Seniors Night
Friday the Bearcats will celebrate and honour fifth year graduating players Phil Wiens and Mallory Ingwersen.
Wiens, from Edmonton, joined the Bearcats in 2004-05 and played out his final four years in 2005-06, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10. He was away on a missions trip during the 2006-07 season. He is the first men's volleyball player to play out all five years at CBC.
What has your experience been like playing for the Bearcats?
My experience playing for the Bearcats has been extremely positive (it must have been considering I stuck around for 5 years!). Playing for the Bearcats has been both an honor and a privilege. As a student-athlete you realize that you are representing something greater than yourself; you have been chosen to be an ambassador for your school. On the other hand, you get to come to the gym everyday and participate in a sport that you love with people that you love.
What are some of the highlights and challenges you faced as a student-athlete?
My #1 highlight from over the years has been the friendships I have developed. Many of my teammates and coaches from over the years have become my best friends. Secondly would be the experiences, I will never forget coming from behind and winning against Capilano in the 2006 provincials after being down 2 sets to 0. Also I have had the opportunity to travel across all of BC, into Alberta, down into Washington, and to California.
Managing my time has been the #1 challenge I have faced. Trying to work, go to school, and train on a regular basis is a balancing act. This requires a certain skill set including doing homework on a bus filled with 20+ young adults, always a challenge!
What advice would you pass on to your teammates and future CBC athletes?
Take advantage of every opportunity you get and enjoy the moment because before you know it, it’s over.
Future Plans?
My future plans are to continue enjoying life with my wife. I also hope to continue my education by attending Regent College with the goal of one day teaching the Bible.
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Mallory Ingwersen of Lacombe, Alberta, joined the Bearcats in 2008-09. She played her first three years at Briercrest College prior to transfering to CBC.
What has your experience been like playing for the Bearcats?
I have had a wonderful experience playing for the Bearcats and a large part of me is very sad to say goodbye to my career as a Bearcat athlete. Being challenged, pushed, supported, encouraged and loved by coaches and fellow teammates all contributed to the growth and knowledge that I will take away from my time playing for CBC. Being a Bearcat is so much more than just big wins and gold metals. Being a Bearcat is most importantly about character development, creating life long relationships, representing God through the universal language of Sport and bringing Him glory through the talents and skills he has blessed us with.
What are some of the highlights and challenges you faced as a student-athlete?
I have found that a constant challenge from being a student-athlete is the skill of time management. Everyday I had to try and find enough time for practice, workout, homework and fellowship with God and others. It is definitely a hard act to balance being a student-athlete; however I know that this skill will greatly benefit me in my future endeavors.
A memorable highlight as a student-athlete is the support I had from fellow students. I am always amazed by the fans that come out and literally exhaust themselves cheering-on CBC athletes. Much of our success is due to the constant support and encouragement we had from those students on the sidelines. Thanks to all who participate in supporting the athletics program here at Columbia!
What advice would you pass on to your teammates and future CBC athletes?
My biggest piece of advice for CBC athletes is to work hard, not just in games but in every practice. Something I came to learn earlier on in my volleyball career, which developed me into the player that I am today, is to see every practice as an opportunity to get better. With this mentality and mindset, every time you step onto the court you are allowing and pushing for improvement. This requires lots of hard work, dedication, intentionality and accountability! But if you really want to become the athlete that you believe you can be, don’t sell yourself short of giving “your all” in every practice.
Future Plans?
My future plans involve working in some area or aspect of career/academic counseling. I hope to combine my love for mentoring with my love for education. Short-term goals include working as an Admissions Counselor for the College and in the long-term, I aspire to be a Guidance Counselor for a High School. I would also love to squeeze missions somewhere into this equation!
