Hall of Fame
The Guelph Gryphons men's volleyball team wasn't necessarily a favourite to become provincial champions in the 1977/78 season. But head coach Larry Pearson and his players put in the work to produce a run that would etch their names in University of Guelph history.
The Gryphons were led by a couple of stars, Tony Tenwesteneind and Dennis Somerton, a towering pair of left-handers down the middle, who posed problems for opponents all season long. The duo was key in the OUAA semi-final match at the W.F. Mitchell Centre, when Guelph, wearing its trademark long-sleeved, red pinstripe jerseys, upset the defending champions Laurentian Voyageurs 15-2, 8-15, 16-14, and 15-3 on a memorable Saturday morning. The Gryphons completed their quest later that day, defeating Queen's in straight sets, 15-12, 15-2, and 15-12, to secure the program's first and only provincial championship.
"It was fun to watch us develop, play as a team, win as a team, and scrap," said Pearson, who fondly remembers the strong bond amongst his players. "This group of guys never gave up. They were just like bulls in a China shop – and they weren't going to be beat."
Team members: Al Braiden, Albert Matsushita, Bill Ketcheson, David Lemon, Dennis Somerton, Doug Hanes, John Kelly, Ken Johnston, Paul Jackson, Randy Lemon, Roman lanno, Tony Tenwesteneid.
Coach: Larry Pearson.
Trainer: Beth Charles.
