Brandon Sun: Bobcat Nation rallies around Metcalfs

Rylan Metcalf has never been more grateful for his two families.

His Brandon University Bobcats warmed up for their Canada West men’s volleyball home opener in shirts reading “Jacquie’s crew” on the front and “She fights! We fight!” on the back. Metcalf’s mother is recovering from surgery to remove cancerous tumours and will soon begin six months of chemotherapy, with another surgery ahead. She’s been a massive part of Bobcat Nation for the past six years as Rylan’s older brother Mason completed five seasons with the team in 2020.

“My mom is the strongest woman in the world. She is absolutely the most magnificent mother and friend to everyone. She treats everyone like they’re her own. She’s the team mom, everyone will say it. She makes meals for everyone,” Rylan said. “(It’s) our time to support her. My team and everyone is doing such a good job of that and I can’t appreciate it enough.

“… It means so much to me. Their support is everything to me and my family. I love my teammates, love the coaching staff and everyone involved.”

Rylan stepped into Saturday’s match against Saskatchewan late in the third set, coming up with two clutch digs to help BU win 27-25 and ultimately take the match 3-2 to improve to 3-1 on the season.

But it’s one of those times when volleyball is still a distant second to what really matters.

“We take a lot of pride in being recognized as the Bobcat family. We truly feel we are a large family and we’re all there to support one another through the ups and downs of not just volleyball but life,” head coach Grant Wilson said.

“I could not be more proud of this group, how they’ve rallied for Rylan, Jacquie and the whole Metcalf family. It’s obviously a very challenging time but the guys have done a great job of managing that challenge by staying focused on what they need to but also being there for Rylan when he needs our support too.”

The BU men have the next two weeks off before hosting Manitoba Nov. 26 and 27. The women head to Regina this week to take on the Cougars Friday and Saturday.

The Bobcats basketball teams play at Winnipeg on Thursday evening, then complete the weekend set at home on Saturday.