Coach Vozza's time comes at Metea Valley
It's Bob Vozza's time.
On Neuqua Valley's boys basketball coaching staff since the program began, the Wildcats' associate head coach has taken the reigns at least once a season with the blessing of head coach Todd Sutton.
This summer Vozza will take complete control at another Indian Prairie District 204 start-up. He's among the first wave of "lead" coaches to be hired at Metea Valley High School, scheduled to open its doors in 2009-10.
"I think I learned, obviously working with Todd, what it takes and how much work it takes to build a program from scratch," Vozza said. "Things that work, things that didn't work. Just the time and effort you've got to put into it. I'm excited about the challenge of the new school."
Metea Valley athletic director Tom Schweer officially released an initial group of coaches on Dec. 22. In addition to Vozza, the following positions have been filled: Michelle Schmidt, softball; Craig Tomczak, baseball; Claudio Torres, wrestling; Ashley Abruscato, gymnastics; Meredith Bemben, bowling; Carla Griffin, badminton; and Ted Monken, football. Vozza said Kris Kalivas will coach girls basketball.
With the exception of Monken - who over the past five years led St. Charles East to a 36-17 record and playoff appearances the last four seasons - all of the initial hires but current Neuqua instructors Vozza and Schmidt will relocate from Waubonsie Valley.
"It's nice to stay in the district," said Vozza, though he lives in Wheaton with his wife, Sue Ellen - who will teach math at Metea - and three sons.
A three-sport athlete and 1990 product of Waubonsie Valley who graduated from Aurora University, Vozza coached at Geneva and Waubonsie before leading Neuqua's sophomores to an 84-44 record over four seasons. In 2001-02, his first season as the Wildcats' associate head coach under Sutton, Neuqua Valley went 26-3 with a 14-0 record in the Upstate Eight Conference.
At Metea Vozza intends to install the same discipline and defense that's worked so well at Neuqua Valley.
"I find myself now in timeouts wondering, 'What I would do in this situation' a lot the past few years. It's been a learning experience for me to work with Todd," said Vozza, 36.
"I'm just excited about the challenge - understanding it is a challenge," he said. "Working in this area I understand this sectional and the teams around, how good everyone is. Obviously, it's a good basketball area, so we've got our work cut out for us, but we're excited about it."