Smola Cup
The Tournament Trophy – known as the SMOLA Cup is named in honour and memory of Vaclav Smola (pronounced Vashek).
Vaclav Smola arrived in Canada in 1968, after fleeing the Russian occupation of Czechoslovakia. Originally studying in Budvar, Smola emigrated to Canada and found a home in Kingston, Ontario. Along with Jan Myslivecek, Jan Capek, and long-time Queen’s dance instructor Josef Riha, Smola enrolled at Queen’s in the Bachelor of Physical Education program.
Soon after, his long-time friend and soon-to-be wife Jarmila followed suit and also entered Queen’s Phys.Ed.
In 1970-71, Vaclav founded the Queen’s Men’s Volleyball Program and convinced the Athletic Department to grant them official club status. He was a player coach on that team, and during 1971, he married Jarmila, who competed on the Women’s Basketball team.
In 1971-72, the team earned full OUA varsity status and went on to win not only the OUAA title, but also earned the bronze medal in the CIAU National Championships.
After graduating in 1974, Smola was hired by the Ministry of Corrections as a recreation officer; and he continued in that job until he became too ill to work. Jarmila became a high school science and Phys.Ed teacher in the Limestone School Board and in 1986 they had their son Filip, who eventually also graduated from Queen’s and was a member of the Men's Volleyball team.
Vaclav Smola continued to coach Queen’s for approximately a decade after graduating, and continued to coach and play in the Kingston community for may years after that. Coaching was always his lifelong passion and he was most happy while in this role.
In 1992, Smola fell ill and was first misdiagnosed with MS. Later, it was determined that he was a victim of Sarcoidosis, and this left him severely disabled. This was devastating for not only Vaclav, but also his family, friends, and teammates. He and Jarmila were extremely active in sport up until that point, and in particular, tennis, skiing, soccer, and table tennis.
After his tragic passing in 1995, the Queen’s Men’s Volleyball Program created the Smola Cup in honour and memory of Vaclav Smola – the founder and first coach (and champion) of the Queen’s Men’s Volleyball Program. This trophy is now presented to the winner of the Queen’s Invitational tournament.
