Keyano College Huskies Athletics

There are many amazing stories of Keyano Huskies Athletics international players. From Nigerian basketball playing twins, Henry and Stanley Maduabueke, who overcame many barriers to play in Canada and Brazilian soccer successes Pedro Bianchi, Rodrigo Tavares and Rodrigo Koebsch, who bring a large online fan following from their home country, it’s hard to highlight just one. All 14 international athletes, from Australia to America, show spirit and commitment to their team and community.

Alex Andryszewski is one of the newest international Huskies. Taking the volleyball court by storm, this 21-year-old 6’3 setter joins teammates Kernel Kowalewski and Blazej Pellowski giving the College a trio of Polish men’s volleyball talent.

“There is a big difference between training styles in Poland and other countries compared to Canada,” explains Andryszewski. “The approach of international Huskies is to help our team as much as we can.”

Andryszewski feels that when Canadian and international athletes work together, on and off the court, they improve their game and their lives; to him international athletes are a valid part of the College and community.

In January, 2015, Andryszewski arrived in Fort McMurray after leaving his hometown Jarocin, Poland. During his first month at Keyano he was named ACAC athlete of the week for January 26 – February 1, 2015. At this time Keyano Huskies Men’s Volleyball Head Coach, Keegan Kuhr, described him as bringing a sense of confidence and an ability to control the game.

“He sets very well, is extremely fast, has a great serve and is also great defender. He brings that little extra confidence to the court,” Kuhr explains.

Before joining the Keyano Huskies, Andryszewski spent five years on Poland’s National Beach Volleyball Team, competing at the Beach Volleyball World Championships for U19, U21 and U23, and the European Championships for U18 and U20.

“My beach volleyball adventure began when I was 15-years-old,” says Andryszewski. “As a Poland National Beach Volleyball player, I have spent a huge amount of hours improving my skills all over the world. During this time, I met great people and I have participated in important events, such as the FIVB World Tour.”

With beach volleyball on the list of official sports to be played at the 2015 Western Summer Games, in our own backyard, Andryszewski is excited to take in all the action. He explains that beach volleyball is a young discipline, compared to more common sports, and it is growing across the globe. Fort McMurray; there will be a chance to observe the level of the sport between teenage athletes in Canada. I can’t wait for the upcoming 2015 Summer Games and the beautiful weather,” says Andryszewski.

Living in Fort McMurray only a few months now, Andryszewski explains he hasn’t had enough time to figure everything in the community out yet. However, he cannot wait to continue exploring. Andryszewski credits the Keyano Huskies Volleyball program for enabling him to reach the next step in his life during the limited time he has been here.

“This will be really awesome and instructive as an experience for me from another place in the world,” he concludes.

Keyano Huskies Athletics prides itself on finding some of the brightest young athletic talent from around the world. Being a Husky is being a role model and a vital part of the Wood Buffalo community. Everyone is welcome to cheer on Alex Andryszewski and all other Huskies on the court, field, track or rink. With the Northern Kick-off, 2015 Western Canada Summer Games and Keyano Huskie Athletics there is always a world class level of athletics event right in your home town.

_{Photos by Sean McLennan, Photographer/Videographer}