MVB: Byam and van Geel named to Canada West All-Star Teams

Mount Royal University Cougars men’s volleyball players Chris Byam and Jacob van Geel were key components to the team’s success in the regular season. Byam has been named a Canada West First All-Star and van Geel has earned a spot on the Second All-Star team.

Byam entered his third season with the Cougars in a leadership position. Earning major minutes and leading the team in points and kills, Byam was vital in each game. The Bow Island, Alta. product finished third overall in Canada West with 413.5 points and an average of 4.59 points-per-set while taking eighth place among CW competition with  359 kills or 3.99 kills-per-set. Late in the season, Byam put on an incredible performance against the Alberta Golden Beards outpacing all hitters with 23 kills, 12 digs and totalled 25.4 points on Friday, February 3. When the Cougars return to play next season, Byam will continue to set the tone and pace of play for the team. 
 
van Geel was also a key cog in the Cougars’ offensive strategy this season, earning a Canada West Second All-Star team nod. Falling second behind Byam, van Geel was earned 306.5 points or 3.23 points-per-set and 266 kills or 2.80 kill-per-set in 95 sets played. A home-grown product of Calgary, van Geel’s best performance came early in the season on November 11 when the Cougars faced the Saskatchewan Huskies on the road. In his personal best, van Geel earned 20 kills and 22.5 points, aiding the Cougars in a 3-1 win. With Byam and van Geel guiding the way, the Cougars men’s volleybal future looks promising for the 2023-24 season.