A key piece of the Swift Current Comp Colts men's volleyball team is headed westward for the next chapter in his career.

Jack Schmiess will be off to the College of the Rockies this fall after recently committing to the Avalanche program he's been in talks with since the U17 nationals in Edmonton last year.

"I liked how it has an incredible volleyball program," he said. "When I met coach Cisco, his coaching experience and vision was exactly what I was looking for. He's a player's coach which is what I like."

The grade 12 Swift Current student made the trek to Cranbrook in October to check the campus and facility out.

"It felt like home," he said.

Schmiess was an integral part of the Colts team that won back-to-back 5A provincial championships. The middle blocker also claimed provincial gold with his Saskatoon club team. 

He knows having that type of success and earning playing time with the Avalanche will be a big challenge he's looking forward to embracing. 

"Just with self-dedication and self-discipline," he said will be vital. "Staying resilient throughout and being confident in my play."

Schmiess will enroll in the business general management course for three years before shifting to the electrician program in his final year. Afterwards, he plans on returning to Swift Current to complete an apprenticeship. 

Schmiess_Schindel (2)_0Jack Schmiess (left) and Cade Schindel (right)