The Visor

Boys volleyball to lean on returning players, revamped coaching staff

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March 29, 2010

Amy Yakubowski

Over the past two years, the volleyball team has worked hard to be recognized. In 2008, the boys won the Division II OHSBVA championship game at Hilliard Davidson High School. Last year, they were runners up in the championship game against Columbus St. Charles.

With a new season and the same game plan, the team still has one goal: take the championship game again and add another ring to the finger.

“We’re going to be competitive this year,” seventh-year head coach Matt Mihelic said. “We’re hoping to meet or exceed last year.”

“We’re going to try to win and redeem our loss from [St. Ed’s] last year,” senior setter Willy Veverka said.

With a 16-8 record last season, the boys hope to be more competitive this year.

“Walsh and St. Ed’s are our biggest rivals this year,” junior Mikey Sokol said. “St. Ed’s is better than last year, but so are we.”

Even with the loss of three seniors, many returning players will contribute.

“More JV players moved up,” Mihelic said. “We also have returning juniors who were starters last year. Leadership by Veverka, Sokol and Adam Weaver is also a plus.”

The team will also display a newly found depth.

“There are more JV players in the program,” Mihelic said. “I think there are a couple freshmen and a handful of sophomores that tried out.”

“The program is bigger this year,” Veverka said. “We have seven coaches.”

Mihelic’s top assistant will be a familiar face to him as his wife Alicia takes the helm.

“Adding more staff to the team will help in different areas,” assistant coach Alicia Mihelic said. “Having a defensive coach and hitting coach will help improve on those specific areas.”

The Knights, who play a 5-1 offense, plan to improve the defensive skills level.

“We’re trying to have a better defense,” Sokol said. “Having these coaches will really help.”

As for a trip to Columbus, the expectations are there.

“It’s too early to tell,” Sokol said. “But we do want to go to the state finals again.”

The boy’s first home game is Monday, March 29 at 6:30 P.M. against McKinley High School.

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