(LEBANON, Ill., Nov. 29) —  McKendree University men's volleyball head coach Nickie Sanlin has announced the addition of three student-athletes during the early signing period that will be joining the Bearcats squad in the fall of 2017.

Tommy McGrath, a middle blocker from Paradise Valley, AZ, Patrick Ross, an outside hitter from Anthem AZ, and Kirk Jackson, a middle blocker from O'Fallon, MO will each join the Bearcats program next fall.

McGrath totaled 192 kills on .378 attacking to pair with 59 blocks across 88 sets for the Broncos his junior season to earn an AIA All-Section First Team and All-State Honorable Mention nod. McGrath also played or the Arizona Fear club team.

Coach Sanlin on McGrath: "Tommy is a great asset to the middle blocker arsenal. At 6'8 he will bring a great deal of size in the middle for us and will seamlessly fit into the culture of the program.  We are excited for what the future holds for Tommy and are thrilled he will be bringing his talents to McKendree this fall."

Ross led the state of Arizona in kills with 455 his junior season, recording a .425 attack percentage to go with 58 aces. Ross collected Second Team All-State honors and his team earned the 2016 Arizona State High School Championship. Ross also plays for the Arizona Fear club team that won the Silver Division at nationals last summer.

Coach Sanlin on Ross: "Ross has the body type, strength, and size to be a dominant attacker for the Bearcats in the future.  Patrick has already made his mark in the state of Arizona as one of the top Outside Attackers and we are eager to have him showcase his talents for the program."

Jackson set a school record for most kills in a season his junior year with 248 along with 83 blocks and 17 aces to earn All-Conference honors. Jackson also plays for the High Performance club team that took 5^th place at nationals last season.

Coach Sanlin on Jackson: "Kirk is fairly new to playing high level volleyball, but has quickly risen up the ranks after an impressive 5^th place open finish as one of the top middle blockers in the Midwest. His 6'7 frame and sheer athleticism will help him excel in our gym and in the MIVA. I am anxiously looking forward to getting Kirk on campus and joining the Bearcat family.
 
McKENDREE UNIVERSITY MEN'S VOLLEYBALL SIGNEE/2017-18 EARLY SIGNING PERIOD –

Tommy McGrath (Hometown: Paradise Valley, AZ.)
6'8" Middle Blocker – Brophy College Preparatory

Patrick Ross  (Hometown: Anthem, AZ.)
6'5" Outside Hitter – Boulder Creek High School

Kirk Jackson (Hometown: O'Fallon, MO.)
6'7" Middle Blocker – Fort Zumwalt West High School