Gravelle keeping stride after FISU Games
Former Windsor Lancer Adam Tyson getting ready to serve (Photo By University of Windsor PhotoTeam)
By Kyle Rose
The University of Windsor head volleyball coach had an eventful summer as he participated in the 2017 Summer Universiade.
The Universiade is an international multi-sport event, organized for university athletes by the International University Sports Federation. They compete in different countries around the world similar to the Olympics. The event took place from Aug. 19-30 in Taipei City.
The tournament resulted with Iran finishing in first place, Russia in second and Japan placing third. Canada finished 11 out of 22 countries.
With such an impressive performance by the canucks, James Gravelle looks to continue the momentum into the OUA season.
So far he is doing just that, as he has led his Lancer squad to a 7-1 start in the pre-season.
The team has just won first place in the Humber Cup, winning the gold medal in the finals against the York University Lions.
Josh Rankine, a second year recruit to the program from Walkerville High school, said he is excited to see where this season goes.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how we do once regular season starts. I have complete faith in my team,” said Rankine. “Plus our coaching staff are top notch.”
This 7-1 start has been one of the best starts in Lancers’ volleyball history. With the volleyball program extending its pre-season schedule, the Lancers have had plenty of extra play time to break bad habits and work on some team adjustments. The FISU Games also gave an opportunity for coaching staff to learn among some of the top collegiate volleyball programs in the world.
Gravelle explained the importance of the pre-season schedule and why it is a time to prepare.
“This is really a time to work out the kinks and get the chemistry rolling with our players in preparation for the regular season,” said Gravelle. “It also gives me time as coach to talk with my staff and develop plans.”
The Lancers play their first regular season opponent, the University of Waterloo Warriors and they clash Oct 27. Tip-off is 8:00 p.m.
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