By: Thomas Tremblay, BA' 16
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There will be two Dicksons on the game day roster for the St. Thomas University Tommies men's volleyball team in 2017-18. 

Garret Dickson, of Miramichi, NB, is joining his older brother Ryan on the STU squad.

"I have played with him (Ryan) in the past and we had a lot of success together, I look forward to playing with him again," Dickson said.

A six-foot-four middle, Dickson has been a versatile athlete for the Miramichi Valley High School Pumaloo. In February, he helped the basketball team upset the Leo Hayes Lion to win the school's first ever NBIAA 'AAA' championship.

Although he excels on the basketball court, volleyball is where his passion lies.

Dickson will travel to Winnipeg this summer to compete with the New Brunswick Canada Games volleyball team, who are looking to improve on their eighth place finish in 2013.

Tommies head coach Henri Mallet is thrilled to have a player of Dickson's caliber—and size— join the program.

"Garret is a physical hitter and will bring some stability to the middle of the line-up. He is a tremendous blocker and can take a game over with his athleticism alone," Mallet said.

The Tommies are coming off a season that fell short of the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association championship—unknown territory for the program which has captured four of the last six titles.

Dickson is hoping to bring the winning tradition back to Fredericton.

"I want to help STU win at least two ACAA conference banners before I leave," he said. "I want to help our team grow and build a lasting program that will attract future players who are passionate about the game."

In addition to his older brother, Dickson joins Evan VanBuskirk as the third MVHS alumni to commit to the St. Thomas Tommies in as many years.