Owen Weekes named to U SPORTS All-Rookie Team

For the second time in the last three seasons, a Bisons freshman has been named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team. Owen Weekes earns the nod in 2024-25 after leading all first years in attacking efficiency, at 28 percent.

Weekes, a graduate of Vincent Massey Collegiate, made an immediate difference for Manitoba. He played in 19 matches for the Herd, showcasing his versatility by playing both left and right side. 

The 6’8″ Weekes, a right side by trade, started all ten games at left side during the second half of the season for the Bisons. During that span of time, he recorded double-digit kills on four different occasions, including a regular season best of 15 against UBC Okanagan on January 15. He finished his rookie year with 123 kills, third on Manitoba’s roster, while averaging 2.32 kills per set, also third. 

Weekes added 15 service aces, seven of which came in the last three games of regular season play, and he posted a regular-season best 11 digs on January 24th against UBC. At the net, Weekes tallied 24 total blocks. 

In the Herd’s Canada West Play-In series win against UBCO, the first-year phenom took his game to another level. He posted a career-high 22 kills in a Thursday victory, along with a career-high four services aces in the Friday rematch as part of a series sweep.

“Owen was in the starting lineup as a left side for the entire second semester and he had the highest attack efficiency in all of U Sports of all rookies. Alongside some impressive numbers Owen’s ability to take over a match due to his physicality had Canada West coaches telling us their game plan was largely dedicated to how to contain Owen’s performance as best they could,” said Bisons head coach Arnd ‘Lupo’ Ludwig.

“He has played beyond his years and has well exceeded first year expectations. We look forward to watching him continue to develop.”