March 3, 2010: The Keyano College Huskies men’s and women’s volleyball programs have provided a stepping stone for several athletes.

The 2008-2009 Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) Male Player of the Year Alwyn Piche now wears the university uniform of the Saskatchewan Huskies.

Two other former Huskies, Robyn Denney (read her story on Women’s Volleyball News section) and Keegan Kuhr are now off to the CCAA women’s and men’s volleyball championships respectively.

Former Keyano Huskies men’s volleyball setter Keegan Kuhr will be participating in his second consecutive CCAA championship as his current team – the SAIT Trojans – captured the ACAC championship defeating the Briercrest College Clippers of Caronport, Sask., 3-1 with scores of 22-25, 25-22, 25-22, and 25-19) at the SAIT Campus Centre gym.

It was the Calgary schools first ACAC title in 25 years and the journey to nationals is a quick trip north as they will be held March 11-13 at Edmonton’s Grant MacEwan University.

Kuhr, a graduate of Father Patrick Mercredi Community High School, was a member of the Huskies team that hosted the 2008-2009 CCAA men’s volleyball championships. A team that at one time was ranked No. 1 in the CCAA.

Like Denney, Kuhr has had to pay his dues during his first year at SAIT Polytechnic.

“The year has been amazing,” said the 5-foot-11 Kuhr, who like Denney played for the Huskies from 2006-2009. “I could have not asked for anything better, I came in knowing that I was going to be a back-up to support and push our starting setter Justin Kilb.

"I got into games a couple of times this year to help out if we were struggling. Unfortunately I injured my shoulder and missed eight games. That was hard to sit and not practice but I was always their supporting the team. Being on SAIT has pushed me to be a better player, having to push Justin to make him better has in turn made me an awesome player. I have learned so much from Justin and I thank him for that.”

Of the fact that he is attending his second consecutive CCAA championship, Kuhr said:”Going to nationals for the second time in a role is so special and with a different team I am so happy. I still hold the Huskies close to my heart but I am a Trojan now and proud to wear that jersey. I have been trying since I started with volleyball to reach these two goals...get my gold in provincials and now I want to help my team get gold in nationals.”

Of his Huskies experience, Kuhr had these remarks: “Trent Mason (former Huskies coach and CCAA 2008-2009 Coach of the Year) coached me from Grade 12 and during my three years at Keyano. He really helped me become the player I am today. I can’t forget about (Huskies former assistant coach) Sean Thomas, who was always giving me heck and pushing me to be better.”

Kuhr’s younger brother, Erik, was also in his rookie season with the Trojans but was red shirted for the 2009-2010 season. The 6-foot-5 Erik did practice though and travel with the team the entire year.

“One of the highlights as a player was getting to be with my brother everyday at practice and at games,” said Keegan. “Greatest moment of my life was winning (ACAC) provincials and sharing it with him.”