OLDS — The best of the best in men’s volleyball in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) are set to descend upon central Alberta next season.
During the ACAC annual general meeting on May 9, the Olds College Broncos were awarded the right to host the 2024 ACAC Men’s Volleyball Championship, which will be held at the Ralph Klein Centre Feb. 22-24, 2024.
“We are extremely proud to have the privilege of hosting the 2024 ACAC Men’s volleyball Championship,” said Trina Radcliffe, athletics manager at the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology.
“The work that (men’s volleyball head coach) Ryan (Marsden) and his staff have put into developing the men’s volleyball program has led to Olds College having this opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming the ACAC and our fans to Olds in February.”
The Broncos most recently hosted the 2022 ACAC badminton championships at the Ralph Klein Centre.
They have also hosted the 2019 ACAC Curling Championships, the 2017 ACAC Women’s Soccer Championship and the 2016 ACAC Men’s Basketball Championship since returning to the conference ahead of the 2012-13 season.
The Broncos men’s volleyball team is coming off its first ACAC championship appearance since 1978.
More than half of that roster will be returning to the Broncos this fall, including ACAC South All-Conference outside hitter Matheus Franca, who was also recently named the Broncos’ male athlete of the year.
“We are so ecstatic to be able to host,” said Marsden.
“We have worked really hard to get our program respected by others in the league. Our alumni, the community of Olds, and our team are honoured that our peers are supporting us in this opportunity.”
The championship will be co-chaired by two outstanding community volunteers in Kim Dunn and Kristy Hartt, both of whom have dedicated their time and energy to various minor sport organizations and as active volunteers within the community of Olds.
“We are thrilled to be showcasing the tremendous work that Olds College Athletics has put into building a respected men’s volleyball program,” Dunn said.
“Olds is a proud supporter of athletics, and we are excited to show the rest of the ACAC fan base that the community of Olds is loud, proud and ready to welcome them for an unforgettable 2024 championship event.”
The ACAC champions will advance to the 2024 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Volleyball Championship, which will be hosted by Camosun College in Victoria, B.C. from March 7-10, 2024.
Geordie Carragher is Olds College Sports Information and Esports coordinator.
