The boys volleyball season has begun. Here are previews of Kane County teams.
Geneva Vikings
Coach: Stephanie Rasmussen
2017 record: 9-22 overall, 2-6 in Upstate Eight Conference
Top players
NAME YEAR POS.
Matthew Will sr. L
William Courter sr. M
Reilly Waldoch jr. OH
Outlook: As host of an IHSA regional this year, the Vikings hope to take the title on their home court. A lofty goal, but 2017 found them battling St. Charles North for a regional title.
Helping them achieve their goals will be returning middles Courter and Anthony Panizzi, who provide strength in the center.
A big strength for the team is the senior leadership from Will as a libero or setter and Max McCloughan on the outside.
“Our strengths would be my seniors that returned last year,” Rasmussen said.
Marmion Cadets
Coach: Barb Ebert
2017 Record: 4-4 in Chicago Catholic League
Top players
NAME YEAR POS.
Jake Bettag jr. M
Zack Minnis jr. S
John Roche jr. OH
Outlook: The Cadets return all their varsity players from last year.
“I’m pleasantly surprised at the difference just a year makes,” Ebert said. “Their ability to learn and run a system offensively and defensively and really own positions versus just trying to win a game or get the ball over is night and day.”
Nine returning players round out the squad this year, bringing more experience.
“We’re moving so much more than we did last year,” Ebert said. “With that, they’re reading plays and taking time to do that now. I just see us getting better and better.”
St. Charles East Saints
Coach: Kate McCullagh
2017 Record: 14-12 overall, 5-3 in the Upstate Eight Conference
Top players
NAME YEAR POS.
Lucas Coker sr. S
Colin Hanley jr. OH
Matthew Kolet sr. OH
Drew Olsen sr. M
Outlook: Five strong seniors have started the Saints (5-1) on their way to their dreams of a regional title.
“We’re off to a good start. The season is only going to get more difficult, so we’re excited to just be competitive this season,” McCullagh said.
Improvement from the middle players will help St. Charles East win games.
“Dave Olsen as the middle has gotten a lot better,” McCullagh said.
The coach has put an emphasis on serving and blocking in practices.
St. Charles North North Stars
Coach: Todd Weimer
2017 Record: 17-18 overall, 6-4 in the Upstate Eight Conference
Top players
NAME YEAR POS.
Brendan Dal Degan sr. OH
Maxwell DeDobbelaere sr. L
Tom Koppang sr. OH
Outlook: The North Stars have advanced to the sectional final the past two years and are eager to build on that achievement.
“We’re purposely scheduling some tough tournaments and nonconference games to help us get ready for playoffs,” Weimer said. “We should be top three in conference. This being the last year in the UEC, it would be kind of nice for us to go out with a bang, a really strong finish and have a lasting impact so to speak.”
The North Stars had many close games last season.
“Sixteen of our losses were in three sets or close games like 25-23. We want to be strong, finish those sets and matches and not ever give up,” Weimer said.
St. Francis Spartans
Coach: Mike Lynch
2017 Record: 19-16 overall, 3-5 in the Chicago Catholic League
Top SENIORS
NAME
Henry Breyne
Daniel Bullock
Outlook: The Spartans have a young team this season, with only two seniors and three juniors. Even though they are young, the Spartans will be competitive.