Volleyball Ready To Defend Title
Coming into its fourth official season, the volleyball team is ready to dive in to game-play. The team, led by co-captains Mitchell Kirsch, Ben Swett and Graham Rutledge alongside their head coach Bruce Shang, has had a very successful record during the past three years. The boys have only lost two of their games, and are currently regarded as the best in New England. With two championship titles up its belt, the Big Red is looking to continue their success and claim a third title this season. Even though they graduated a few of their key players, they are equipped with many experienced returning players, and are anything but unsure that the team will be able to achieve its goal.
“We are an experienced, senior heavy team that is probably favored to win it all again this year,” Kirsch said. Both of last season’s MVPs, Kirsch and Rutledge, are continuing to play for the team this year. Moreover, senior Kelvin Green, who was abroad last season, has come back to play as a mid-hitter. Basketball post-graduate Jacob Grandison, who stands at 6’7, will be another valuable addition to the team.
“I like the energy that this team brings and I’m looking forward to our performances when it matters."
Aside from having lots of returning talent on the team, each of the 15 players’ minds are on the game, driven to achieve their goal by putting their best effort at practice everyday. This group of boys has the right attitude, willing to make their own luck by using the process of preparation as their greatest weapon.
“We have the talent to win,” Swett started. “We just have to come to practice every day looking to get better.” Practice makes perfect, just like everything else in life.
The team will carry its determination from practice, as well as their passion for the sport to all ten of their games this season. They are confident that their positive outlook and enthusiasm will prove them successful.
“I like the energy that this team brings and I’m looking forward to our performances when it matters,” Kirsch said.
In addition to their immense focus on winning, the team is also a tight-knit group of individuals who can let loose and enjoy each other’s company. The boys not only see volleyball as a high intensity sport, but also as a way to socialize. “My teammates are also great to be around.” Swett said. “They’re hilarious so I love seeing them more in the spring.”
When asked about the anticipated challenges for the season, Kirsch replied, “One challenge might be controlling the puddles of sweat Graham produces when it gets hot,” displaying the team’s light atmosphere.
The team has been crowned New England Champions, but they will not rest on their laurels. They are wary of their opposition, anticipating anything in terms of the level of competition.
“Last year they [the competition] weren’t that strong,” Rutledge recalled. “But that doesn’t mean we aren’t going to run into some really good teams this year.”
Their biggest opponent is Northfield Mount Hermon, the only team they have lost to in the past two years. In the New England Championships, Big Red had fortunately edged them out in the finals, by three to five points in each of their four matches.
Upper Emilio Karakey expressed his excitement for the upcoming season. “They are a respectable team with many good players, and I look forward to getting the chance to play them again,” he said with optimism. “I can’t wait to play on the court with some of the guys that I feel comfortable calling my closest friends,” Karakey said.
Big Red’s first game is at home on Apr. 1, against none other than its arch-rivals, NMH.