It has been a big week for Niagara College student-athlete Shayne Petrusma. The Paramedic student who is in his fifth year of eligibility, has received a trio of accolades for his performance as a member of the Niagara College Knights Men's Volleyball Program (6-3).
Petrusma has been selected as the Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) Men's Volleyball Athlete of the Month for November, the Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) Athlete of the Week, and the OCAA Men's Volleyball Athlete of the Week. Petrusma has also been selected as the Niagara College Athlete of the Week twice this season.
The 6'5" outside hitter has been dominant on the court for the Knights. The Bowmanville native currently leads the OCAA West Division in Points (143), points-per-set (4.5), kills (119), and kills-per-set (3.72).
Knights' Head Coach Nathan Groenveld commented that "Shayne has really put our team on his back in a couple of matches this season. He's scoring points in all ways, and a player of his caliber can really take the pressure off some of our younger players."
Petrusma graduated from McMaster University after spending four seasons as a member of the Marauders Men's Volleyball team.
Petrusma feels his choice to attend Niagara College for his final year of athletic eligibility was a natural fit. "Academically, we have one of the top Paramedic programs in the country and I wanted to be a part of that."
From an athletics perspective, Petrusma felt that "it was a great opportunity to play for Coach Groenveld who was a teammate of mine at McMaster."
Coach Groenveld, a 2007-08 First-Team CIS All-Canadian and former member of the Canadian National Volleyball Program has high praise for Petrusma. "Shayne brings leadership and contributes in all facets of the game. He's more than just an offensive player – he's been our best defender as well."
Defensively Petrusma currently ranks third in the OCAA West Division in Digs (74) and has added 14 blocks on the season.
Niagara College will host the 2013 Ironwood Wealth Management Group CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship from March 7-9, 2013. Petrusma added, "with Niagara hosting the National Championships, playing here is a great opportunity and an even better way to end my playing career.
Moving forward the Niagara College Men's Volleyball Program will resume regular season play on January 9th against the Conestoga Condors(0-9). Petrusma says that the team's second half goal is "to keep building on our first half momentum, challenge for that first place spot, and win a gold medal both provincially and nationally."
Source:
Mike Puillandre
