Week 1 Games & Tourney

Pictures from the Lindenhurst Tournament 9/17/11.




As always, some pics were taken while relaxing between games.


Eric's Oreo TIE Fighter.






Oh my gosh, where to start...
OK, first of all, our game against North was a nightmare. That's all it was...just a bad dream. I CAN NOT believe we lost that match. It never happened. That's what I said to my team and that's how we have to think about it. Like I say to everyone, in the games we won, we beat them by SO much more than they beat us! Get this. The scores were: 24-26, 25-12, 19-25, 25-11, 23-25.
So...if you add up the points, we won! Grrrrr. That was the first game of the season. A nail-biter for no apparent reason, but that's my team - we just have to make it interesting.

Game 2 was great - also interesting, but Suffern is a tough team to beat. I was just glad we won.
WE WON!!!!! Holy cow. MSGVarsity was there and we got some great tv time, so I heard. Eric's name was displayed in very large font in the newspaper, and all is well again with South Boys Volleyball. However, we cannot rest on the laurels of one big win. We were down 2 games at the start. That's not a good sign. What IS a good sign is that we were able to fight back and win the next 3 games in a row to win the match 3 games to 2. What I still want to see (and I've been waiting a few years to see it) is fighting from the beginning, right up to the end. All of the other Section I teams are beatable this year. We cannot sleep on the court. We cannot give up, even for one point. We cannot think about our mistakes. A word of advice for my boys, and I know they have heard me say this before and they will surely hear me say it again: The best volleyball players in the world make mistakes - a lot of them, but what makes them the best is that they are able to shake off their mistakes right away because they know they have to focus on the next point.

"Pressure is something you put on yourself." A really awesome coach told me that.

Sighhhh...oh, Lindenhurst.
Every memory of this tournament now plagues me since the first year we went. In 2009, I asked a college coach to come and scout John Mapelli. That day, we were asleep on the court. In 2010, we slept through pool play and moved on to play a one-game playoff match against Sachem East. My boys played the best game of their lives. We gave up very few points, and still lost...by those few points. This year, we show up as zombies (again) and play decently in the playoff match (against Sachem East again), but lose and go home looking forward to a game with East Ramapo. What is the world coming to? We are such a good team this year, I swear. I feel like I have to convince my own team of it!

Boys -
Have confidence. You're really good. I'm NOT just saying that. I've already gotten a lot of compliments on you guys. And I'm proud of you. We need to work some things out in practice, but it won't happen without the confidence to do it. You win games when you know you can. So, know it! I believe in you. See you tomorrow. :-)

New Year, New Team, More Hope

The team this year shows a lot of potential. A LOT! First of all, the team is mostly seniors and sophomores, which I think is very interesting. I have 2 juniors and 1 freshman amongst them. Some of the boys who have been with me for a while are playing well, and still steadily improving. I feel bad for Brian. He is playing a position that is kind of new to him and there is a lot of pressure in that position. I would know. He's a setter, like me. At least I have usually been a setter. That's something I will try to get back to this year. Anyway, I think everyone has a spot on this team. I had 18 guys try out and I didn't have to make any cuts, thank goodness! I have 2 sophomores who I am particularly excited about seeing how they will improve. They can jump and hit, set, jump serve, they can pass pretty well and they take direction very well. That's what is helping them the most. When I tell them to do something, they really try to do it and usually get it done pretty well. I feel so lucky to have had two boys like them try out at the same time. I feel like this program is building. Slowly but surely. I am getting a few better athletes trying out each year and they make me a better coach. They inspire me and (I think) I inspire them, or at least they ARE taking direction well and want to do well because they're competitive. Bottom line - I'm excited. Time to tell people to come and watch our games. We need more fans this year!!!

End of School Year 2010-11

It has been an exciting year! I had the opportunity to see more of a few of my boys and cheer them on during lacrosse games at South because I video taped some of the games for the coach. I'm so proud of my boys. They are really nice guys and I'll miss them all. Our senior awards banquet (now a buffet brunch due to budget cuts) went very well. It was nice, but I felt it lost the personal touch this year since coaches did not get up to speak about their athletes. I know that some coaches don't like to speak in front of larger crowds, but I liked doing that because it's more personal for the kids and it brings a better sense of recognition for their achievements. Also, the event was much smaller this year. I remember there being many more coaches in attendance last year. There were also no board members this year, which is fine. I also liked that the brunch was just seniors.

Anyway, I think it's important to recognize our senior leaders as they move on to bigger and better things. I'm sad I didn't get a picture with Eddie, but he was kind enough to inform me that, "it's not like [I] won't see [him] again". Thank you, Eddie, for letting me know. You crack me up. I'm also a little sad that Harry wasn't there. The four of you were the backbone of the team this year, and you will all be sorely missed! I just wish that I had more years with you guys on the team (and that Harry didn't have to play middle) as you are all great players and fun to coach. It was a blast seeing you guys accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. I'm so happy for you guys that you got so much media coverage this year and that you all found a sport you love to play. I'm super excited for the future of this program and I wanted to thank you for raising the bar for next year. So far, this program has gotten better in every year of its short existence, and that is due to your hard work, dedication, and love for this team and for the sport. Keep in touch. Come back and visit. You are always welcome.

The following are the senior profiles, as they appeared in the awards brunch program:

Chris Ferrara - Setter - Chris shared captainship and was one of the team's leaders. Chris was the setter and currently holds some school records, including assists and aces. His season total in assists was 332, far outnumbering last year's record of 124. Chris shares the aces statistic record with Maxx Baldassare, who graduated in 2010, with 18 for the season. He was also third in digs with 55. Matt was named All League Honorable Mention.

Eddie Oswald - Right Side/Outside Hitter. Eddie picked up his game this year and earned much respect from his teammates at the end of the season. Ed holds the school record for kills (hits that result in a point) with 157, which shattered the previous record of 70. Eddie was also second on the team in aces (11) and digs (70), and third in blocks (8). Eddie is being recruited by Kean, Elmira, College of Mount Saint Vincent, New Paltz, New Haven, Ramapo College and Sage, among others. Eddie was named All Section and All League.

Harry Adler - Middle Hitter - Harry has done a great job as a middle hitter and has taken on the role with maturity, considering it was not his best position or his position of choice, but it was where he was needed. Harry finished the season with 3 aces, 1 assist, 21 kills, 11 blocks, and 15 digs.

Matt Barry - Libero - Matt stepped into the libero position without much difficulty. His agility and quick reflexes helped him to lead the team's defense. Matt obliterated the statistic record in digs from last year of 48 with an amazing 140 digs. The highlight of his season came in our 6th match against Clarkstown North, where Matt nearly doubled his number of digs for the season in that one match. He went into the game with 40 digs and ended it with 74. Matt was named All League.

Jenrik Yabut - Defensive Specialist/Outside Hitter - Jenrik was a hard worker during the 2010 season and proved his skills in the back row with his speed and agility. He finished the season with 1 ace, 1 assist, 9 kills, 1 block, and 9 digs.

Facundo Soraire - Middle Hitter - Facundo helped the team this year by always being willing to work hard and step up when he was needed. He was always willing to jump into different roles and play different positions and for that, he will be missed. Facundo has the ability to watch and learn from what he sees, and be able to replicate skills on his own, which sets him apart from other athletes.

Ryan Ventillo - Defensive Specialist/Outside Hitter - Ryan came onto the team with such enthusiasm. He picked up the team at times and was instrumental in keeping the team's morale high. His speed in the back row was just one of the things that made Ryan an important part of this team.

Oliver Friedfeld - Right Side/Middle Hitter - Oliver was able to play many positions and offer the team a set of skills that included both physical volleyball skills and leadership qualities. His maturity and strong work ethic made him a positive teammate to the other athletes and a much appreciated part of the team. Oliver is the hard worker that coaches like to have on their teams.

Tom Holahan - Outside Hitter - Tom came into the Fall season with little volleyball experience, but it was obvious that he was a good athlete. Tom put a lot of effort into learning the sport of volleyball and it showed. He also brought positive thinking to the team and his charisma never went unnoticed.

Anthony Pecoraro - Middle Hitter - Anthony had such a positive attitude. He showed up every day ready to go and willing to work. He is someone who coaches refer to as "coachable" with a great attitude and willingness to learn and work. Anthony has been a positive role model for his younger teammates.

LONG Overdue Blog Post!

Sorry I haven't blogged in so long! My job takes so much energy out of me sometimes, and the clubs (boys' teams and my own) take the rest of my energy. So, this year was definitely an improvement on the last. No coach can be disappointed in that. We had some great wins and some awesome media coverage! So much has happened since the last time I wrote anything. Let's see, my boys proved that they play better without me - when I'm stuck at a train station (thanks guys!), we beat North HS in a great section semifinal match. We played Suffern AT SUFFERN for the section final. Total crap. It was supposed to be at a neutral location! We lost, but we played fairly well and we all graciously accepted our silver medals. Eddie was named All Section and All League, and is being recruited by quite a few schools! Eric, Matt, and Chris also won section and/or league honors. I will definitely be looking forward to our awards banquet this year and talk more about Eddie and Matt. More on that when the time comes. I'm also really happy because this year seemed to go by without any major problems...ok except for a vengeful parent who came to the gym to video tape our practice. That was just bizarre, though. Anyway, my point is...I guess I'll miss you guys. OK, OK...I will miss you guys! Seniors, enjoy the rest of your last year. And this year, the Katchmar Classic better be won by a team with a volleyball player! I don't know what that nonsense was last year.

I also want to recognize my freshmen for having a good sense of humor. You boys really took a lot of crap from the older guys, but you did it with some dignity. I'm really looking forward to working with you again. And no, you are not average joes! :-)

Alex, I'm really proud of you. You set some good goals and told me what you wanted to accomplish and I watched you actually do it. Your skills are more consistent now and your setting has come a long, long way. I knew you could do it! James, get aggressive, keep the high energy, and don't worry about anything else. Everything will fall into place for both of you guys.

On another note, the club season has come and gone so quickly this year. I feel like we just started not too long ago. Getting less gym time to practice will make me feel like that, I guess. I'm unsure as to whether we can have the RU club next year, especially if we cannot get guaranteed gym time. I want to thank everybody for sticking by me through that, though! I know it was tough and right in the middle of the season. We were all angry about it and I want to thank you for being such troopers and handling it so well. I'll see what I can do about next year. I'm always advocating for you guys. :o)

We lost the girls' teams this year, and we lost Coach Hackett because she is doing her graduate work now and the class time conflicts with volleyball time. I miss all of you ladies! I hope you kick some butt at Katchmar, too. Even if you're playing some vb boys. As a matter of fact, go for it! Feel free.

I hope everyone has a lovely spring, and seniors get into the schools they like. By the way, big congrats to Oliver Friedfeld! He got into Yale and UPenn. Awesome!

Link: We miss you, CK. 1 year.

-Coach

Breakthroughs in Stats

We have some things to celebrate on this team after a tough loss to North yesterday (10/14):

With 3 games left in the regular season...

1. Chris Ferrara has already broken the team assists record.
He has 150 right now. Last year's record is 124 (Frank Cannataro).

2. Matt Barry has already shattered the digs record.
He has 74 right now. Last year's record is 48 (David Zack).

3. Eric Cayne is on track to break the kills record (70, held by John Mapelli).

Congratulations guys and good luck getting as many assists, digs, and kills as possible!

An Average Tournament and a Stellar Playoff Game

Over the weekend, a select group of players from my team went to the Lindenhurst (Long Island) tournament. Our pool was competitive; our demeanor - not so much, until the playoffs.

I love going to the Lindenhurst Tournament. There are so many rounds of playoffs and opportunities to do well. With fifteen teams in the tournament, the bottom three overall get knocked out after pool play leaving the top twelve teams. We were number eleven. In our pool, I'd say there were two good teams to play (Lindenhurst's varsity and Massapequa) and two less impressive teams: Northport, whom we beat last year, and Center Moriches - who did not come off as threatening.

As I have always said about this team, we tend to play to the level of our opponent. We play well against better teams and poorly against others, which means we might lose to anyone. If we can only remember to play every opponent the way we play against the best teams, we will at least have a winning record. We should have a winning record.

Well, our tendencies almost got the better of us in Lindenhurst this year. We lost both games of each match to Lindenhurst and Massapequa. Understandable. We played decently against both teams, though. We also lost both games to Northport, which was our first match of the day. That reminds me of another one of my team's self-fulfilling profecies, which I'd like to abolish: the first game we play is always bad. We were zombies. Why can't we wake up in the morning? Other teams can do it, so why can't we? I don't understand. It seems as if we don't care as much first thing in the morning. Anyway, this only contributed to the idea that we play well against better teams and not so well against the others.

We did well enough, as it turned out. We split with Center Moriches in a match that should have clearly been a win for us, and the number of points by which we lost each of our games was low enough to earn the number eleven spot. Our playoff game was to be against Sachem (Sachem East, I believe). It was one game to 25 points (pool play was two 21-point games per match).

Sachem posed a threat. They looked fairly seasoned. We won the first few points easily. Was Sachem giving up already? We were ahead for most of the game. Towards the middle of the game, Sachem started to answer. At the end, we were neck and neck. We were still playing very well, but we started to panic a little. Eddie, Devon, and Eric were the highlight of our offense, getting kills that surprised themselves, I'm sure. Eddie was on fire. Our defense was amazing. Blocking was okay, but our back row was tremendously impressive. Brian's coverage on the left was on point and Matt was the epitome of a quick, well-rounded libero. Chris' setting was also right on target. I had never seen this team play the way they played in that game.

Sadly, we lost by a couple of points. I was not disappointed in my team. How could I have been? They amazed everyone. And as Suffern watched our game, they got just as excited, cheering us on as we all do for each other in our friendly rivalries. I have to say that our friendly rivalry is made stronger by the club program - both the friendliness and the rivalry. We all want to see each other do well against teams from other areas, though.

After the game, the boys left the gym. I got my things together and made my way out after them, but not without being stopped and congratulated on how well we played by multiple parties including the Sachem parents and coaches and the tournament director. I was so elated. I still am. This is what I mean by having fun whether we are winning or losing - a concept I've tried to explain to my team. So, we lost. We did an awesome job, and I am one very proud coach.

Congratulations to Suffern! They won the whole tournament.
And I'm glad we didn't have to play North or Suffern while we were there.

Preseason....bleh!

Uggghhhh... I thought boys would be LESS whiny than girls.

We are doing 2-a-days. We work out in the morning and play in the evening. I always thought this was pretty standard. It's what I've always done. It's what the girls I coached did. No one complained this much. Doesn't anyone feel better afterwards? Don't you feel proud of yourself when you do a good job? Don't you feel like you accomplished something? Anything?

Anyway, our kneepads are not in yet, which means we have to dive on the floor without them. Boo hoo. The next order of business is the parent meeting. That takes place Monday night, Sept. 13th at 7pm. I will explain my rules, the shirt order, and other miscellaneous stuff.

In the meantime, can we PLEASE step it up? Stop your whining. Stop bargaining for less things to do. The answer is no. You're not suffering. You're not starving to death. You're not dying of dysentery. There are so many people in this world who are worse off than you. Just do what you're supposed to do. You'll be fine. Trust me.

End of the School Year

First I want to congratulate Eddie and Blake for making the Empire State Games Scholastic team! I'm so glad you guys tried out. It's going to be a great playing experience for you as well as really fun.

Second, our open gym scrimmage against North HS went very well. We played four games for time (we did not keep score) and the newbies did an excellent job.

Third, I had so much fun at our sports awards banquet. I'm glad my award recipients, John and Frank, went that evening (6/1). I'm so proud of both of them and I wish them the best of luck in all they pursue...and I hope they come back sometime to visit! :-)

Last Boys' Tournament - GEVA Regionals

I'm very sad to say that the boys' tournaments are over. I wish we could have gone to more. During our last timeout, I told the boys I was proud of them. I am very proud of them. I love coaching more and more because these boys never cease to amaze me. They are warm, compassionate people who care a lot about each other and what they involve themselves in. Boys, it was fun to watch you battle and I hope you take away many positive memories from this season. You did a great job.

Thank you, boys, for all your efforts. And thank you, parents, for all your support.

What I'm looking forward to:
Our end-of-season party, Empire State Games (possibly), beach volleyball over the summer, and seeing some of my favorite Southies again for camp and pre-season in August. I will keep you updated on everything.

Seniors... Nick, Brian, Stephen, and John (thanks for helping us out twice!)
I will miss you something terrible! It was truly a pleasure to coach you and I hope we meet again someday in the future after you graduate. Please, please, PLEASE keep in touch and enjoy the rest of your senior year.

Links to Game Videos

Boys 18s at Sarah Lawrence College - 4/11/10: Click here

Girls 16s at RocklandUnite Tournament - 3/6/10: Click here