The Niagara College men's volleyball program is pleased to announce the addition of outside hitter Mark Wikkerink. Mark joins the Knights after competing for the North Humberland Breakers and the Astros 17U team of the OVA.
Standing at six-foot-five, Mark adds size, skill, and natural athleticism to a program that is coming off their first CCAA medal win in school history.
"Mark Wikkerink is exactly the caliber of athlete we were looking to add to our program," said head coach Nathan Groenveld. "He has the potential to excel on and off the court."
"Niagara has been my first choice for four years now," said Mark during a meet and greet at Niagara College's Welland campus athletic centre. "My parents grew up in Niagara and I have family that live in the area."
The Trenton native will enrol in the Culinary Management program, the deciding factor in choosing Niagara College. He added, "I am excited to pursue my culinary dream at Niagara College, one of the best programs in the province."
Along with experience, Mark brings his championship pedigree to the defending OCAA champions. As a member of the Quinte Christian High School volleyball team, Mark won two gold medals and one bronze medal competing at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships.
"Mark knows what it takes to win and has proven that he can play with the best in the province," added coach Groenveld. "He is a tremendous athlete and we are all really excited to see him compete at a new level."
Mark and the rest of the Niagara College men's volleyball program will begin the 2015-16 OCAA season with an exhibition game on the road versus the Western Mustangs of the OUA.