Two Clippers were sailing high at the national championships as they were honoured by the CCAA at the men's volleyball national championship All-Canadian awards banquet in Sherbrooke, Que.

Nigel Mullan was chosen as the CCAA Coach of the Year. Captain Scott Lesher was named to the CCAA All-Canadian team.

CCAA Coach of the Year

Mullan was the ACAC nominee for the CCAA Coach of the Year award, having been honoured as the ACAC Coach of the Year for his work in guiding his team to a 17-3 record on the regular season.

After capturing the ACAC Championship at the end of February, Mullan was chosen over five other nominees from the respective provincial conferences in the CCAA.

"Nigel takes a huge role in mentoring his players to develop into men of character. His goal is to develop champions on the court and champions off the court," the award presenter said. "He is concerned with their development in becoming the best athletes they can be, but just as importantly, he is helping them to grow into leaders of character who will know how to make good decisions and have a positive influence when they leave Briercrest. He is also focused on helping his players to develop in their faith and relationship with God, which is a big part of what Briercrest is about."

Mullan responded by thanking the CCAA, Briercrest and, most of all, his players.

"I want to thank my guys for all of their hard work – you are the ones who make me look good," he said. "Thanks for committing to our program at Briercrest and for committing to growing as athletes and in your walk with the King."

Mullan has guided the team to three ACAC medals in the last four seasons – two silver and this year's gold. This is also his second trip to the CCAA National Championships in four seasons. Mullan received a plaque and will also receive a CCAA Coach of the Year ring from Jostens Canada, one of the CCAA sponsors.

Scott Lesher -- CCAA All-Canadian

Lesher was named to the CCAA All-Canadian team, along with nine other volleyball players from across the country. The Briercrest power and Red Deer's Taylor Hunt were the two representatives on the team from the ACAC. Lesher was previously named to the First Team All-Conference ACAC.

Lesher finished third overall in the ACAC for kills per game at 3.5. He was fifth overall in digs per game at 2.3, had 0.4 blocks per game and 0.2  serving aces per game (17th overall).  He also named the CCAA Volleyball Player of the Month in October. He topped it off by helping his team win the ACAC Championship a couple of weeks ago. Lesher received a plaque from the CCAA at their banquet.