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!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, June 4, 2010
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! :-)
Sunday, May 2, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Links to Game Videos
Monday, April 12, 2010
RU 18s @ Men's B - 4.11.10
You guys played well. The other teams always tell me you are fun to play against and they like to root for you. I just wish there were more men's tournaments to go to.
I'm glad to see you had fun! 
I'm glad to see you had fun! 
Our last tournament is Sunday, May 2nd. GEVA Regional Championship!
Friday, April 9, 2010
RU-Girls Pics from Warren Tourney 3.14.10
Great job girls! I'm so proud of you for how you played in this tournament!!!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tragedy in Rockland
Hello volleyball players,
I don't think I could go about blogging without mentioning this. I am in shock and it is hard to find words except to say that I am sorry to hear about the tragedy today that rocked so many of us to our cores. One of our own has passed away. He was only 17. I just want to say that the rest of our time here will not be without memories of him - a happy guy with such a hunger to get out and play the sports he loved so much. That is what I will remember most about him.
We miss you, Chris. Rest peacefully.
I don't think I could go about blogging without mentioning this. I am in shock and it is hard to find words except to say that I am sorry to hear about the tragedy today that rocked so many of us to our cores. One of our own has passed away. He was only 17. I just want to say that the rest of our time here will not be without memories of him - a happy guy with such a hunger to get out and play the sports he loved so much. That is what I will remember most about him.
We miss you, Chris. Rest peacefully.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
South Boys 2010
Today, I was thinking about our team next year. I want a section championship. I believe it is possible for next year. I will be starting off with a great core group: Eddie, Harry, Eric, Devon, and Blake, all of whom look taller to me since the 2009 season ended. :-) I can't wait to add more people to that list. I sometimes look at the other kids in the school and try to recruit, wondering if each might fit with the afformentioned core.
Today, I thought about what we will need to do and how we will need to act. That's right - act. I always tell my team that volleyball is more mental than physical. Volleyballers play the game in their head. If you believe you will accomplish something (i.e.: serving well on match point), then you will do it. If there's any doubt in your mind about your ability, you will not be successful. I recalled several of my own games as an athlete. I remembered that every time I thought, "this is easy. I'm going to shut this team down," I did it. Every time I stepped onto the court unsure of myself, I was shut down. I want to fight for my section championship and I want a team that is going to fight with me. They will not be allowed to play volleyball quietly. If you don't talk, you get subbed out. End of story. They will not be allowed to finish a practice without trying hard. There might be a lot of suicide sprinting going on, but it will be worth it. Last season, regarding entering the gym at an away game, I told my team not to look at the opponents as your friends (some of them are, off the court). I've played against friends before. An athlete is nice to their friends before game day and after game day, but while he's on the court, he does what he went there to do. "Walk into the gym with your heads up and your gamefaces on," I remember advising. "If you walk into the gym with your heads down, you've already lost the game." In high school, my brother was a national champion track and field athlete. He didn't get that far by doubting himself. He attacked every obstacle. So, I say to the boys, enough with the insecurity and the feeling of being newbies! Everyone in the county is a newbie; boys' volleyball just started here two seasons ago. We're all in the same boat: LEARNING THE GAME. Believe you can win and you'll win. Don't give up, whether you're winning or losing. Just fight.
Today, I want my section championship and I believe I will get it.
Tomorrow, I will feel the same way.
From now until August, I will be looking for the athletes who will fight for it with me.
Today, I thought about what we will need to do and how we will need to act. That's right - act. I always tell my team that volleyball is more mental than physical. Volleyballers play the game in their head. If you believe you will accomplish something (i.e.: serving well on match point), then you will do it. If there's any doubt in your mind about your ability, you will not be successful. I recalled several of my own games as an athlete. I remembered that every time I thought, "this is easy. I'm going to shut this team down," I did it. Every time I stepped onto the court unsure of myself, I was shut down. I want to fight for my section championship and I want a team that is going to fight with me. They will not be allowed to play volleyball quietly. If you don't talk, you get subbed out. End of story. They will not be allowed to finish a practice without trying hard. There might be a lot of suicide sprinting going on, but it will be worth it. Last season, regarding entering the gym at an away game, I told my team not to look at the opponents as your friends (some of them are, off the court). I've played against friends before. An athlete is nice to their friends before game day and after game day, but while he's on the court, he does what he went there to do. "Walk into the gym with your heads up and your gamefaces on," I remember advising. "If you walk into the gym with your heads down, you've already lost the game." In high school, my brother was a national champion track and field athlete. He didn't get that far by doubting himself. He attacked every obstacle. So, I say to the boys, enough with the insecurity and the feeling of being newbies! Everyone in the county is a newbie; boys' volleyball just started here two seasons ago. We're all in the same boat: LEARNING THE GAME. Believe you can win and you'll win. Don't give up, whether you're winning or losing. Just fight.
Today, I want my section championship and I believe I will get it.
Tomorrow, I will feel the same way.
From now until August, I will be looking for the athletes who will fight for it with me.
Pictures from RocklandUnite Girls Tournament and Boys Scrimmage 3/6/10
Thanks for playing, boys! The scrimmage was fun and I enjoyed seeing the school team players!
Good first tournament, girls!
Keep working hard.
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