Feb 8 Vanderbrink and Vander Ende Sign to TWU

Men’s Volleyball
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Recruit Signings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Vanderbrink and Vander Ende Sign to TWU
Spartans men’s volleyball signs top local recruits

LANGLEY, British Columbia –Trinity Western University Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Ron Pike is pleased to announce the signing of two top local standouts to the Spartans. Langley Christian’s Aaron Vandenbrink and Fraser Valley Christian's David Vander Ende both made commitments to play for the number two ranked Spartans beginning in the fall of 2006.

“With these two incoming athletes we secure more depth on an already experienced and talented team. Aaron and David will have the opportunity of competing with some of the country's best players on a daily basis as they develop their skills. These two athletes will go a long way in helping TWU maintain its success of recent years,” said Ron Pike.

The 6’6” rightside Vandenbrink is one of the top high school players in BC and is arguably the top right side prospect. “Aaron has a great blend of size, skill and athleticism. He possesses great attacking prowess from both the front court and back court. He has the capacity to be a devastating blocker at the CIS level and has impressive back court skills, especially for a right side player.”

This smooth swinging lefty also has a unique ability to get big kills when his team most needs it.  "Our program is always on the lookout for kids like Aaron. He has the skill, attitude and work ethic that will allow him to be successful as a person, player and student in our environment. He is a great fit for our program and we are honored that he has chosen TWU for his university career," said Pike.

Aaron has a long history with volleyball which began when he was introduced to the game in grade five by TWU alum Jeff Gamache ('95). Since that time he has continued to flourish as a player, recently leading the Langley Christian High School Lightning to a 'A' Provincial Championship in 2004 and the #1 ranking in the province in 'AA' in 2005. Aaron was a member of Team BC in 2004 and looks to have many more opportunities to represent his province, and possibly his country, in the future. “We are very excited about Aaron coming in next season and cannot wait to see what the future holds for both Aaron and TWU Men's Volleyball,” added Pike. “Aaron possesses the type of character that will make him successful in volleyball and most everything he will do in life. He is the type of person that we are proud to have as a member of Spartan Men's Volleyball and the future looks bright with Aaron at TWU.” 

David Vander Ende is a 6’6” leftside who possesses great size as well as an uncanny ability to pass and play defense. “It is rare to find a leftside player of David's size with such a passion for defense and passing. His back court skills, mixed with his size and power in the front court, gives David a lethal combination of skills that are a welcome addition to the TWU Men's Volleyball program,” said Pike. With Vander Ende the Spartans get a player with endless energy and a work ethic that will drive him to success in the CIS. 

David was prepped at Fraser Valley Christian and coached by TWU alum Sean Engbers ('98), and joins a long line of FVC grads who have become Spartan standouts ( Jeff Van Huizen '03 , Mark Huberts '02 , Joel Jansen '02 and current All-Canadian Rightside Steve Rogalsky) . David has led FVC to being ranked in the top two in each of the last two high school seasons, finishing fourth and third at provincials. He was also a member of Team BC in 2004 and looks to have a very bright future as a member of the Spartans.

 "I've had the fortune of watching David develop as a player over the last few years and I continue to be impressed by the improvements he is making. His natural talent and ability are very evident but what is starting to emerge is the fact that his talent has a strong foundation in character, discipline and an incredible work rate. As a coach I can not overstate the importance of these factors in leading to success at the CIS level. This young man will definitely be one for Spartan fans to keep their eyes on in the future,” said Pike.

TWU Men’s Volleyball has been ranked in the top two spots in the CIS for over a year and are the defending CIS national championship silver medalists. TWU men’s volleyball made their first CIS national championship appearance in 2003-04. They made a significant impact, winning a bronze medal to earn the school its first ever CIS team medal.

As official members of Canadian Interuniversity Sport, the Spartans compete in six sports in the Canada West Conference of the CIS: Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Basketball and Volleyball. TWU has won one national championship--women’s soccer in 2004-05--and two Canada West titles--one in women’s soccer in 2004-05 and one in men’s soccer in 2005-06. The Spartans have won four CIS championship medals: women’s soccer won gold in 2004-05, men’s volleyball took silver in 2004-05 and bronze in 2003-04, and men’s soccer earned bronze in 2005-06.
 
Trinity Western University, located in Langley, B.C., is a not-for-profit Christian liberal arts university enrolling over 3,500 students this year. With a broad based, liberal arts and sciences curriculum, the University offers undergraduate degrees in 38 major areas of study ranging from business, education and computer science to biology and nursing, and 13 other graduate degrees including counselling psychology, theology and administrative leadership.

-TW-

Last Updated: 2009-02-16
Author: Scott Stewart
Email: ssstew@twu.ca