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By JAY SCHWAB jschwab@shawmedia.com
GNR
GENEVA – The Geneva boys volleyball program’s progress in its short history has been dramatic. After having only nine players to choose from and playing a limited schedule in its debut season in 2011, the Vikings surged forward to share for the Upstate Eight Conference River championship with St. Charles East last season. The program’s Year 3 results began March 23, when Geneva opened the season in a tournament at Plainfield North. The Vikings finished 4-0-1 behind all-tournament team selection Mason Stierwalt (43 kills), winning the tournament’s silver division. The Vikings defeated Fenton, Proviso West Bolingbrook and Plainfield East while splitting two games against Plainfield North. Coach KC Johnsen said the Vikings have more than 40 players in the program this season, and even had to make cuts this spring. “That was one of the goals, especially the first two, three years, to make sure we had a nice volleyball program that created enough interest,” Johnsen said. “We didn’t know if we could have a program with nine boys for very many years, so we’re real excited we have this many kids playing this year.” Senior middle hitter Dominic Bondi exemplifies the sharp learning curve the Vikings have successfully navigated. Bondi came out for volleyball as a sophomore with practically no background in the sport. Three years later, he’s turned into a reliable, quality performer who even has gained outside, club experience. “I came onto this court really only knowing gym volleyball, which isn’t much skill,” Bondi said. “Now I’m varsity level. Not too bad.” The Vikings have practiced this preseason in the former Coultrap Elementary gymnasium as gym space has been at a premium at the high school because of the cold, damp March weather. Make no mistake, though – Geneva
is rolling out a legitimate, high school program these days. “Winning conference last year, that was laying down the foundation, telling teams we’re not a practice team anymore,” Bondi said. “We’re not going to be an easy win.” Bondi recalls the Vikings struggling mightily to field a JV lineup in addition to its varsity team three years ago, as the teams had much more overlap than would be ideal. This year, there is actual competition for spots at positions from the freshman level up, though the Vikings aren’t beyond needing to tap creative solutions at some positions. At the all-important setter spot, Swiss foreign exchange student Guillaume Rey is pushing for time, though Johnsen is also high on swimmer-by-trade Nathan Jesko, a sophomore. “He spends a lot of time in the pool so he’s a pretty good athlete, and I think he’ll do a pretty good job for us,” Johnsen said of Jesko. Bondi and senior outside hitter Mason Stierwalt – both of whom have been with the Vikings from the get-go – project to be the team’s leaders. The 6-foot-5 Stierwalt expects to move from middle hitter to the outside this spring, and should receive offensive support from junior Chris Parrilli, better known for his basketball exploits. Bondi and Stierwalt both say players have had to do plenty of wrangling of their classmates to help beef up the program’s numbers, often encountering initial resistance from those who still consider volleyball to be more of a girls sport. The presence of Johnsen – Geneva’s longtime, successful girls volleyball coach – has helped bring the program credibility, Stierwalt said. Johnsen was not initially certain he’d stick with boys volleyball long-term, but here he is. “Definitely having KC, I mean he’s a great coach, he’s a great guy, we all respect him,” Stierwalt said. “He’s pretty much brought this program up from shambles. We credit him for most of it.”
KAN • Thursday, March 28, 2013 • The Republican
Geneva boys volleyball finding its niche
SPORTS & REC |
SPORTS & REC
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Jeff Krage - For Shaw Media
Ground assault Geneva’s Amanda Lulek takes a sliding shot during a match-up against visiting West Aurora. The Vikings would win handily, 8-0.
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