Jason Hills
For MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Sawyer Cousins couldn't ask for a better time and moment to make his first career start for the MacEwan Griffins.
The rookie got into a couple sets in a game in October and November, but the product of Kamloops, B.C. got the first start of his career in his hometown against the Thompson Rivers WolfPack on Jan. 12.
"I was super excited, but a lot of nerves. Earning your first U SPORTS start is exciting, but to have it in my hometown in front of all my friends and family was so special and surreal," said Cousins.
What made the night even more emotionally charged for Cousins was the fact that TRU was honouring three members of their team who were involved in a tragic motor-vehicle accident in November.
Owyn McInnis was killed, while Riley Brinnen suffered a severe spinal cord injury, and Owen Waterhouse suffered severe brain trauma (see bottom of story for links to their Go Fund Me pages).
Cousins knew all three of the WolfPack players involved in the crash.
"It was their first home game after the accident, and it was so heart-wrenching," said Cousins.
"It made me feel like we can't take this amazing opportunity to play volleyball for granted. I thought a lot about them throughout that game."
Cousins has seen more playing time over the last few weeks. He started both games at TRU, and the following weekend he saw action against Winnipeg in their weekend series.
This weekend, the Griffins (0-18) will face their cross-town rivals, the Alberta Golden Bears (13-5) on Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (3 p.m., both David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV).
BUY TICKETS FOR THIS WEEKEND HERE
"I thought I played pretty well against TRU, and it's nice to know that Pops (head coach Brad Poplawski) has confidence in me to put me out there when he needs me," said Cousins.
It's been a tough season on and off the court for the Griffins young roster. It's been ravaged by injury and sickness all season long, and with the young squad has been forced to take a next-man-up mentality, Cousins is soaking in the experience as much as he can as a rookie.
"I've looked at this year as a year for me to grow and learn as much as I can on and off the court. When I get any playing time, I need to make the most of it, and learn as much as I can," said Cousins.
"We have a lot of young players, and I know the future is bright, but we need to keep moving forward."
Sawyer Cousins had a lot of support in the Thompson Rivers gym when he started for the Griffins during the Jan. 12-13 series (Andrew Snucins photo).
Cousins has certainly caught a glimpse this season as to what it takes to play at the Canada West level. The six-foot-six outside hitter has plenty of tools to be a solid player down the road, but he recognizes he's got lots to work on before he can be a more impactful player at this level.
"It's so much more physical," said Cousins.
"Everyone is six-foot-five and above. Everyone is just one of those guys. All great players, and it's about adjusting to always being at that level. There isn't a drop off."
Cousins has been able to learn the ropes from veteran players like Alexander Lyndon, Mitchel Gorman, Mason Natras and Daniel Hebert this year, which helped him adjust.
When some of the injuries and sickness started to run through the roster, Cousins got his shot to play more, and it's given him a taste of what is needed from him, and he is focused on improving and getting better down the line.
"I need to stay in the gym and keep getting stronger. I need to work out as much as I can, especially this off-season. I want to work on my vertical more and my all-around game. I want to improve in all areas of the game," said Cousins.
While many players of his caliber have played volleyball at a young age, Cousins got a late start, picking up the sport when he got to high school in Grade 10.
He originally played soccer and basketball but took more of an interest in volleyball after his older sister introduced him to the game.
His sister is currently dating Nimo Benne of the Fraser Valley Cascades, and Cousins said Benne also provided a lot of tutelage for Cousins to learn the game.
"He helped grow my love for the sport. I remember playing against him and my sister in the backyard a lot when I was younger," said Cousins.
From his backyard and now to the court, Cousins was able to play against Benne on Nov. 4 when he saw action in one set against UFV.
With Benne having one more year of eligibility, Cousins would love an opportunity to face him next year, and hopefully play a bigger role with the Griffins in his second season.
"I got in against him for a couple points, but that would be great next year if we get to play him again. I'd love to battle with him more and get some chirps in," said Cousins.
Cousins said his parents and sister were there watching him play against UFV. Next year, if MacEwan and UFV play, who will his sister cheer for?
"I couldn't tell ya. I'd hope it's me, but you never know, with her," laughed Cousins.
"My mom has a UFV volleyball parent shirt when she goes to watch his games with my sister, and I got my mom a hoodie with MacEwan on it, so we kind of got that thing going."
