Rebels men’s volleyball team prepare for their first weekend in competition
By Josh Goossen
Reese Mixner swings at a right-side set during a team scrimmage, October 5, 2017. /JOSH GOOSSEN
With a new coach and a roster full of young players, Red River College’s men’s volleyball team is looking to surprise the league this season.
“We’re going to take some lumps early, but we’ll win late,” said head coach Linsey Habib.
Previously a head coach for WinMan Volleyball Club, Habib is confident his coaching experience will give the Rebels a competitive edge this year.
Last weekend was the Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Rebels Men’s Vball Tournament. It hosted all of the Rebels’ MCAC opponents, and Habib’s squad played together for the first time.
“Overall, we’re young but talented,” said Habib. “We haven’t been together for long. This weekend will show how the boys flow together on the court.”
Habib says player Julian Waldner will be a major factor in the Rebels’ success this year.
As the player in the libero position, Waldner is focused on improving the team’s defence and serve-receive. He just started playing the libero position this year but is up for the challenge.
In his second season with the squad, 18-year-old Waldner has been named team captain.
“I think we have all the pieces we need to be successful,” said Waldner. “We just need to find a way to put it all together.”
The MCAC regular season does not start until Nov. 4, when the Rebels will play against Canadian Mennonite University.
The upcoming weeks will be the most important training the Rebels perform, as they prepare for what the team hopes to be a successful season.
For a complete men’s volleyball schedule, visit blogs.rrc.ca/rebels/sports/mens-volleyball/schedule/. For updates on Red River College’s sports teams throughout the year, follow @RRCRebels on Twitter
