National champion leads Cougars charge for OFSAA volleyball berth

“These guys have been together for four years and they’ve gelled very well together,” notes Colonel By coach Greg Bell, whose lineup features almost all Grade 12 players. “This is the year we’ve got to get it done.”

The Cougars found themselves in a very good spot to achieve their goal following a 9-1 regular season that wrapped up with a 3-1 victory over 8-2 Béatrice-Desloges last week.

With three OFSAA berths available in total, Colonel By stood a great chance at claiming one in the playoffs that began this week, although a city championship will be a much greater challenge.

Glebe has been virtually untouchable in the National Capital loop, dropping only one set (to the Cougars) in an undefeated regular season. “We just have to eliminate some of our mistakes,” Bell says. “Through the year, serving has either been a great weapon or a hindrance to us.”

There’s no question the Cougars’ biggest weapon in any game is Chris Spack, a starter for last year’s Mavericks club under-18 national-champion team. Normally a setter, Spack often plays right-side hitter for Colonel By and is an even greater force on the high school volleyball court. “It’s beautiful. I can do both set and swing,” Spack says, noting high school ball provides a great opportunity for him to work on other aspects of his game such as his jump serve, which frequently mows down opponents for points. “I also get to lead and teach my teammates things – that’s the most satisfying thing.”

For Bell, the reason he frequently uses Spack out of his preferred position is two-fold – “he’s obviously a pretty good hitter as well,” Bell notes, and because the team has the luxury of owning another great pair of setting hands in J.S. Lalonde, along with right-side Brett Foster, also the Cougars’ football quarterback. “(Spack) is definitely the leader of the team, and I’ve asked him to be more of a vocal leader as well,” Bell notes. “He’s the guy that has to get these other guys fired up because if he’s not fired up, you’ll see the team won’t be as hyped as well.”