Volleyball Ensnares Young Wetaskiwin Native

Growing up,  Murray Grapentine, a Wetaskiwin native, was an all round athlete.  He participated in the Wetaskiwin Minor Hockey program, the Wetaskiwin Minor Softball and Baseball programs,  played Club Volleyball as well as school sports.  He started playing volleyball when he was in Grade 8 at Queen Elizabeth Junior High and even though he was more than adequate in all sports it became evident that Murray could excel in volleyball and excel he did.  Throughout high school, college and university, Murray’s volleyball teams won Provincial, Western Canadian and  Canadian championships.  When he was still at University, Murray was selected to the Canadian Volleyball Team.  He competed internationally for Canada for eleven years and captained Team Canada for the last four years of his career.  Murray played in three World Championships, two World Cups, and won a Bronze Medal at the 1999 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg.  His incredible volleyball accomplishments and outstanding skill make Murray more than deserving of induction into the Wetaskiwin and County Sports Hall of Fame. 

Competed Internationally
 for Canada for Eleven Years 

When Murray was in grade 10 (1993) he was chosen to play for the Alberta Juvenile Volleyball Team and competed in the Western Canadian Championships.  This set the stage for what was to become an outstanding volleyball career for Murray.  He represented Alberta two more times as a junior player and in 1997 he was named an All Star at the Canadian Junior National Championships.  After graduating from high school, Murray attended Red Deer College where he played for the King’s Volleyball Team for one season(1995-96).  During his year in Red Deer,  Murray was instrumental in the Kings winning both the Alberta College Provincial Championships and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National Championships and Murray was selected the Most Improved Player on the team.

The next year (1996-1997) Murray transferred to the University of Alberta where he immediately became one of the Golden Bear starters and star volleyball players.  That year the Golden Bears won the Canada West Championships and the Canadian Championships.  In the summer of 1997 Murray was chosen to represent Canada at the World University Games in Italy.   It was also in 1997 that Murray was selected to the Canadian National “A” Volleyball team and for the remainder of his University career he played on both the National Team and the Golden Bears.

Played Volleyball Professionally in Spain, France and Italy 

After graduating from University, Murray played volleyball professionally in Spain, France and Italy for over seven years.  As a professional, he led his team to the Coupe de France in 2004 and 2007, as well as the Championat de France title in 2003.  He also continued playing for the Canadian National Team and continued gaining acclaim for his prowess on the volleyball court including: 

• Best Blocker and Server at the 2000 FIVB Olympic Qualifier; 
• All Star at the Men’s World Championship Qualifier in 2001; 
• Best Blocker at the NORCECA Championships in 2003 and 2007; 
• Being chosen as Captain of Team Canada in 2005; 
• Fourth Best Blocker at the World Championships in 2006 
• Best Blocker in the 2006 Pan-American Cup.  

Murray retired from competition in January 2008 and since 2008 he has been the assistant volleyball coach for the University of Regina Cougars. 

As a world class volleyball player, Murray has brought recognition to himself, his family, his community, his Province and his country.  His successes could not have occurred without hard work, determination and dedication.  Because of these attributes as well as his innate athletic abilities, his leadership qualities and his achievements and awards, Murray is indeed a role model for young Wetaskiwin and County athletes and we are honored to induct him into our Sports Hall of Fame.