It has happened; the day we feared, when the Trent varsity Volleyball season would come to an end. We’ve come through many trials and tribulations, underdogs of the highest calibre, elite athletes, performing against overwhelming odds. This final (for now…) edition of Arthur’s coverage of the team will cover the events of the final home games, including both the White-out and final game, as well as some of the goodbyes and good journalism you expect. 

Just in case any of my lovely readers haven’t heard, I’m famous! Not really of course, but don’t tell me that. Spurred on by my maiden voyage of waltzing up to people and interviewing them with my Samsung phone and recording mediocre-at-best audio I laid myself down at the feet of my gods (my editors), and prayed for a gift. Low and behold, it was delivered, thanks to fellow journalist David King. From the White Out game and onward, I came with an audio recorder, itching to be let out from its sheath. 

As a side note, for all of those loyal viewers who’ve been tuned to the (Now award-winning!) Radio Free Arthur podcast , this article will hold information that was in a past episode titled “Of Course We’re on Bumble.” So if you’re noticing some overlap, I decided to combine the two for the paper. Do not worry, my final game audio coverage is as spectacular as you all deserve and should be out Friday the 8th, and will also include Arthur’s coverage of the Shakespeare cabaret.

And as a side note to a side note, if you haven’t been listening in to my excellent coverage, and whatever else the editors blather on about, make sure to tune into Radio Free Arthur on Fridays at 1:00 PM, or to find them on Spotify or on the website. It’s pretty neat. 

Onto the Volleyball.

First and foremost, some glorious news: we smoked RMC. Trent stole its first victories of the season from the crew cuts of the troops. In an away game, in the far and exotic land of Kingston, Ontario, our men’s and women’s teams separately beat them twice, meaning our men’s team has now tied their all-time record, and were on the cusp of setting an all-time personal record of 3 games won in a season.  

The final game between Trent and Nipissing was nail-biter, for both sides. It was senior night, the final game for 2 players from both our men’s and women’s teams respectively. The Nipissing women were playing for the playoffs. The Nip men were playing for a chance to be in the run off game, and Trent men were playing for a chance to set an all-new win record. 

The Shack was packed, but this time, not just by those who bleed green. This game held the most opposing fans I have ever seen in the Shack, with roughly a quarter or more cheering for Nipissing. For many of the family and fans of Nipissing, the travel up to North Bay is too far for them to be able to make. Being in the GTA adjacent Peterborough, far closer to their homes, and combined with the context of this potentially being one of the last games of the season, Nip fans flooded into our beloved Shack, leading to an opposing cacophony of shouts and cheers. Of course, the Nip fans were no match for our wit, exemplified by a Trent fan who yelled “They’re Nippissing themselves!” during a close set. 

Sadly, we lost the final game. Both of our teams finished the season with a score of 2-18. 

However, in true Trent fashion, we’ve  moved past that.

We aren’t only saying goodbye to the season, after all, but to some of our players too. Jamie Spencer, Justine Colambot, Danny Austin, and Ethan Earle are all saying goodbye to Trent after this semester. All have been at Trent for 4 years or more, and as many Trent students can no doubt empathize, Jamie said she was “excited to experience life outside of Trent.” Some are going into grad school; others are moving forward into the working world. Multiple members described it as bittersweet, leaving their team, but entering a new chapter. For those overcome with sorrow, Jamie left the team with some motivational words “Pitter patter, let’s get at’er.”

Danny Austin, captain of the men’s team, will be particularly missed by me. He was one of my go-tos for quoting, reliable for giving both me and reader quality insider context about the game, no matter if I approached him in practice, or once accidentally in the Athletic centre’s change room. Whoever is chosen as the next captain will have big shoes to fill.

On behalf of myself and Arthur, we wish these Excaliburs good luck. 

Another finality of the season was my continued intrusions on the teams’ respective practices, where I spoke with the players, the day before the final game. 

Charlie Winser, my big strong handsome man, was the first to greet me, saying “Stop asking me questions, I want to go home,” before a devious light gleamed in his eyes, and he forced me to write down not only his post-game meal, but also teammate Baxter Scholberg’s as well. Charlie eats a Wendy’s Dave’s triple with cheese combo, no pickles, no mayo, a medium chocolate Frosty (which he dips the fries in), while Baxter eats three big macs, no drinks, no fries. For those keeping track, this is the fourth unsolicited inclusion of a meal.

Star setter, Aly Sadam, was placed last year on the OUA All-Rookie team, which marked him as one of the best performing first years in his position. Now a second year, he is determined to be the first two-time all rookie team member. When asked of the odds of once again taking this role, he replied that he was “Hopeful, but not optimistic.” 

The women’s team has suffered a slew of injuries this season, which hampered their performance. “[There was] not a full game we had a full roster” Women’s team captain Isabelle “Izz” Pellerine told me. Despite this, the team is satisfied with their performance over the season. They, alongside first and second years from the men’s team, will be attending the Canadian volleyball nationals, and given the opportunity to play and gain experience. 

One of those sidelined, Sydney MacLellan has been in charge of taking statistics during the games after an ankle injury. While she was disappointed to miss the final game, she will, alongside some of her fellow injured teammates, be given a final opportunity to play at the national games. She also suggested I write that “Because she can’t dominate the courts, she now dominates the stats.”

Despite anything a supposed scoreboard would tell you, Trent volleyball had a successful year. We had a few near wins, many a glorious moment, and maybe a few mishaps. To everyone that came out to the games, thank you. This comes not only from me, but also from the coaches and players. Many of those involved in Trent’s Varsity Volleyball asked me to thank them on their behalf, as well as you, dear reader. Without your cheers, the Shack would be nothing, unpacked and hollow. 

For all my avid Volleyball fans, thank you. You’re the reason I write these, and without your continuing support, I would just be some bloke that periodically harasses a varsity team. Remember to pack the Shack, and to get the boys buzzin’.

Oh, and just in case there is any doubts or fears, you can bet your fucking ass I’ll be here once again next year.