The history of volleyball at St. Paul’s College can be traced back to the early 1940s with competition at both the Arts and High School levels.
St. Paul's College Arts students were the first to play volleyball at the school. As part of the University of Manitoba Interfaculty League, St. Paul's competed against other faculty teams, including “Science”, “Law”, and the “Aggies”. To support the success of their team, the college built volleyball courts at their Ellice Avenue campus in the 1940s. The competitive spirit spread to the younger students and an inter-class volleyball league was organized at the high school as early as 1940.
Although popular among students, volleyball conflicted with the schedules of other sports and it was not played competitively for several years in the early 1950s. With its return in 1955, volleyball has remained an important part of the Crusaders intramural and athletic programs with competitive teams organized in the 1970s and 1980s.
The first competitive league teams were organized at St. Paul’s in the 1970s and 1980s. Beginning with a Grade Nine Team during the 1973/1974 season, the program enjoyed many accomplishments with a number of major tournament and league victories within the first decade of play.
With this early success, and under the leadership of new teacher Mr. L. Voth, the program expanded to include both a Junior Varsity (1985/1986) and Varsity (1986/1987) team. Within the first three years of the Varsity team, St. Paul’s had captured the coveted Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association (MHSAA) provincial title. This banner was the first of many to grace the walls of the Cass Gym as the Crusaders have continued to develop the volleyball program with Mr. Voth remaining at the helm.
"Sports Shorts". St. Paul's College Crusader, May, 1946.
St. Paul's High School Archive
Played in the springtime, volleyball was played competitively between classes in the inter-class league and for enjoyment by the school’s boarders.
Joe McLoughlin. "A Few Words on Sports". The Crusader, May 1955.
St. Paul's High School Archive
This end of year summary of college athletics highlights the rejuvenation of the school’s competitive volleyball program with the Arts students participating in the University’s inter-faculty league.
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
Organized during the 1973-1974 school year, the first competitive volleyball team was made up of Grade Nine athletes. Coached by Mr. Franz and Mr. Dawson, the team competed in the Assiniboine South School Division (A.S.S.D.) league.
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
After more than a decade of victories with the Grade Nine volleyball program, St. Paul’s organized their first Junior Varsity Team. Coached by Mr. Voth, the team had a successful first season.
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
Under the guidance of Mr. Voth the Crusaders volleyball program was expanded to create a Varsity Team in 1986. Many players were experienced members of the first Junior Varsity Team, formed the year before.
St. Paul's High School Yearbook
Grade Nine Coaches:
Junior Varsity Coaches:
Varsity Coaches: