SASKATOON — Former McLurg High School student Isaiah Mamer, will be travelling to a national event in Hamilton, Ont. as a member of the U of S Huskies men’s volleyball team.
After a Grade 12 year at McLurg that included a number of provincial sports medals, Citizen of the Year award, Canada Games gold medal and being signed by the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s volleyball team, Mamer continues on a path towards great things in his first year at the U of S.
“The season with the Huskies has been surreal,” says Mamer in an interview with the Unity-Wilkie Press-Herald and SASKTODAY.ca.
“Our regular season record was 17-7 getting us fourth place spot holder going into playoffs.”
Mamer says the team won the quarter-finals against UBC in a five-set game. The Huskies were set up in the semifinals against the U of A, but the team incurred a loss.
March 11 weekend, the U of S team beat the University of Calgary to clinch the Canwest bronze medal and punch their spot to nationals.
“Being a first-year, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the post-secondary level of play,” Mamer says.
“At the start of the year, I was a role player coming off the bench to relieve some of our starters. Fast forward six months and I am a starter playing a role on one of the best teams in the nation.
“I have to give credit to the coaches and leaders on this team for making me feel comfortable and confident even though for many games I am the youngest on the court. Looking back, it truly has been a year to remember and look forward to nationals this weekend in Hamilton.”
The 2023 National volleyball tournament, runs from March 17-19 at McMaster University. You can follow the action on the championship website: https://usports.ca/en/championships/volleyball/m
Teams competing include the Alberta Golden Bears, McMaster Marauders, Trinity Western Spartans, Sherbrooke Vert and Or, Windsor Lancers, Montreal Carabins, Toronto Varsity Blues and the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
The Huskies’ first game will be against number two seed, McMaster. All games from the eight-team competition will be webcast live on CBC Sports digital platforms.
“This summer I am trying out for Team Canada and hoping I can find a spot on the team,” Mamer says of the road ahead.
“If not, I will be in Saskatoon running Huskie volleyball camps. In August, our team goes to Japan to visit and train with Budo International University. After all of that, year two of university will start up.”
