Veterans

2009-2010 Vet's. (Left to Right) Myself
Steve Eichorn, Bobby Anderson,
Paul Kemboi.

Being a veteran or the ‘old guys’ on the team definitely has its perks. Not only have you built friendships and relationships with faculty and students around campus and but you know ins and outs of what it’s like being a varsity athlete. On this year’s team, Paul Kemboi and Bobby Anderson are the two most senior veterans on the team. Both are in their 5^th years of eligibility as it will be their final year as members of the volleyball team. As older veterans of the team, you are looked upon for wisdom and guidance for the younger players, almost as a big brother would play for his younger siblings. Veteran leadership is key for a team’s success. Preparation is a very important aspect of being successful when playing a varsity sport, especially considering how tough and long the season is. Every year is different but at some point in the season, players may be faced with injuries, getting sick, struggling with school or time management, so it’s up to the people who have been through it to teach the younger players how to cope with these issues.  The coaching staff really looks to the veterans to develop chemistry and solidify the relationships within the team. For example, every month starting in September right to the end of the season, a veteran is paired with a rookie to plan a team event that the team can partake in. A typical monthly event can range anywhere from going to the movies, to someone’s house, going bowling, or even going to paintball. The craziest idea that one of the veterans suggested we do was in my second year playing. He suggested we go skydiving as a team!! That would probably the craziest team bonding event ever in the history of Humber. Needless to say, there were a lot of players opposed to the idea, including myself so this event did not happen.