Trio of Valley players to volley for UBCO Heat men
Three local players highlight Brad Hudson’s recruiting class for Heat men’s volleyball.
Vernon Christian’s Ben Molitwenik, No. 8 in the annual poll of B.C.’s top high school graduates, will join OKM’s Kevin Jacklin and Jackson Obst, a Kelowna Secondary graduate transferring to UBC Okanagan from University of the Fraser Valley.
“I really like the volleyball IQ and the high character of this class,” coach Hudson told Goheat.ca. “They are hard working, passionate about the sport, dedicated students and winners. We are excited to share in their collegiate experience and can’t wait to get them on campus.”
Jacklin played four years at OKM Secondary School. The six-foot-six middle blocker earned several accolades at OKM. He plans to major in Biology.
“I am excited to play for the Heat because it means that while I am playing I am able to get a great education while also staying close to home,” Jacklin said.
Molitwenik, a six-foot-four outside hitter, led the Royals to back-to-back senior-A titles, and he was named the tournament’s most outstanding player both years. The championship in 2018 was the first provincial title in any sport, ever, for the Vernon school.
He plans to enrol in human kinetics in hopes of pursuing a sports therapy career.
“I chose UBCO because of the high level of academics offered while still being able to stay close to home,” he said. “I’m excited to play for a team that not only strives for athletic excellence, but also values good charac
ter and personal development.”
Returning home after two years at UFV, Obst is a former Kelowna Owls star. A sixfoot-five middle blocker, Obst was male athlete of the year for three straight years at KSS. He also played for the basketball team, and won a B.C. silver medal in both sports.
An honour roll student at KSS, Obst will transfer into UBCO’s management program.
“Growing up in Kelowna I would always
come to watch the Heat play and it is truly an honour to be a part of this team now and act as a role model for young volleyball players,” he said.
Heat teams are practising with an eye on Oct. 8. After cancelling first term sports in June, a decision by Canada West on the resumption of sport, specifically two-term sports, will be made by that date.