Red Deer College has officially been named host of the 2019 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Volleyball National Championship.
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) institution will host the event in Red Deer, AB, from March 6-9, 2019. All matches will take place in the new Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, a world-class facility which will open in the fall of 2018.
“It is long overdue that Red Deer, the best Men’s Volleyball program in the history of the CCAA, is finally hosting a National Championship,” said Ray Sarkis, CCAA Men’s Volleyball Convenor. “They will finally have a state-of-the-art facility to host this prestigious event and showcase some of the best Men’s Volleyball action in the country.”
The Kings’ volleyball team has a history of excellence at the national level, winning 13 CCAA National Championships since 1995. Over the last 30 years, the Kings have also won 18 ACAC titles.
For the first time since 1987, the Kings will have the necessary facilities to welcome the top collegiate teams from across the country.
“RDC believes its new facility will position us well to host a CCAA National Championship that will provide an exceptional experience to all participants and fans, and showcase elite level volleyball to the community of central Alberta,” said Diane St-Denis, Athletic Director at Red Deer.
CCAA student-athletes will be treated to a new facility, which will first play host to the 2019 Canada Winter Games. The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will integrate education and learning with sport and training.
RDC will also partner with the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame to provide complimentary access to this family-friendly interactive experience.
The Kings are two-time defending CCAA champions with titles in New Westminster, BC, in 2016 and London, ON, in 2017. Red Deer earned eight consecutive national crowns from 2000 to 2007.
“No one in the CCAA has a winning dynasty like Red Deer has in Men’s Volleyball and we look forward to the 2019 National Championship, where I am sure they will once again be contending for a medal,” said Sarkis.
The 2018 CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship will be hosted by Camosun College in Victoria, BC, from March 7-10.
