Men's volleyball commits three

The Mount Royal University (MRU) Cougars men’s volleyball team has secured their first batch of recruits headed into the 2011-12 season, committing a top notch middle, setter and right-side hitter.

Lucas King – Middle
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba Lucas is a 6’5” middle who is known for his strong work ethic and ability to shut down the opposition’s offense. Graduating from Kelvin High School in the spring, the 18 year old King spent last summer with the under-17 Manitoba Provincial team, winning a gold medal at the Western Elites – a tournament comprised of teams from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Enrolling in the Bachelor of Science program at MRU in the fall, Lucas said the decision to come to Mount Royal was an easy one.

“I chose MRU because of the high academic standards, small class sizes, and good science program,” states King. “I have always loved the sport of volleyball and I want to be a part of a strong competitive environment to make sure I am working my hardest as an individual and teammate to reach my potential - Mount Royal gave me that opportunity to play volleyball as well as get a great education.”

 (Lucas King)

Currently playing with the under-18 204 volleyball club in Winnipeg, Cougars head coach Shawn Sky is ecstatic to have King joining the fray next season.

“Lucas is a hard working middle blocker with a fantastic attitude and work ethic. He plays bigger than 6’5” due to how long he is. We are thrilled to have him at MRU. He never stops working and is going to make a real impact at the net next year. He’s the kind of dominant blocker you need in order to be successful in the ACAC.”

Jordan Parkin – Right-side
The only Calgary native in the group, Jordan Parkin adds another element of height to the Cougars growing lineup, as the 6’5” right-side is set to join the club.

Graduating from Calgary Christian High School in the spring, the talented leftie is expected to help shore up a right-side position that lacked a true identity last season. Coach Sky says he should be a mainstay on the right-side for years to come.

“He’s a very dynamic player that we think is going to develop at a rapid rate at the post-secondary level,” said Sky. “Jordan is going to solidify our right-side position for the next five years. We are thrilled to have him.”

(Jordan Parkin)

Enrolling in the Athletic Therapy program in the fall, Parkin says he chose Mount Royal for their “well known athletic therapy program and the exciting potential of the volleyball team.”

Winning the 2A Boys Provincial Championships with his high-school team, Parkin also spends time training and playing with the top U18 Canuck stuff team here in Calgary.

Matthew Cantin - Setter
Looking to dish out the sets to the likes of King and Parkin will be 6’2” Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native Matthew Cantin. Another under-17 Provincial team member last season with team Saskatchewan, Cantin is similar to King, in that he plays much bigger than his listed height.

A by-product of the St. Mary’s High School Marauders, Cantin has been immersed in a winning culture, claiming the last two Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association 5A volleyball championships.

Cantin says the combination of a winning culture at MRU and great degree programs are why he wanted to come to Mount Royal.

“My motivations are simple,” says Cantin. “I want to be a part of the excellent volleyball program established at Mount Royal and to use my skills to help the team be as successful as it can [be]. I really want to excel on the court and in the classroom and everything they have at Mount Royal is top notch.”

(Matthew Cantin)

Coach Sky sees Cantin as a huge piece of the puzzle as his team moves forward.” I’m very interested to be a part of Matt’s development as his game grows at the post-secondary level. We see him as a significant part of our future at MRU. We think he’s going to flourish here as a Cougar. He’s a terrific multi-sport athlete that’s dedicated to being a successful ACAC setter.”

Outside of the high-school season, Cantin also sets for the Smashing Bananas club volleyball team out of Prince Albert.

The three new recruits will get a chance to strut their stuff at MRU’s Kenyon Court as a member their respective club teams when the Cougars play host to their Best of the West tournament April 22-24.

The tournament features some of the best high-school players from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba all looking to be crowned “Best of the West.”

With a trio of new recruits already committed for next season, the Cougars are already looking to get back to the post-season and claim their first ACAC championship since 2007-08 when they also claimed the CCAA National Championship.

Coach Sky says he couldn’t be happier with the three committed recruits.

“All three guys are exactly what we are looking for in our student-athletes. Committed students that know what they want to achieve academically with plenty of potential to grow into excellent volleyball players at MRU. We are thrilled Lucas, Jordan and Matt have committed to be a part of our program!”

Congratulations to our three new recruits and welcome to Cougar country!