Apparently superb volleyball skills run in the family. At least this is the case for the Pischke family. Graduating from Fort Richmond Collegiate with the distinction of being named Manitoba Volleyball Association’s Graduating High School Volleyball Player of the Year — among other awards — Dane Pischke is now playing for the Bisons.
Dane spent time in Prince Edward Island this summer playing with Manitoba’s Summer Games team and is now in the midst of his second season with the U of M volleyball team. For the past 30 years Garth Pischke — Dane’s father — has coached the team and has amassed over 1,100 victories. With experience as a professional volleyball player and as a two-time Olympian, Garth brings much experience and expertise to the team. To commemorate Garth’s accomplishments, he was named Manitoba’s Amateur Athlete of the 20th Century in 2000.
It is not surprising then, that Dane says there has always been a lot of volleyball happening in his family. In terms of his personal feelings about volleyball, Dane enjoys “the competition and discipline, training to win and the balance it gives to my academic and social life.” These are the expressions of someone who has truly embraced the sport of volleyball.
As for having his Dad as a head coach, Dane maintains that he is treated just like all of the other players and that it has never been awkward. “I couldn’t ask for anything better. [Garth] works very hard at his job and understands the game and obviously me, as his son, so well.” Describing himself as an internally motivated quiet competitor, Dane rarely gets nervous. “My best coaches have been the ones that understood that and my personality the best,” observes Dane.
Balancing athletics and academics is never an easy feat. There are team practices, workouts, home games and time consuming travel for away games to manage as well as the regular rigours of being a student. Despite this juggling act, Dane is a CIS Academic All-Canadian who has maintained an above-average GPA. He was initially planning to pursue a science degree, but is now going to apply to the I.H. Asper School of Business.
Pleased with the team’s performance so far this year, Dane comments, “We have a great group of guys this year and the results so far have shown it. It is special because everyone works together and is not concerned about who gets the credit. We all want to win.”
It is this winning attitude that has the team currently ranked fifth in the Canada West standings. The next game for the men’s volleyball team is against the Wesmen at 8 p.m. on Nov. 13 at the Duckworth Centre.
