New volleyball recruits to play in national club championship

April 29, 2009

Two new recruits of the Ooks men's volleyball program will be competing against each other this weekend at the National 18U Club Championship in Ottawa.

Ben Ernewein of the Pembina Pack Volleyball Club out of Barrhead and Austin Hinchey of the Northern Alberta Volleyball Club of Edmonton are familiar foes, as the players' respective clubs squared off in the championship final at provincials in Calgary earlier this month.

"Both guys were at the top of my recruiting list," said Ooks men's volleyball head coach Simon Fedun. "They were the first players I talked to at those positions."

Hinchey's NAVC team finished runner-up to Ernewein's Pack Club at provincials.

Ernewein, a 6'3" outside hitter from Spruce Grove Composite high school, is the younger brother of current Ooks volleyball team member Rory Ernewein.

"Ben is a very gifted athlete," said Fedun. "He's a bright kid, so getting him here was about finding him a good fit academically."

And while that fit seems to be in NAIT's business program, it's no doubt that familial ties played a role in Ernewein's recruitment as well.

"It'll be great to get to play with my brother," said Ernewein of his older brother, who was an ACAC All-Conference selection this season. "I've learned a lot from watching him play.

"It'll be easier for our parents to watch us too."

Hinchey, a 6'1" setter of Ross Sheppard high school who also plays for Canada's National Standing Disabled team, was named to the provincial all-star team.

"Austin is a good student of the game," said Fedun. "He jumps well, has great hands, and has a very high volleyball I.Q. He's mentally one of the best I've seen play this year."

It comes as no surprise that Hinchey, who has also enrolled in NAIT's business program, has become an accomplished volleyball player. Both his parents won Canadian Colleges Athletic Association national championships, his mother with Red Deer College and his father at Mount Royal College.

"I wanted to stay close to home, and felt that NAIT would be a great place to learn," said Hinchey of his decision to play with the Ooks.

Fedun will also be attending the tournament, but with most of his roster spots already filled for next season, he'll spend much of his time watching the 17U players. He was reluctant to pledge his support to any particular club.

"I'm just looking forward to seeing Ben and Austin perform well individually."

He has no need to worry about any animosity between the two players however.

"[Ben]'s great player," said Hinchey of his future teammate. "He played middle and right side mostly when we played against his team, so I'm excited to see him as an outside hitter. I think he'll do well in that role."