Wednesday, January 28, 2004

The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association and the Manitoba Volleyball Association are pleased to announce the winners of the 2003-2004 Dr. Dale Iwanoczko Memorial Volleyball Scholarships. The $500.00 scholarships are awarded annually to one male and female student from rural Manitoba and one male and female student from Winnipeg, for post-secondary education scholarships in honour and memory of long time Manitoba volleyball player, Dr. Dale Iwanoczko.

Dale began his playing career for Lord Selkirk Regional High School and advanced to the University of Manitoba where he was named a five-time All-Canadian and CIAU Most Valuable Player in 1991. He also played on Manitoba's Provincial and Canada Games Volleyball Teams. Dale was Valedictorian, Governor General Award Medal winner, and Athlete of the Year at Lord Selkirk High School. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Manitoba and passed away at the age of thirty after succumbing to Hodgkin's Disease, a battle he had fought for fourteen months. A number of Dale's friends, along with the Manitoba Volleyball Association, have organized an annual golf tournament to raise funds for this scholarship named in honour of his memory.

To be eligible for this award, a student must be proceeding to post-secondary education and have a minimum of a 65% academic average. The individual must have proficiency in volleyball and other considerations include academic standing and community activities.

Dr. Dale Iwanoczko Memorial Volleyball Scholarship 2003-2004 Award Winners Click on photo to view larger image

(l to r) Ryan DeCosse of Neelin, Dayna Kiesman of Ashern, Jodi Clemons of Lord Selkirk and Ryan Hudson of Dakota

The 2002-2003 Dr. Dale Iwanoczko Memorial Volleyball Scholarship winners are:

Jodi Clemons of Lord Selkirk School is 5'3" and plays libero. Jodi maintains an 87% academic average and was selected to the All Manitoba Team. During the season she was also selected as a tournament MVP on numerous occasions and was chosen as a Graduating All-Star. In addition to volleyball, she is also active on the student council as president, serves as a math tutor, coaches JV girls volley-ball, serves on the Christmas hamper committee and is the student representative on the Manitoba School Improvement Plan. Jodi hopes to attend university where she will pursue a degree in education and play volleyball.

Ryan DeCosse of Neelin High School in Brandon is a 6'1' setter. Ryan maintains a 90% academic average and was named to the 2003 Graduating All-Star Team. Ryan was also named to the all-star team for the Pride of the Prairie Tournament and the Provincial High School Championships where he was awarded the Players Choice award. Among all his accomplishments Ryan is the co-chair of the student council, sings in the Neelin choir and is part of the excitement of drama club. Ryan's future aspirations are to represent Manitoba at the Canada Summer games participating in beach or indoor volleyball. Ryan also aspires to play volleyball at the university level.

Dayna Kiesman is a 6'2" middleman from Ashern Central School. Dayna holds an 86% academic average and received MVP in the Ashern Tournament and 4 all-star selections at 'AAA' tournaments this past season. She was also a 2003 Graduating All-star. Dayna is actively involved in the school band, is the student representative on the parent advisory council and is the secretary for the church. She hopes to play volleyball with the Manitoba Storm and then move onto playing university volleyball with the Wesmen.

Ryan Hudson is a 6'3" setter and team captain from Dakota Collegiate who maintains a 97% academic average. Ryan received 5 All-Star awards at various tournaments. Ryan was ranked 2nd in the Winnipeg Sun Top 10 poll, and was selected as a 2003 Graduating All-Star. Ryan is also involved in various sports such as hockey and basketball. When he is not competing in sports Ryan volunteers for the Manitoba Marathon and coaches club volleyball at Dakota. Ryan inspires to become a member of the Provincial Team and to be a member of the 2005 Canada Games Team. Ryan would love to stay in Manitoba and play volleyball at the university level

The Awards were presented at the Media Conference on January 28, 2004.