Trent Excalibur men's and women's volleyball to join OUA starting in 2016-17

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. - The Trent Excalibur men’s and women’s volleyball teams will be making a play for a strong showing in Ontario University Athletics (OUA), after announcing a milestone move to have both teams join the ranks of university competition in OUA for the 2016/17 varsity season.

“It is an exciting time for the Excalibur varsity program,” said Deborah Bright-Brundle, director, Athletics and Recreation for Trent University. “Trent has a strong sports history in OUA and we are pleased to have our women’s and men’s volleyball program join our other sports of rowing, soccer, women’s rugby, cross country, golf and curling in OUA.”  

“On behalf of everyone across OUA, I would like to welcome the Trent Excalibur men’s and women’s volleyball programs to our league for the 2016/17 season,” said Gord Grace, Ontario University Athletics CEO. “The addition of both Excalibur teams will only help to raise the already strong level of competition that our conference offers and I wish them the best of luck next season.”

Speaking of the upcoming move, head coach of the Excalibur men’s volleyball team, Mike Hubicki, said: “The athletes and coaches are eagerly preparing the move to OUA. Our team is building to be a strong contender for entry into OUA and the team is committed to technical and tactical development and establishing a strong team chemistry. We will be building on an 11-7 record and look forward to joining OUA for the 2016/2017 season.”

For the last twelve years, the Excalibur volleyball teams have been competing in the Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) – in 2014/2015 season the women’s volleyball team finished second in the East Division regular season and finished fourth overall.  The men’s volleyball team finished fourth in the East Division Regular Season Standings and lost in their cross over match to Niagara.  “I would also like to thank the OCAA for the tremendous competitive opportunity they have provided to Trent varsity student-athletes over the last twelve years,” said Ms. Bright-Brundle.

About Trent University Athletics

Trent athletes have competed in interuniversity competition for 40 years. Excalibur athletes compete in cross country, curling, golf, rowing, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, and volleyball. The 40+ coaches and 300 athletes are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence on the field and in the classroom. Trent University is an inspiring place to be part of. A stunning natural landscape along the Otonabee River provides an environment where you can grow, thrive, live and connect.   

About Ontario University Athletics

Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and its 20 member institutions are developing Champions For Life. Giving 9,000 student-athletes the opportunity to excel academically and on the playing field, while preparing for life after university. For more information, visit OUA.ca.

About Trent University

One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham delivers a distinct mix of programming in the GTA.

For more information contact:

Kate Weersink, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca

Matthew Walker, Communications Coordinator, Ontario University Athletics, (905) 635-5510 x 207 or matthew.walker@oua.ca