Boys volleyball: A special senior season ahead for Peterson twins, Fremd

Long-time Fremd boys volleyball coach Curt Pinley knows that he has something special in Aaron and Jacob Peterson.

The twin brothers started playing volleyball as freshmen in the Vikings' program. Now they're seniors and are the leaders and anchors of a strong team that should contend again this season in the Mid-Suburban West.

As sophomores, they helped pace their junior varsity team to one of its best-ever seasons.

Then last year as juniors on varsity, both earned all-conference and all-area status in leading the Vikings to second place in the West.

"They've progressed in the sport, and they've dedicated themselves to be the best players possible," said Pinley. "Both of them have become students of the game, and their knowledge can be seen with how the read the opposition, and the speed of their reaction to what is happening in front of them.

"Even more impressive is how they work together on the court."

Aaron, an outside/middle, finished 2017 with 189 kills and a .298 hitting efficiency.

Jacob was just as solid from his setter position, earning 222 assists, and was also third on the team in block kills.

Aaron at the moment is undecided about which college he'll attend in the fall, but knows he wants to continue his volleyball career at the collegiate level while majoring in civil engineering.

But for now, on the court, he'll be looking to help add on to the success he and his teammates have enjoyed the last two campaigns.

"We were really strong all year heading in to the playoffs, but one bad game (in the postseason) hurt us," he said said. "This year should be another great year, and we're hoping to go even farther.

"We graduated four seniors, but we've got five returning players and we should be improving every step of the way. I feel sure that as the season goes on we'll be moving into the ranks of one of the top-tier teams in Illinois."

Jacob also does not have any college plans set in stone yet, although he is leaning toward playing at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, where he would study business.

Jacob, a lefty, says he enjoys the setter position because "you're always involved in the play," and said that his transition from a strong JV season to his success on the floor as a junior was assisted by a great group of upperclassmen in 2017.

"After my first game (on varsity), I was able to get used to playing at that level, and our seniors did a great job of helping us along.

"Last season, as the year went on we improved immensely, and I think a lot of that was due to team chemistry. This year I'd say that our success will be measured by not where we finish, but instead how well we continue to improve and work together."

Each brother realizes that although both had somewhat of a leadership role on last year's team, they'll be counted on even more in that area as seniors.

Pinley, for one, has no doubt that their excellence will continue.

"Both Aaron and Jacob are ready to have the season that the've worked so hard for," said the coach. "Watching them lead our team has put a smile on my face. They have a balance of energy, excitement and experience.

"Another aspect they bring is the fun factor. They still have some of that new-puppy fun, but they also have the intensity and power of a champion beast. I'm looking forward to this season and watching the final chapter of their story."

The Vikings begin their quest for more MSL success and a possible long playoff run Tuesday against Buffalo Grove, and Jacob says that he realizes that in a couple short months his prep career will be coming to a close.

"It'll come quickly, that's for sure," said Jacob. "What I'll miss most is just hanging out with the guys. It's been a really good time."

Pinley says there is an "excitement level" on the outlook for the Vikings chances this year thanks to some high-quality, gifted athletes on the roster.

Especially the brothers Peterson, but it runs deeper than just athletic ability.

"There's a sense of respect that that they have for one another and a confidence that their ability will take center stage," said Pinley. "If there is something to the bond that twins have, an intuition, it is more apparent this season than ever.

"It's because they play on the same club team as well, but it goes beyond that. The growth and maturity level is great to see."