Pair of Bobcats awarded conference distinctions

Following outstanding single-season performances, Paycen Warkentin and Kale Fisher have found themselves in distinct company.

Warkentin was named a Canada West first-team all-star while Fisher was named to the all-rookie team with the announcement of the conference lists Tuesday morning.

Warkentin was outstanding all season long and set a new blocking standard while Fisher seamlessly transitioned to a significant role, a challenge for any player never mind a first year.

“Both Paycen and Kale were very important for us and it’s great to see them recognized for the seasons they had,” says head coach Grant Wilson.

“Paycen had a fantastic year, finishing tied with Philipp [Lauter] for the league lead in blocking. On top of that he’s a constant threat offensively and a true leader both on and off the court. He is well deserving of this recognition.”

Warkentin’s 122 blocks on the season shatter the previous single-season school record and rank among the all-time greatest blocking seasons in Canada West history. On top of that the fifth-year Gladstone, Man. product had 161 kills, a dazzling .370 hitting percentage, and 247 points on the season, all while starting every conference match on the season.

Fisher meanwhile transitioned from his natural position at setter to libero early in the pre-season, often times facing the most powerful serves in the country.

The Edmonton product played in 21 of 24 conference matches while registering 58 digs on the season.

“Kale was very steady, especially down the stretch of our season, as the reception libero. As a first-year player it’s always a challenge to make the jump to the university level but Kale displayed great poise during the most stressful time of the year.”

The Bobcats went 16-8 in conference competition, tying with three other teams and just two wins away from tying for first place in the standings.