Rudy Verhoeff Returns to Langley
Watch for the former Trinity Western University star in Langley later this month
Langley, BC – Rudy Verhoeff’s first summer of volleyball with the Canadian Men’s National team was not exactly what he was expecting, it was better. The 24 year old cracked the starting lineup during World League play this summer and has been making an impact ever since he stepped on the floor.
“I had 2 or 3 blocks within 5 plays”. Verhoeff said about his first appearance against Portugal, “That showed I could do this. It was exciting and it made a dream come true.” Verhoeff was a major part of Canada’s success in the World League tournament this summer but he knows the teams recent success is all about a full team effort, “It’s not one player here and there, everyone is contributing in some way.”
Canada’s run at the World League tournament this summer was one to remember as the team jumped from 18th to 11th in the FIVB World Rankings. The team finished 5th in the tournament which was highlighted by an epic 5 set victory over world number 2 ranked Russia, who ended up winning the 2013 World League title.
The upset over Russia was a historic win for Canada and Verhoeff’s serving at the end of the game was a big reason for his team’s ability to finish. Verhoeff had a couple aces which sparked his team at the perfect time, before his Trinity Western University teammate Josh Howatson secured the victory with a game winning block.
Verhoeff and his teammates are generating momentum at the perfect time with the 2013 NORCECA Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship set for September 23-28 at the Langley Events Centre. The focus for Verhoeff and the team heading into the tournament is simple, “To play well and we want to win,” Verheoff said.
The NORCECA’s will feel like a home coming for Verhoeff as his volleyball career really took off during his time with the Trinity Western University Spartans, who play out of the LEC. “I’m ecstatic,” Verhoeff said about coming back to Langley, “I never thought I would be playing on the National team this summer. It’s going to be a dream come true for sure.”
The TWU Spartans hosted the 2011 CIS National Championships at the LEC where Verhoeff won his first of two, back-to-back, CIS Championships. Verhoeff was named MVP in 2011 and following the championship point he was raised up by the Spartan crowd, as the fans stormed the court with excitement. It was a moment that Verhoeff, Spartan fans, and the Township of Langley, will never forget.
Verhoeff and his teammates will get to experience their first international tournament in British Columbia this September, with a goal of winning Gold in front of many friends and family. Canada’s round robin action starts with a match against Guatemala on Monday September 23 at 8pm, followed by an 8pm game on Wednesday September 25 against Mexico.
All matches will be played at the LEC, for the complete schedule visit www.langleyeventscentre.com/continentalvolleyball . For tickets, head to www.ticketmaster.ca
Full tournament schedule: http://www.langleyeventscentre.com/continentalvolleyball
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Norceca-Mens-Volleyball-Continental-Championships-tickets/artist/1865380
Webcast: http://www.langleyeventscentre.com/events/video-streams
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/2013-Norceca-Mens-Volleyball-Continental-Challenge/599576243388977
Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.ca
The 2013 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship gold-medal team qualifies for the 2013 FIVB Grand Champions Cup to be played November 19th to 24thin Japan. The NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship is held every other year. Cuba is the defending champion; Canada finished third at the last event.
NORCECA is the continental confederation that represents its 35 member countries at the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) level. The Confederation is responsible for, among other things, the staging of Olympic and World Championship zone qualification tournaments, as well as Continental Championships for both men and women in Indoor and Beach Volleyball.
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