Niagara Knights 2009/2010

Men's Volleyball 2008/2009 Front Row - Left to Right: Kyle Hussey, Ismail Halich, Allan McGrath, T.J. Braithwaite, Brandon Ford, Mike DiCarlo, Jason Even, Derek Warmelink.

Back Row - Left to Right: Grant Paul (Manager), Kevin Krajcik, Nathan Beach, Corey Easby, Jeremy Schilthius, Ben Heinrichs, Steve Stone, Greg Farrell, Joel Mrak (Head Coach)

UNIF # Name HT. Position Hometown/High School
1 Ismail Halich 5' 10 Setter Errachidia, Morocco
2 Jason Even 5' 11 Libero Welland, ON
3 Allan McGrath 5' 8 Libero St. Catharines, ON
4 Mike DiCarlo 6' 3 Left Side Toronto, ON
5 Brandon Ford 5' 10 Left Side Brant, ON
6 Greg Farrell 6' 2 Left Side Waterdown, ON
7 Steve Stone 6' 2 Setter St. Catharines, ON
8 T.J. Braithwaite 5' 10 Setter Chatham, ON
9 Ben Heinrichs 6' 4 Middle Port Rowan, ON
10 Kyle Hussey 6' 1 Right Side St. George, ON
12 Derek Warmelink 6' 3 Left Side Shelburne, ON
13 Kevin Krajcik 6' 3 Right Side Grimsby, ON
14 Nathan Beach 6' 6 Middle Sherkston, ON
15 Corey Easby 6' 5 Middle St. Catharines, ON

HEAD COACH: Joel Mrak
ASSISTANT COACH: Matt Peters
MANAGER: Grant Paul

Nathan Groenveld Named New Head Coach

The Niagara College Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is pleased to announce that Nathan Groenveld has been named the new head coach of the Niagara Knights Men's Volleyball team. Groenveld takes over from Joel Mrak, who coached the Knights the past two seasons. Mrak, is now the Technical Director for Ringette Alberta.

As an athlete, Groenveld  has competed at every level possible. When he was a member of the Niagara Rapids volleyball club, he was named to the Ontario Volleyball Provincial team where he spent the next three years and was named the captain of the team as well as capturing two bronze medals.

From 2004 – 2009, he would represent McMaster University in CIS competition where he garnered much success including team captain, OUA First team All-Star, CIS Championship All-Star, Team MVP, OUA Player of the Year, CIS 1st Team All Canadian and Male Athlete of the Year. The 6’ 7” Middle would take his skills to another level in 2007 when he was added to the National Team program and would spend his next three years with the National Senior team. He represented Canada at the NORCECA Continental Championships in 2009, and an exhibition series in 2008 against Australia.

In 2009-2010, he took his skills oversees to play volleyball professionally. Groenveld spent six months competing for a professional club in Qatar before returning home in June.  

“Nathan played volleyball at a high level much of his young career and we believe that this has given him the skill set necessary to develop athletes,” said Ray Sarkis, Coordinator of Athletics and Recreation. “During his time spent with the National Team, McMaster University, and playing professionally in Qatar, he developed and learned the tools necessary to achieve success at the highest levels. Groenveld has firsthand knowledge and involvement with skill development, technical aspects, and tactical preparation. His years as a student-athlete at McMaster University allowed him to relate to the struggles of athletes in post-secondary institutions, in addition to being able to provide support and guidance in this area. His involvement in the recruiting process (both as a recruit and captain) will allow him to do the best job in bringing the highest level of athlete to Niagara College.” 

You can contact Nathan Groenveld by e-mail at n_groenveld@hotmail.com

2009 - 2010 Highlights:


Niagara College Male Athlete of the Year: Kevin Krajcik

OCAA Western Region League All-Star (First Team): Kevin Krajcik

Team MVP: Kevin Krajcik

Top Academic: Ben Heinrichs

Leadership Award Winner: T.J. Braithwaite

Top Rookie: Mike DiCarlo