Blazers MVB Secure Standout Setter Bilous Ahead of 2023/24 Season
The CMU Men's Volleyball program is very pleased to announce the commitment of Ryan Bilous for the 2023/24 MCAC season. The Sturgeon Heights and 204 Volleyball Club athlete will bring more height to the setting position on the Blazers' roster, along with considerable versatility, academic acumen, and an infectious positive team spirit.
Bilous completed his high school eligibility this November when his Sturgeon Heights Huskies finished up their varsity season, a year in which the team captain saw court time playing setter, middle, and left side. The MHSAA "AAAA" Graduating All-Star really put his athleticism to the test playing three very different positions, which all require a very diverse skillset and the natural talent and comprehension needed to be a proficient setter, passer, and blocker in game scenarios. Bilous started at setter during Sturgeon Heights' 2021/22 season when the team finished league play as the third-ranked high school squad in Manitoba going into the Provincial Championships. The newest addition to the Blazers' roster will also bring a high level of intellect to the team, having earned an academic award for being top of his class the past two years. It also comes as no surprise that Bilous' versatility on the volleyball court transfers to other high school sports as well, with his length a very useful asset on the Huskies' basketball team, and his raw athleticism and endurance also put on display on the badminton court as well as with the soccer, track, and cross country teams.
Now into his final club volleyball season, Bilous joins a long list of 204 Volleyball Club members to make the jump to CMU, playing with the top Gold team once again this season. His 204 squads have always seen great success on the national stage, beginning with his first season at U14 when his team took their Provincial Championship title on to a Tier 1, Division 1 finals appearance at the Volleyball Canada Nationals. This past season Bilous and his 204 teammates took home championship hardware from the Premier Tournament, the Manitoba Provincial Club Championships, and a Tier 1, Division 1 bronze place finish at the Volleyball Canada Nationals. This year Bilous has been splitting time at setter and middle, and looks to be on a very competitive squad again heading into the Best of the West tournament this upcoming weekend and Nationals later this spring, both held in Calgary, Alberta.
As someone who thrives in leadership positions, Bilous is looking forward to bringing his size, unique skillset and work ethic to the Blazers this season. He's proud that his high school and club coaches have recognized his versatility as a player thus far, and will look to bring his blocking, decision-making, and setting accuracy to the next level when he joins the team. Blazers head coach Don Dulder immediately recognized the value that Bilous could add to the team when scouting Manitoba prospects this winter, and is elated that he will be joining the CMU ranks for the 23-24 season. "We are extremely excited to have Ryan fill our setter position" stated the recently named MCAC Coach of the Year. "With Ryan and our present setter David Nelson we feel we have the position in good hands, with Tim Juvonen graduating this spring. Ryan is a very intelligent player which is a tremendous attribute for a setter running a sophisticated college offense. At 6'4" with an 11'1" spike touch he puts up a formidable block and will be able to match up with the top left sides in our league. He is a high character player that will fit in perfectly with our team, and is a player who wants to see his teammates do well. With his talent, character, and motivation to improve we believe he will be a tremendous asset to our team for several years and the entire team is very excited to have Ryan join them."
Looking ahead to his post-secondary education and beyond, Bilous is interested in heading into a science or perhaps business stream at CMU. Entering a medical profession where he can help people in need has always been a passion of his, and the high rate of evolution of the field is a point of interest as well. CMU produced 29 Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA) National Scholars during the 2021/22 season, including seven of whom were on the men's volleyball team. The school was at the top of the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference for academic performance, so Bilous will be in good company as he strives to continue his academic and athletic success at the university level.
Following a sixth-consecutive MCAC Finals appearance this February, the Blazers will once again look to make an appearance on the national stage next season. The winner of the MCAC championship goes on to compete at a national level at the CCAA championship tournament, with this year's tournament held earlier this March in Toronto, Ontario. The CCAA is the national body for collegiate athletics in Canada, offering 10 national championships in seven sports. Now finished its second full year of participation, the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference joins five other established CCAA conferences; PacWest (BC), ACAC (Alberta-Sask), OCAA (Ontario), RSEQ (Quebec) and ACAA (Atlantic).
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