Camosun Chargers training camps open this September, signaling the start of the 18th year of Camosun athletic programs.
Teams consisting of men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, as well as men’s golf, will all hold tryouts following the September long weekend.
With Charger’s basketball and volleyball calling the Pacific Institute of Sport Excellence home, athletes new to their respective teams can expect to train in one of the most modern training facilities in Canada. Meanwhile, Camosun’s golfing home turf is located at Bear Mountain, a 36-hole, Nicklaus-designed golf course.
“Anyone that’s looking to try out has to be ready to make the commitment and come in prepared,” says Craig Price, head coach of the men’s basketball team. “It takes a whole lot of time; players have to sacrifice time. We go six times a week, that’s the thing the average high-school player doesn’t realize, is the commitment.”
Students hoping to crack the volleyball roster will have their work cut out for them as well. Returning volleyball all-stars Suzanna Campbell and Elizabeth Davis are examples of why Camosun’s athletic program is garnering attention from student-athletes far beyond Victoria.
“The way the program has developed and evolved, we generate interest across the country,” says women’s volleyball head coach Chris Dahl.
In addition to going through a selection camp, players will need the desire to compete against tough competition.
“Our conference is a very strong conference,” says Dahl, “and it’s a tough conference that’s only getting deeper. Weekends are going to be tough; to be an athlete in this league you have to embrace this.”
Dahl enters his second year with the Chargers, and is looking to build upon last year’s season that saw the Charger’s finish fifth in the BCCAA conference standings.
“Last year we accomplished a lot of things we wanted to do, fell short in areas where we want to work on,” says Dahl. “We need to build upon those areas, and that’s filled with the continued development of our student athletes.”
Students interested in trying out for any of the Chargers teams can check camosunchargers.blogspot.com for more information.