High school friends breaking records for Lancers

By Trish Allison

BELLEVILLE, ONT - Kyle Donnan serves the ball during a Lancer home game. The Lancer's finished their regular season with a record of 13 - 7 and start their post-season on Feb. 18. Photo by Christine Hosler

Over the last eight to 10 years, Kyle Donnan and Matt Woods have graduated high school and college together, played volleyball together and broke OCAA records… together.

“They came together from high school, came in from Pickering, and they’ve been best friends ever since” said Dave Templar, coach of Loyalist’s men’s volleyball team and residence co-ordinator.

In a match against the George Brown Huskies on November 13, Woods scored his 134 serving ace setting the all-time OCAA record for service aces. He now has 164 to his credit.

On January 15, Donnan broke the OCAA record for most career kills and less than a month later he set the all-time mark for career points, records previously held by Ryan Talsma from Redeemer University.

“We both came into the season close to breaking the records, so it was kind of expected that it was going to happen at some point throughout the season, but I mean the records are very minimal as to what we’re looking to get out of the season as a team,” said Donnan.

“It’s a very good individual goal, but in the overall aspect we’re more concerned about our team record, but again it’s a very good goal that we both accomplished,” agreed Woods.

Both men are in their fifth and final year of playing for the college, and in the midst of graduating from the public relations program, but the road they travelled started long before either imagined they’d be breaking records.

“I started in Grade 4, I was one of the taller people in the school and the coach, who was one of my teachers, just told me to come out and it’s been a passion of mine ever since,” said Woods.

Donnan’s first perspective on the game was a little different.

“Initially it was a way to get out of class in elementary school,” he said, “now it’s developed more into a passion and a love for the game.”

From there they guys ended up at the same high school, and eventually the same college.

“We’ve certainly had challenges with both of them, but I wouldn’t trade any of those, I think those have only resulted in positive outcomes and positive experiences,” said Templar.

“Kyle has certainly grown as a person off the court and this year more so than ever and it’s been noticed by a number of people. He’s fun loving and he likes to joke around.”

BELLEVILLE, ONT - Matt Woods (centre) celebrates with teammates during a Lancer home game. The Lancer's played their final regular season game on Feb 15 and start their post season Feb. 18. Photo by Christine Hosler

“Matt has always been a really respectable guy, he’s our leader on the court simply because of his position, also because he’s very vocal when he’s on the court and sort of helps drive the guys and steer them in the right direction”

During their time at Loyalist, the duo has made an impact on Lancer volleyball and the league.

“They’ve made friends throughout the league, and I think that speaks well for them because not everyone can make friends on opponent’s teams,” said Templar.

“We’re going to miss them, they’ve certainly played big roles on the team over the last five years.”

Donnan and Woods have accomplished a lot in the time that they’ve known each other and have gotten to know each other a lot better than most would.

“He actually got a nickname out of Algonquin called the Barbarian, the announcer gave him that – he’s a great guy, I think anyone could get along with him, he’s just very outgoing and spontaneous, just an overall good guy,” said Woods

“He’s certainly a good leader on and off the court, he’s certainly a good guy to be friends with, he’s always got your back if you need him,” said Donnan

“Not a lot of people get to experience having a teammate for 10 years, going off to college together, playing for five years at the same college, it’s something that can’t really be put into words, it’s been awesome,” said Donnan.

“Looking back on it in a few years, it certainly is going to be something to remember”

The men’s volleyball team played and lost their final regular season game on February 15, three sets to none to the Seneca Sting. Their post season action starts February 18.