BOU AVENUE
Canadian Forces Prairie Region Volleyball Championship
The annual Canadian Forces Prairie Region Volleyball Championship was held in Cold Lake, Alberta on 6-8 March 2009.  Calgary sent a men's team and a women's team this year to compete in the tournament.  The Calgary women were in tough against some very strong teams from Moose Jaw, Cold Lake, and Winnipeg.  Despite losing all their matches, the Calgary women were competitive and remained upbeat throughout the tournament.  Ultimately, Winnipeg prevailed 3-1 over Cold Lake in the women's finals.  The Calgary men also faced equally strong competition against teams from Cold Lake, Edmonton, and Moose Jaw. After dropping a 2-1 match to Moose Jaw in the opener of the round-robin, Calgary rebounded with a 2-1 win over Edmonton.  Calgary then crushed Cold Lake 2-0, setting up a spirited rematch against Edmonton in the semi-final playoffs.  Down two sets to one against Edmonton, Calgary stormed back for a thrilling 3-2 victory and moved on to face Moose Jaw in the men's finals.  Unfortunately, Calgary came up short against Moose Jaw and lost 3-1.  Despite the setbacks, both teams represented Calgary well and distinguished themselves for their sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Best party animals in Cold Lake! Sitting (L to R): Sarah Parkinson, Kellie Dearden, Carolyn Edwards.

Kneeling (L to R): Chris Butler (coach/player), Ken Rosadiuk, Tanya Sampert, Glenys Bruce, Erika Tataryn, Oksana Kusyshyn, Liz England.

Standing (L to R): Randy Morningstar (coach), Joe Bloggins, Joel Fernandez, Patrice Vachon, Ashley St. Jean, James Poirier, Sonny Bou, Sarah-Jo Doucet (coach).
Photo courtesy of the Canadian Forces.
No tickling, SJ! Sarah-Jo helps Chris tape up his ankle before the first game.
Oohhh, that feels good! Sarah-Jo and a volleyball player from Edmonton have a stretching contest!
Pay attention to the coach!! Chris offers some last minute advice before the women begin their game against Moose Jaw.
Call the ball! The action begins!
Good job, Kellie! Kellie bumps the ball over the net.
Way to get the hands up, ladies! Erika, Sarah and Glenys get ready for the next serve.
Good cover, Carolyn! Oksana jumps up to spike the ball.
Who's getting this?? A free ball comes over the net.
Watch the tip!!! Calgary's women get ready to defend a spike.
Hey, we're even leading in the first game! James tips the ball in the first game of the men's final.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Not bad for an old guy! Chris delivers a jump serve.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Pat had never played any competitive volleyball only a few short months ago! Pat goes up against a double block in the second game.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Hey Ash! Quit scoping out the girls on the bench! Sonny serves up game point.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Nice up, James. The third game is under way.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
James also plays volleyball for the SAIT Trojans. James goes up to pound the ball.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Great action, eh? Chris has just hammered the ball off the Moose Jaw blockers.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Franklyn wears a different jersey because he is the libero. Joel serves up the ball while James directs Joe in the back court.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
One of Ash's best hits of the tournament. Ash makes a quick hit past the blockers.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Looks like I'm drinking vodka or something! The men huddle for some strategy after losing the third game.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Keep pounding that ball, Ash! Ash hits the ball past the blockers in the fourth game.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Good battle at the net. Moose Jaw's blockers try to stop Ash.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Nicely done, Chris. Chris wipes the ball off the blockers' hands.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.
Great effort, guys! We'll be back next year! Calgary's men show off their runner-up medals.
Photo courtesy of Chris Butler.