NEWS RELEASES

VIU Men's Volleyball
comments by Rob Barcelos/ Abe Avender
VIU Men's Volleyball Coaches

Mark LeMercier will be joining the Mariner's for the upcoming season as a middle. Mark graduated from Kalamalka Secondary School with honours in Vernon, BC. He was captain of his high school volleyball team for five years and received MVP recognition for the last four years. For five years he played club volleyball and is currently playing in his second year of beach volleyball. In 2008 he had the opportunity to play for the Fraser Valley Volleyball Club U16 team and placed 1st at provincials and 10th at nationals. We look forward to having Mark come in and make an impact right off the bat. He is a very athletic player and will be a dominating force in the BCCAA in years to come.

Mark states,"I am looking forward to the opportunity to develop my skills and I am excited to play my favourite sport at the next level!"

Rylan Brouwer comes to us from G.P. Vanier High School, where he has accumulated a number of All-Star accolades at the Provincial and Island Championships. Placing 4th at the High School Provincial Championships this past season, Rylan was awarded a Provincial All Star. As captain of his grade 12 high school team and Mariners club team, Rylan has demonstrated great leadership skills that will allow for him to excel with the Mariners family in 2010-11. Rylan is an explosive and athletic power hitter that will add much needed offence on the outside.

Braden O'Toole comes to VIU from Canmore Collegiate High School, in Canmore, Alberta. Originally a basketball player, Braden switched over to Volleyball only a few years ago. As a 6’5”, left handed right side hitter, Braden looks to crack the starting line up in his first year. His athleticism, along with his passion to play make him a young spark that the Mariners need to get back on their game. Braden’s ability to be easily coached, along with his passion for the game allowed for him to play his first season of Club Volleyball for Canuck 18U, out of Calgary. The team finished the season in the top 10 at the 18U National Championships. Braden’s whip of an arm allows him to end rallies with some authority, and the Mariners look forward to that next season after losing the heavy hitting Rafal Korkowski on the right side.