Team Canada pays the Rustlers a visit

A rewarding experience can be had when players are given the chance to study and play the game under new conditions.

The Lakeland College Rustlers men's volleyball team prepped for this weekend's Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) playoffs by learning how to play the sitting game. The Canadian men's Paralympic team stood in as the Rustlers coaches for the Thursday and Friday sessions as well as their opponents during an exhibition match at E.S. Laird Middle School on Saturday evening.

"It's a big team bonding thing for us and a huge fundraiser for both teams," said Rustlers third-year right side Tyson Deschene. "I think it was good for everyone. It showed us that we can wear a ball. Matt (Peck) did that in the fourth or fifth set when he took the ball off his chest. We ended up getting that point. It's a whole different perspective there how we have to stay forward more. I think it was really beneficial to us."

Deschene noted the Team Canada players gave them a basic run-through on how to approach the sitting game last Thursday before engaging them in a couple of scrimmages the next morning and afternoon. He said the biggest adjustment was learning how to sit properly during the game, but repeatedly sliding around the closed-in court to get in front of the lightning quick shots coming over the lowered net also proved a challenge.

"I really enjoyed it and I think everyone did," added Deschene. "This is a lot more hard work than we're used to, but it was super fun."

Jose Rebelo, a veteran hitter for the Canadian men's sitting volleyball team, said they flew in from across the country to take in the weekend action versus the Rustlers. He said they're trying to get ready for a last-chance 2020 Tokyo Paralympics qualifier at Oklahoma this March and the time on court training and playing the Rustlers is hoped to help carry them through.

"For us it's great because they're big blocks," said Rebelo. "That's the kind of teams we play against. It's great training with those guys who are able to force our offence."

Deschene said his club volleyball team enjoyed a few training sessions with the Edmonton-based members of Team Canada in years past. He said that didn't translate into a Rustlers advantage during the game, but it was still fun to play.

"It's a really cool experience," said Deschene. "It's a whole different perspective when you're down on the floor. You're limited with your movements. You can't lift up off the floor. Everything is different in how you swing and how you sit."

Story and Photo credit:  Jamie Harkin, Meridian Source