Two local junior high students continue to excel with their volleyball skills at the National Level.

 

14-year-old Eric Loeppky from Steinbach and 15-year-old Jake Loewen from Blumenort were both recognized at this past weekend's Manitoba Volleyball Association Annual Awards and Hall of Fame night.

 

Both players were given the Order of Sport Excellence-Beach Volleyball Province of Manitoba Bronze Award for capturing the silver medal at the 2011 Beach National Championships in Ashbridges Bay, Toronto last summer.

 

Loewen says it was great to be recognized. “It was good, even though we got silver we were just as happy as if we would have got gold. The team we played was pretty much impossible to beat.”

 

Both players also played for the 15 and under Steinbach Jr. Sabres, who also made an appearance at the national level last month in Toronto. Loewen says he prefers the sand over the court. “I like smaller team sports, two people on a team instead of six, which is nicer. I also like diving on sand instead of the hard floor which isn't so forgiving.”

 

Loeppky was fortunate enough to play above his 14 and under age category for most of the season and his advanced development was evident in the fact that as a 14-year-old he was named to the 15U provincial all-star team. This accomplishment helped him achieve the 14U Manitoba Boys Volleyball Player of the Year Award.

 

Loeppky's parents were notified earlier in the week that Eric would be receiving the award but decided not to tell him. “I didn't know it was going to happen. My parents said I had this banquet I had to go to and then my name was announced for this award. I was very shocked.”

 

Greg Loeppky, Eric's dad said his reaction was kind of cute. “Eric is playing up at the 15U level and he said to me when we got there 'Dad I don't see any of the 14U all-stars, I wonder who is getting the award.' Then they called his name, he looked up, smiled and was pretty shocked.”

 

Both players want to continue to pursue volleyball and see where it takes them. “In Beach, I would love to go to the Olympics some day. In court, I would love to get a scholarship and play at a university,” said Loewen.

 

Loeppky also has the same aspirations. “I definitely want to play university somewhere. My dream would be to play on a beach tour.”

 

It was just announced this past week that Loewen will be apart of this year's 16U Manitoba Boys Provincial Court and Beach teams. Leoppky still is unsure on where he will be playing next year but has intentions on re-joining the 15U Steinbach Jr. Sabres for another season.

 

TOP PHOTO: Eric Loeppky is on the left in yellow, Jake Loewen is on the right in yellow. Pictures were taken by Boni Loewen.