Sr. Girls. Mr. Janzen then moved from Mount Royal to the Royal West campus where he is now the program coordinator. He continues to inspire students there to be active and successful.

Mr. Janzen's contributions to the success of Mustang Volley and to students and athletes at Mount Royal and throughout the province are immense. Students and staff who have worked with him have benefitted from his strong sense of honour and commitment. We are delighted to recognize these contributions and thank Mr. Paul Janzen for all he has done and continues to do for his students, the sport of volleyball and, of course, for Mustang Volley.