CODROY, N.L. — Cameron Collier was aware his coach and school vice-principal, Rob Parsons, had nominated him for 2A Newfoundland and Labrador Male Athlete of the Year. But he found out he'd won at the same time as the rest of his peers.
The 19-year-old senior, who attends Belanger Memorial, was in class when Parsons congratulated him over the school's loudspeaker.
"He found out and it was all morning that I didn't know and all the teachers knew but me. He announced it over the P.A. and I was like, 'Whoa, that's shocking,'" says Collier, who didn't believe he'd win. "I was pretty happy."
Collier participates in a variety of sports: basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, and track and field. He doesn't play hockey though.
"I can skate. I just can't stop," he admits with a huge grin.
His favourite sport is volleyball, not just because it's his best sport and it's fun. It's because of the relationship with his teammates. At one point he dreamed of furthering his volleyball career while pursuing higher education, but changed his mind and decided to attend post-secondary schooling in Stephenville.
"I didn't think I was that good of a player to make it that far," he confesses.
Now that Collier has been chosen as NL Athlete of the Year, he's doing more soul-searching before finalizing any decisions.
"I don't know. I might change my mind again, go over to P.E.I. for volleyball."
Collier traveled to St. John's for the official award presentation by School Sports NL (SSNL) on Friday, May 31.
Also honoured was Michael Adey of Grandy's River Collegiate. Adey received the Regional Recognition Award for the Western Region. This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the SSNL Varsity Program in their SSNL Region, over a 5-year period, or through one single outstanding contribution.
