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.