For The Townsman
The College of the Rockies (COTR) men’s Avalanche volleyball team will have a new man calling the shots when PACWEST play resumes this fall.
Monday, COTR announced head coach Steve Kamps was stepping down after 15 seasons guiding the men’s volleyball program. Assistant coach John Swanson will move into the head-coaching position as successor to Kamps.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce John will be taking over the position of head coach,” said Cori Andrichuk, College of the Rockies manager of campus life and athletics. “We have been very fortunate to have had someone of Steve’s caliber leading the team for the past 15 seasons but we believe John can make a seamless transition from assistant to head coach.”
Kamps also is confident Swanson will do well in the head coach role.
“The program will be in very good hands with John taking over as head coach,” Kamps said. “He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the game and relates well to the athletes. As an assistant coach this past year, John was an invaluable asset to the program and has learned what is needed to be successful at this level.”
In addition to his coaching experience with the Avs, Swanson is currently the head coach of the East Kootenay under-16 Girls Club volleyball team and has coached senior girls’ volleyball for six years and under-17 girls’ volleyball for five years. Prior to coaching, he played for both Red Deer College and Langara College and was named All-Canadian and MVP while at Langara.
He is looking forward to the new challenges ahead.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to not only teach elite volleyball players but to also work to enhance their entire collegiate experience,” Swanson said. “It is my goal to continue Steve’s tradition of producing well-rounded individuals.”
Kamps, who had many accomplishments during his tenure as head coach, including seeing his teams qualify for PACWEST Provincial Championships for 13 of his 15 seasons, being named PACWEST Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2002, CCAA Coach of the Year in 2002, and being recognized as a Sport BC Community Sport Hero in 2007, will continue to be involved with the Avs as a mentor. He also remains a faculty member at the College in the Kinesiology and Tourism and Recreation Management programs.