By Davie Wong
Disclaimer: This list is liable to change, and will be updated as the offseason continues.
The Douglas College Royals are proud to announce the commitments of the following players to the 2017-2018 men’s volleyball program: Bobby Blaskovits, Dan Baird, John Colobong, Nick Hansen, Reid Marriott, Keaton Mann, Greg Moore, and Ben Shand.
Bobby Blaskovits
6’3” Setter
Mount Boucherie Senior Secondary School (West Kelowna. BC)
Kelowna Volleyball Club
The setter is the control tower of a team’s offense. Responsible for coordinating and ensuring that an offense runs smoothly is a daunting task, and not everyone can do it. But the Royals just picked up one of the best young setters in BC by signing Bobby Blaskovits.
The former captain of KVC brings a little bit of everything to the Royals. A MVP in his high school, as well as being a part of the Team BC program since U16’s, Bobby has a boatload of experience in a variety of situations, and is a proven winner. Bobby recently participated on the Team BC 18U Provincial team that competed at the Canada Summer Games, where Team BC captured the bronze medal.
Blaskovits was not shy about he felt in regards to joining the Royals: “I'm excited to contribute and play with a great bunch of guys, with great coaching!”
Dan Baird
6’7” Middle Blocker
Earl Marriott Secondary School (Surrey, BC)
Dan Baird was a middle blocker for the Earl Marriott this past high school season, and will add depth to the middle blocker position in the coming season with his massive 6’7” height. Baird said he was “so excited to get the opportunity to play volleyball at Douglas College,” and that he couldn’t wait to “learn from my new coaches and teammates to improve my skills and become an asset to the team”.
John Colobong
5’9” Utility
Burnaby South Secondary School (Burnaby, BC)
Fraser Valley Volleyball Club
Able to play nearly anywhere on the court, John Colobong comes to the Royals with a wealth of utility under his belt. His flexibility will be a huge asset to the Royals depth on the court. John recently participated on the Team BC 18U Provincial team that competed at the Canada Summer Games, where Team BC captured the bronze medal.
“I am extremely excited and honoured to play on the next level of volleyball and could not be happier with my decision on coming here!” – John Colobong
Nick Hansen
5’11” Libero
College Heights Secondary School (Prince George, BC)
Prince George Youth Volleyball Club
In terms of young libero talents, Nick Hansen is definitely up there on the list. Nick was part of the AA volleyball program that finished runner up at Provincials. He is also a 2x BC High School AA Boys Top Libero Award winner, and now he’s headed to the Royals.
The libero position was where the Royals seemed to have the most fluidity, rotating several players in and out of the role throughout the season. With Hansen on the team, the Royals have a rock in the backcourt. When asked his decision to join the Royals, Hansen said: “I’m extremely excited to be joining the Royals program this year. It's been a goal of mine to play at the post-secondary level for a long time, and I'm thrilled to be doing it with such a welcoming and skilled group of teammates and coaching staff”.
Reid Marriot
6’3” Outside Hitter
Langley Christian School (Langley, BC)
Fraser Valley Volleyball Club
If you think you’ve heard Reid Marriot’s name before, it because you probably have. The star studded outside hitter has made every All-Star list you can think of. He is one of the most sought after athletes heading into the collegiate program, and he’s headed towards for the Royals.
One of the top 10 volleyball prospects in BC, Reid is a fantastic addition to the Royals offensive core which is set to be without the talismanic services of Devon Dunn this season. Reid recently participated on the Team BC 18U Provincial team that competed at the Canada Summer Games, where Team BC captured the bronze medal.
“I am very excited to continue playing volleyball by playing post-secondary as a Royal, along with being part of Douglas College as a whole.” – Reid Marriot
Keaton Mann
6’4” Right Side Hitter
Delta Secondary School (Delta, BC)
Seaside Volleyball Club
Topping off the list of recruits that head coach Jay Tremonti has brought into the Royals is Keaton Mann. This explosive right side hitter in an excellent depth addition to the Royals’ roster and will only grow as time goes on.
“I'm extremely excited to be given this opportunity, and I can't wait to make the most of it”. – Keaton Mann
Greg Moore
6’6” Right Side Hitter
Burnsview Secondary School (Delta, BC)
Seaside Volleyball Club
Greg Moore is a standout multisport athlete, exceling at both soccer and volleyball. He joins the Royals from the Seaside Volleyball Club where they finished 3rd at the BC provincial championships, and 4th at the Volleyball Canada National Championships.
“I am proud to be joining the Douglas men’s volleyball program. I am excited to compete in the PACWEST alongside my amazing teammates and coaching staff.” – Greg Moore
Ben Shand
6’4” Left Side Hitter
College Heights Secondary School (Prince George, BC)
Prince George Youth Volleyball Club
Ben Shand brings a boatload of leadership experience with him as he joins the Royals. He has time as the captain of his club team, the PGYVC Kodiaks, as well as his high school team, the College Heights Cougars. He also captured the AA silver medal at the BC High School Championships, where he was named a provincial All-Star for his performance.
"It's an honor to continue my volleyball career with Douglas College. I'm excited to discover my volleyball potential and play with some of guys I've always looked up to. Go Royals!" - Ben Shand
