The Richmond Christian Eagles are once again proving why size classification means so little when it comes to B.C. high school boys volleyball.
By a mere three students, the No. 5 Road private school has been nudged up to the “AA” tier this season but they have already proven they can compete with any team in the province.
Featuring a deep and talented roster, the No. 5 ranked Eagles recorded their second straight bronze medal tournament performance at UBC last weekend. The result came after an impressive showing at Douglas College a week earlier.
In New West, Richmond Christian reached the semi-finals and then took the opening set off No. 1 AAA ranked Earl Marriott. The South Surrey school battled back to prevail in three. The Eagles rebounded with a win over No. 9 AAA Delta Pacers in the third place match.
The momentum carried over to the 40-team UBC Invitational where the Eagles’ run to the podium included a win over Lake Country’s No. 3 AA ranked George Elliott Coyotes in a rematch of last year’s provincial junior final.
It has all the makings of a special season and for good reason.
The Eagles were third at last year’s B.C. “A” Championships as basically a Grade 11 team. Now that group is joined by newcomers who earned the school its second straight silver medal at the B.C. Junior Invitational.
“This team is really the best of both worlds,” explained Eagles coach Connor Ewert after his team’s dominant three-set league opening win over Steveston-London last week. “We had a strong senior team last year that were nearly all Grade 11s and they have been joined by a strong junior team. Now it’s blended all together.
“My Grade 12s gained a lot of great experience last year and even what we accomplished at Douglas College last week. We came in as a bit of an unknown and made a statement for ourselves there. Now we are just hoping we can peak at the right time.”
Ewert’s volunteer coaching as an alumni reflects the school’s rich volleyball tradition that has produced plenty of success over the years. During his time coming through, his group happened to be coached by Richmond Christian grads Daniel Wong and Mathias Fast.
“When I started in Grade 6, we had the same coaches all the way through to Grade 12. Two of us every year come here and have given back. It’s my turn now,” explained the 24-year-old Ewert. “Daniel and Mathias were around my age when they were coaching me. I could really relate to them.
“I have been in the position and the atmosphere our players will go through. It’s easier to have someone who has been in their shoes before.”
Grade 11 Elijah Kim was a tournament all-star at UBC.
