'Finest sporting day in Essex history' as students win three national titles

The University of Essex is celebrating a record season of sporting success after securing a hat-trick of national championships in just three hours.

The Essex Blades teams took home three British University and College Sport (BUCS) championships at its flagship Big Wednesday tournament.

The men’s and women’s volleyball sides secured gold – with the women’s basketball team also clinching the hotly contested title.

It is the first time Essex has won three national championships at BUCS Big Wednesday – the pinnacle of university sports.

And has been hailed as “undoubtedly the finest moment in sport in its entire 60-year history”.

The breakthrough season comes just months after the University was named one of Britain’s top 30 sporting institutions.

Director of Sport, Dave Parry, has praised the players, coaches and supporters.

He said: “This was a truly historic sporting moment for the University of Essex, undoubtedly the finest moment in sport in its entire 60-year history.

“Prior to this year Essex had only ever won two National Championships at BUCS Big Wednesday, with one victory each for men’s volleyball and women’s basketball, so to win three titles in one day is extraordinary.

“With three national championships, we also placed third overall on the day, with only the University of Nottingham, and Loughborough University winning more titles across the 16 sports.

“The three teams put together complete performances that overpowered their opposition on the highest stage of university competition in the UK.

“This is a testament to the hard work that these outstanding student-athletes put in day-in, day-out, in order to achieve excellence in both study and sport.  I am immensely proud of their achievements.

“Huge credit also needs to be given to the staff and student volunteers who give their heart and soul to supporting our student-athletes every day.

“For the sport coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, performance analysts, sports therapists, lifestyle advisors and performance sport administrative staff, this is more than a job, and they truly go above and beyond in the dedication.  My thanks go to them.

And added: “Finally, this has also been a year of great sadness, but, TJ, DJ, Makyle and Eva were with us in our hearts, helping guide the teams to such a momentous and joyous achievement.”

The men’s volleyball team took home gold first by beating the University of East London in three straight sets.

Cam Kern was the player of the match.

Coach Alex Porter said: "I’m immensely proud of the group, both individually and collectively.

"We put pen to paper 188 days ago with the season’s goals and over the last week we’ve ticked off two of the four big milestones, winning the Super League and becoming BUCS Championships, with the Super League Final 4 and National Cup yet to come.

"This group of tenacious, bold and daring men set the bar high and each one of those 188 days they’ve held each other to account, helping each other grow on and off the court, the Essex Spirit is well and truly alive.

"UEL is one of our biggest rivals, but it’s also the team we’re closest to. After losing twice 3:2 to them during the regular season, winning the final was the perfect way to end the BUCS season.

"Whilst we will enjoy the celebrations, our focus now moves to Saturday's National Cup Semi-Final against London Giants, 7:30pm in the Essex Sport Arena, where we will attempt to tick off another milestone."

'Very proud'

The women’s basketball side was the next to celebrate –beating home team Loughborough in a tense game which finished 59-46.

This is the first title for the side in four years with Maria Blazejewski named MVP – securing 21 points, seven rebounds and two assists.

Coach Ash Cookson said: "I’m very proud of this team and this achievement of winning a national BUCS championship.

"This group has been a joy to work with throughout the season.

"Not only the countless hours put in throughout the weeks, but more importantly the support they have shown each other has been a testament to their character

'Essex is a special place'

The women’s volleyball team win was the finale of Essex’s record evening, with the side vanquishing Durham University.

It comes after the side completed a perfect 13-0 season.

Coach Alex Chinery said: “I cannot say enough good things about this group.

“Every day is a win when you assemble a group of people as kind, as hard-working and as motivated to grow as this group of humans.

“They’ve pushed me harder than I’ve ever been pushed in search of success and now we get to reap the rewards.”

And added: “Sport is special, Essex is a special place, this group is full of special people. What a ride. 13-0. The perfect end to the perfect season!”