Volleyball star named OUA Male Athlete of the Year

McMaster volleyball star Stephen Maar has been named Ontario University Athletics Male Athlete of the Year.

The History and Political Science student has also been nominated for the top national honour as Canadian Interuniversity Sport and national law firm Borden Ladner Gervais LLP announced the eight finalists for the 24th annual BLG Awards Monday.

Earlier this month, Maar won the Ivor Wynne Award as McMaster’s Male Athlete of the Year, in addition to his honours as a CIS First Team All-Canadian, CIS Tournament All-Star and the OUA men’s volleyball MVP in 2015-16.

“Representing McMaster has brought about the greatest period of growth in my life,” says Maar. “Varsity involvement not only grew me physically, but I developed mentally and tactically for the international stage as well. Mac will forever be a home away from home for me, and it is a privilege to be nominated in any fashion to represent an institution that has changed my life. Entering University as a boy and leaving as a man will leave me forever grateful.”

The picture that Marauders head coach Dave Preston paints when he speaks of Maar is one of a complete volleyball player and person.

“Stephen is a natural hitter. High, hard, and every shot in the book. His serve is excellent and has been clocked at 109 kilometres per hour,” said Preston. “This year he set McMaster single-season attack and point scoring records. He is a great player and an even better teammate.”

The BLG Awards were established in 1993 to recognize the top female and male athletes from universities affiliated with CIS.

McMaster has seen four Marauders receive the national honour since its inception, including basketball player Titus Channer (1998) and football players Kojo Aidoo (2001), Jesse Lumsden (2005) and Kyle Quinlan (2012).

BLG Award winners will be announced May 2 in Calgary and will receive a $10,000 post-graduate scholarship.