Former Delta Pacer volleyball standout Andrew Robson has played a leading role in a breakthrough season for the Douglas College Royals.
For the first time in recent memory, the Royals are going to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national championships after earning the opportunity to represent B.C. with a dramatic win over regular season champion Vancouver Island University Mariners in the gold medal match.
Douglas College used home court advantage to get past the Mariners 3-1, including a memorable 31-29 victory in the clinching game. Robson, a third-year 6-foot-5 middle blocker, produced nine kills and 13 total attack points. The nationals start tomorrow at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford and wrap up Saturday.
"It was nice to finally break through and (get to nationals)," said Robson.
"It's been three years for me but I feel even better for the guys who have been here for five."
After a dominant high school career, where Robson was part of the outstanding senior boys program guided by now retired coach Barb Salt, he enrolled in Douglas and soon discovered the quality of play at the collegiate level.
"There's basically two leagues in the country, CIS and CCAA," he explained. "This is definitely a great calibre. CIS players might be a little bigger but I would think most people that come out and watch appreciate this level."
Robson noted the committed is also about the same with his team having trained four times a week since September, as well as games and tournaments.
The Ladner native, who is working towards a degree in physical education, is unsure if he will be playing next season, depending on his studies. This week's tournament might be his one and only shot at winning a national championship.
"Alberta is a real powerhouse and have dominated in the past," he added. "(Host) Columbia Bible College will be tough too, especially in front of their own fans."
The Royals defeated CBC in the provincial semi-finals (30-28, 25-17, 25-18). Douglas opens play against Querbec champions Volontaires de Sherbrooke on Thursday night.
Athletic success runs deep in the Robson family. Andrew's younger Tom is a pitching prospect with the Toronto Blue Jays after being the top Canadian selected in last June's Major League Baseball amateur draft.
mbooth@delta-optimist.com
