Feb 27, 2014
Vancouver, BC - The CCAA (Canadian Colleges Athletic Association) has awarded two Langara Falcons with individual badminton awards for the 2013-14 season. Team captain Nathan Choi was named both Men’s Badminton Player of the Year and All-Canadian, while Marc Petreman was named the 2014 CCAA Badminton Coach of the Year.
"I'm honoured to have been recognized as the CCAA National Player of the Year, it really means a lot to me. I'm happy I could help bring a PACWEST Provincial banner to Langara. I want to thank my coaches for their support as well as all the members of our team. This is just as much a team award as an individual award," said Choi.
Choi's accomplishments have already earned him titles as the CCAA Badminton Player of the Month and PACWEST Player of the Year. He was also a finalist at the 2013 U23 Canadian Open in both men and mixed doubles, and coaches badminton at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Undefeated in regular season play, the team captain will compete in mixed doubles on the PACWEST championship team at the 2014 CCAA Badminton National Championships later this month.
“Nathan was simply the strongest candidate in the field,” said Alf McGuire, CCAA badminton convenor. “He’s earned impressive rankings competing both provincially and nationally.”
For the first time in eight years, coach Petreman led the Falcons to the top of BC’s PACWEST conference, breaking the Douglas Royals’ winning streak and placing first in both the PACWEST and CCAA rankings. The team competed in the top pools at all PACWEST tournaments, finishing first in three PACWEST tournaments and seeing five athletes qualify for this year's CCAA Badminton National Championships.
“I'm very proud to be recognized as the CCAA National Coach of the Year. It was totally unexpected, but it's great to be recognized for doing something I love. I want to thank my assistant coach, Bonnie Wong, and the players as they are a big part of this award,’” said Petreman. “I would also like to thank Langara College for all the support as it makes my job easier.”
Petreman is a NCCP level-2 coach who encourages players to excel both in academics and the sport of badminton. His coaching goal is to develop each athlete’s individual skill set while promoting a good team experience. “Marc’s coaching record is outstanding this year,” said McGuire. “He’s done a great job with the Langara team both provincially and nationally.”
“I'm thrilled for Marc and Nathan. They both put in so much time on and off the court and it's great to see them recognized for their efforts,” said Langara Athletics Director Jake McCallum.
The Falcons are ranked first in the nation as they head to Edmonton to compete at the CCAA Badminton National Championship, February 27 – March 1.
Media Contact:
Mark Dawson
Communications Officer
604.323.5702 | mdawson@langara.bc.ca