Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Commitment, character, leadership.

Not that those qualities weren't apparent when Mason Natras was healthy and on the court for the Griffins men's volleyball earlier this season, but after the setter went down with an injury in November, they've become even more pronounced.

Instead of withdrawing to focus on rehabbing from a broken leg, Natras jumped in to help support his teammates and push the program forward, hitting balls in practice and even going so far to having lunch with recruits.

"I was so sad for him to have the season-ending injury because he worked camps for us in the summer and I just saw how hard he worked to prepare for this year," said MacEwan head coach Brad Poplawski. "To have that taken was sad. You never want to see that. 

"But I could not be more impressed with him since then. I think a lot of times when you can't play, a lot of guys find it hard to be around. Their dedication and motivation suffers. He's been unbelievable. He's been at every session, he's been super engaged, he's come into the setting meetings, he's talking to (setter) Alex (Lyndon), he's going above and beyond. 

"I've seen so much maturity and leadership from him this year," he added. "He's taken the positives and he's never gotten down. You just can't say enough about a young man that has really matured in our program."

Natras, who just got his walking cast off earlier this week, will be on the bench supporting his teammates as they host Manitoba on Friday and Saturday (6 p.m. and 3 p.m., both David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV).

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Saturday's game is the annual NAVC Day, and the stands will be packed with club players and their families. Between games, two $2,500 NAVC scholarships will be presented to Griffins players.

Natras won the award last season after playing for the club in his U14, U17 and U18 seasons before coming to MacEwan.

"It was awesome," he said, noting his former NAVC coach Greg Gulash is now an assistant coach at MacEwan. "I loved playing for them growing up. When I switched over in U17, it was just such a good experience with the coaches and the environment of the club was unreal."

And the NAVC Day is always a special event for the team with arguably their largest crowds of the year.

"It's electric," said Natras. "It's so much fun to play in. Sadly, I can't play this year, but having all of those kids out with the environment is awesome. It's one of the best days to play as a Griffin."

Poplawski also serves as NAVC's technical director and noted they've tried to give back to the club, as well, hosting training sessions and providing players as coaches, while the club has been a key feeder program for them. 

"We've definitely had athletes who've played one year or multiple years for NAVC and have come to our programs," he said. "We have a really positive relationship, and that NAVC night is one of the highlights of the year. You get close to 200 athletes out with their parents to watch. I think it's just a really fun night."

Natras will be focusing on helping the team all he can as he rehabs and prepares for next season where he will be the team's starting setter with Lyndon graduating.

"He was starting before he was injured, so he has that experience as a starter," said Poplawski. "That continuity is key. He's worked with the coaches and the players. There's no unfamiliarity with him heading into next year. I see him as a huge part of the program in the next two years. 

"Obviously, it's an unfortunate situation, but he's doing everything he can with his rehab and preparation, trying to get ready for next year. I know he has Sept. 1 circled on his calendar for when he wants to be ready to go."

The Griffins have been back training since Dec. 28 after a lengthy semester break and are set for a tough Manitoba squad this weekend.

"It's always the toughest time as a coach, that December break where they're in finals and you don't really seem them every day, but I was happy with what our guys did over the break," said Poplawski. "I think they came back in shape ready to go. Obviously, they didn't have the first semester we wanted. That's not a secret. No one was happy with that. But it hasn't affected their work ethic or attention to detail. I know the guys are very excited about getting going this weekend.

"The first half can be a bit of a marathon and second semester's more of a sprint. I think the guys are really excited to get back out there and compete."

Mason Natras sets a ball for middle blocker Seth Birkholz in a match earlier this season (Robert Antoniuk photo).