COLE JORDAN NAMED OCAA MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) proudly recognizes Fanshawe College men's volleyball student-athlete Cole Jordan as its 2017-18 OCAA Male Athlete of the Year.

Named the OCAA Men's Volleyball Player of the Year on the eve of the OCAA provincial championship, the OCAA West Division Scoring Champion averaged 4.8 points per set during the regular season. The third-year outside hitter led all West Division players with 244 points and 201 kills. His contributions were a major factor in Fanshawe going undefeated with an 18-0 record - dropping just four sets - en route to its third regular season divisional title in as many seasons. Jordan was also named an OCAA West Division First-Team All-Star.

Jordan and his Falcons continued their dominance in the OCAA post-season, winning 12 straight sets to claim their second provincial title in three years. Jordan contributed a match-high 15 points on a dozen kills, two stuff blocks and one service ace in a three-set sweep at home against Centennial to earn a berth to provincials. He added a match-high 17 points on 14 kills, two stuff blocks and one service ace in a straight sets sweep of Fleming in the OCAA quarter-finals. Jordan tied for the match lead in points with a baker's dozen on 12 kills and a block in Fanshawe's semifinal win over eventual bronze medalist Redeemer. He contributed eight kills and an ace in Fanshawe's three-set gold medal victory over Humber. For his efforts, Jordan was named an OCAA Championship All-Star.

Jordan and the Falcons then travelled west to Victoria, B.C., for the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men's Volleyball National Championship. Fanshawe was tested against Vancouver Island University in its home province, needing all five sets in a quarter-final victory. Jordan was recognized as Fanshawe's Player of the Match as he recorded a dozen kills and three blocks for a team-leading 15 points. The CCAA All-Canadian added another 11 kills in Fanshawe's four-set victory over Cégep St-Jean-sur-Richelieu as the Falcons advanced to the national gold medal match. The dream of an undefeated season was vanquished by another Quebec team, however, as Fanshawe lost in four sets to perennial favourite Cégep Limoilou. Jordan had a match-high 17 points on 15 kills and two blocks in a losing effort.

Despite the setback, it was Fanshawe's best season in men's volleyball, taking national silver for the first time, improving on its CCAA bronze medal two years ago. Jordan was named a CCAA Championship First-Team All-Star.

"Cole led our men's volleyball program this season by displaying tremendous character, commitment and drive," praised Nathan McFadden, Manager of Fanshawe Athletics. "He is an exceptional student-athlete who leads by example and continues to push his own limits. He had a dominant season and showed his teammates the attributes that it takes to be an All-Canadian while leading our team to an OCAA championship and their best CCAA finish ever."

Jordan stepped into the Fanshawe men's volleyball program as a London athlete with untapped potential. This season, he unleashed all of that potential on the OCAA. He was the quiet leader in the locker and film rooms but when he spoke, everyone listened. He quickly became the "Team Dad" through his maturity and the respect he earned from his teammates and coaching staff. His commitment to development shone through as the season went on, demanding more of himself each day and staying focused on his goal of progressing into Canada's national team training centre in Gatineau, Que.

Jordan is the second straight Fanshawe student-athlete to be named OCAA Male Athlete of the Year, following on the heels of 2016 OCAA and CCAA cross country champion Seth Marcaccio. Jordan is the first men's volleyball player to earn the award since Nipissing's Frankie Edgecombe in 2013.

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is the recognized leader in intercollegiate athletics in the province, dedicated to student-athlete and sport development. The OCAA has 29 members sponsoring 12 varsity sports.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
Fax: 416-426-7308
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com