An Epic Ending

For any of you who were following the CIS Volleyball Nationals last weekend, you know what an exciting time this was for our TWU guys! Second year in a row they came away with the GOLD!!!


Since a picture is worth... you know, a lot of words:

Moments like these are so easy to fill with thanks, aren't they? These boys have worked terribly hard. Yes, this shows up in their "mad" volleyball skills... But they have also worked continuously to let God shape them and chisel off the pieces that He chooses. They are a class act, and a band of brothers. 

(#3, #11, and #14 are the graduating seniors this year). 

The CIS has noticed these gentlemen as well: 

4 of the 5 possible "big" awards went to these guys pictured above. Jarrod Offereins, Libero of the Year; Ben Josephson, Coach of the Year; Ben Ball, Player of the Year; and Rudy Verhoeff, the Dale Iwanoczko Award (a prestigious award that honours character, achievement, and leadership).

In his leadership and spiritual development time with the team this year, Ryan has been focusing on the concept of living an epic story. Well, these guys got their chance to write an epic ending to that story at Nationals. After falling to Laval in the first set, Ryan reminded them that this was their chance now to create that epic ending. Epic endings are never easy. They always require sacrifice and passion.
Perhaps not coincidentally, Ben gave almost the same speech when he entered the team circle a few minutes later. And these boys went on to write that ending!

So, what a year it has been...

We thank God for the opportunity to be involved with this incredible group of guys, and to see them honour God with their play, their brotherhood, and their commitment to Him. 

Ryan's parents, George & Sue (below), his brother Shawn and sis-in-law Jodi, and his brother Matt the first night were able to drive up from other parts of Ontario to be part of the weekend:

And those of us who couldn't go were by all means glued to the computer screen back home:

So, congrats to the TWU team and coaches, and to the family, fans, and community who support them!