Karl Petker has signed with the Lethbridge College Kodiaks men's volleyball team. (Photo supplied by Kodiaks Athletics, Lethbridge College)

By Justin Goulet

Kodiaks men’s volleyball team signs Coaldale’s Karl Petker

Dec 22, 2022 | 9:42 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s volleyball team has announced another signing. Middle blocker Karl Petker has committed to the team.

Petker hails from Coaldale and was a member of the Kate Andrews Pride high school program, which went 50-5 this fall. He was named a Southern Alberta High School Volleyball League (SAHSVL) first-team all-star and helped the Pride win silver medals at both the SAHSVL and 2A provincials.

Petker also has experience with the Lethbridge Volleyball Club (LVC) and will be suiting up for the LVC Junior Kodiaks in the upcoming U18 club season.

Kodiaks head coach Greg Gibos described the Coaldale athlete as a high-flying, hard-hitting middle blocker who dominated in his senior season.

“I’m so excited that Karl has decided to join us here in Lethbridge,” Gibos stated.
“I think he’s one of the hidden gems in the 2023 recruiting class. I have Karl as one of the top five middle blockers in the province and I know he is going to turn some heads as a post-secondary athlete.”

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Gibos referred to Petker as a “physical force at the net” and said he has a measured spike approach touch upwards of 11-foot-5. He also praised Petker’s attributes off the court.

“Karl is someone who I know is dedicated in the weight room and who thrives in a team environment,” Gibos said. He added, “Watching Karl be part of the group that transformed Kate Andrews volleyball was incredible. You can tell he truly loves his teammates.”

Karl Petker in action. The Coaldale product has signed with the Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s volleyball team. (Photo supplied by Kodiaks Athletics, Lethbridge College)

Petker spoke about his time at Kate Andrews with fondness, and gave credit to his teammates and the school for helping him get to the post-secondary level.

The new Kodiaks recruit said, “Playing volleyball [at Kate Andrews] with the same group of guys since the beginning has been an honour, and I would not be the player I am today without them.”

He said, “From being a first-team league all-star this year to competing on one of the best Kate Andrews volleyball teams of all time, these accomplishments would not have been possible without incredible teammates and great coaches along the way.”

Petker also thanked his parents for their influence on his life, and his past volleyball coaches. He said, “Specifically, I want to thank Clayton Ressler for having a huge impact on my game and showing me how to be a well-rounded athlete.”

He said he is excited to be a part of the Kodiaks culture and the idea of playing close to home.

Petker remarked, “Being able to look in the crowd and see my parents and other club athletes in the crowd is something I truly want to experience and enhance during my time here.”

He added, “It is a dream come true to represent this program and continue to inspire the next generation of volleyball players in southern Alberta.”

Petker will enroll in Lethbridge College’s General Arts and Science program. He plans to take courses to help him towards a Bachelor of Kinesiology. He end goal is to become a physiotherapist.

The Kodiaks are currently on their holiday break. The team has a record of 8-3 on the season and is tied for first place in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference south division. The Kodiaks return to the court in Lethbridge on January 7, 2023 against the SAIT Trojans.

Read more local sports at Lethbridge News Now.