Men's Volleyball Season Kicks Off With New Affiliation
The Wells Express Men's Volleyball team has officially found its home!
The Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference will expand sponsorship of the sport of men's volleyball with the addition of Wells College as an affiliate member in the 2022-23 academic year.
"I want to thank Commissioner (Donna) Ledwin, the President's Council and the Athletic Directors for their support of our application to join the AMCC as an affiliate member in the sport of men's volleyball," stated Wells Director of Athletics, Mike Lindberg. "Over the years, Wells College has enjoyed a collegial relationship with members of the AMCC. We look forward to continuing this relationship and the opportunity to compete in this very talented conference."
Men's volleyball became an AMCC championship sport in 2014, earning its first automatic bid to the NCAA Division III championship in the Spring 2019 season.
"The AMCC has been committed to growing men's volleyball as a championship sport, and affiliate members have been key to that effort," explained Commissioner Donna Ledwin. "Wells will be our tenth member in our tenth season--that's an exciting milestone. We are very happy to welcome Wells to the AMCC family."
Wells College is a nationally recognized, private liberal arts college located on the shores of beautiful Cayuga Lake. Founded in 1868, Wells provides a rigorous and relationship-based academic experience strengthened by the College's emphasis on community, residential atmosphere, and dedication to hands-on learning. The mission of Wells College is to teach students to think critically, reason wisely, and act humanely as they cultivate meaningful lives.
"It's an honor to be coaching a team in the AMCC. AMCC has grown over the last 3 years and it's exciting to see it now at 10 teams. Wells College has strong relationships with the AMCC in some other sports and I will push for long term success starting in 2023 season." Ryan Laing, Wells College Head Men's Volleyball Coach.
The AMCC full member institutions that sponsor men's volleyball are Hilbert College, Medaille College, Mount Aloysius College, Penn State Altoona, and Penn State Behrend. Affiliate members include Geneva College, Hiram College, Thiel College and Saint Vincent College.
The Express will kick off their season this Friday when they take on Elmira College at SUNY Poly. This will be their first full season since 2019. They will be anchored by two seniors Cooper Colesante, Christian Hahn and Junior Ryan Garvey.
"I built a schedule not only to be challenged but grow this program. At the moment we play 3 of the top 15 ranked teams in the AVCA Coaches poll this season. We challenge D'Youville who is in transitioning to become a NCAA Division 2 school. We also play some new Division 3 programs in Mount Aloysius and Drew University. I am very excited to have the home opener and hope for a packed house vs Medaille College but returning to Medaille as the away team is going to have emotional moment and walking on to their court. I am very excited to see what happens this season and letting the Seniors get one last opportunity to play for Wells this year." Ryan Laing, Wells College Head Men's Volleyball Coach.
GO EXPRESS!!
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