Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Size is the underlying theme of MacEwan's 2022-23 men's volleyball recruiting class.
Head coach Brad Poplawski has added five newcomers to the lineup for the upcoming Canada West season – all ranging from 6-foot-3 to 6-foot-8.
Outside hitter Nicholas Jabusch, middle blockers Seth Birkholz and Mitchel Carbone, setter Samuel Rains and OH/MB combo Carter McDonald add to a Griffins squad that's heading into the 2022-23 campaign with 13 returning players.
"I think for me, this program is finally getting to the point where we don't need first years to come in and be that program-changer right away," said Poplawski, who returns six of seven starters from last season. "Obviously, if they're blue chip and they're ready, that's great, but if you look at the top teams, it's such a big jump. I think in the past, just the nature of our program, we've had to rely on guys too soon.
"I like that we have first years who are hungry and pushing, and second years who were in the program last year, but we don't necessarily have to throw them in. If they earn that spot, that's great."
That's not to say the incoming recruits don't have an opportunity at immediate playing time once the Griffins kick off the season vs. Winnipeg on Oct. 21. All bring size and talent and have shots to become impact players for the Griffins in the years to come.
Jabusch – a 6-foot-4 outside – is the veteran member of the incoming group, entering his third season of eligibility after developing at Ambrose University in the ACAC. The Saskatoon, Sask. product was second on the Lions in kills last season with 105 in 14 matches.
"Nick's a transfer, so he has a little bit more experience," said Poplawski. "He had good numbers there as an outside. He's a good passer, good ball control guy, heavy arm. I had him out for a visit last year and was impressed by his tape at the ACAC level. Seeing him in person, he brings some good stuff."
Middle Seth Birkholz already has the highest touch on the Griffins.
Birkholz, a 6-foot-6 middle blocker, comes in from Strathcona high school and one of the top club programs in the area – FOG. He's also played for Team Alberta.
"Seth is a big middle from Edmonton," said Poplawski. "He's a really athletic player with a very good arm. He moves really well in the middle – his footwork is very good.
"He has the highest block touch on our team already as a first year coming out of high school, so he brings some length and size. He really impressed in open gyms all summer, so I think he's a guy looking for big things in his career here."
FOG and Strathcona product Carter McDonald can play either middle or outside hitter.
McDonald – a 6-foot-5 outside hitter – also comes out of the FOG club and Strathcona volleyball program.
"He has good size and can play middle or opposite," explained Poplawski. "So, with one injury to start the year, he has a chance to do both for us. That versatility is good.
"He played on a really strong FOG club team and had a lot of success in the club system. He's another guy who brings that versatility and good size."
Mitchel Carbone is the tallest in MacEwan's 2022-23 recruiting class at 6-foot-8.
Carbone – the biggest of the class at 6-foot-8 – comes out of St. Albert's Paul Kane and the SAS club.
"He has really good size," said Poplawski. "He has a bit of an injury right now, so you can just tell he's really excited to get out there once he's cleared. Even though he can't do everything, he was at sessions in the summer because he wants to learn and be around the guys.
"He's super coachable, really hard working and willing to learn."
Samuel Rains is a technically-proficient setter out of Strathcona and NAVC who will push two Griffins returners at the position.
Strathcona and NAVC product Rains – who stands 6-foot-3 – will give the Griffins a deep group of setters this season as he joins returners Alexander Lyndon and Mason Natras.
"Samuel Rains is a setter who's very athletic," said Poplawski. "He did a gap year last year – he was young enough to play club, but he was already done Grade 12, so he had a year just playing volleyball, lifting, and getting in really good shape.
"He worked with some local setting gurus, so he's very technically sound for a first year. That gives us three really strong setters to start the year, which is nice."
The Griffins are in training ahead of their preseason opener vs. UFV Oct. 14.
