Feiger measures up fine

Standing just 5 feet, 11 inches on a good day, Stevenson senior Brad Feiger is not a physically imposing outside hitter.

Combine that with his quiet nature, and it was easy for opposing teams to forget about him last year.

No one will be making that mistake again.

After a junior season in which he wracked up more than 200 kills, Feiger will be the go-to performer for what should prove to be another strong Stevenson volleyball team.

"For his height, he's probably one of the best outsides Stevenson has had," senior setter Brian Czosek said.

How does Feiger succeed at a position where height is so important?

Feiger relies less on the spectacular kill and more on the efficient one. His technique is textbook.

"His arm swing is his biggest asset," Stevenson coach Tim Crow said. "He swings so quick and he's able to read the blockers."

Feiger also is a gifted leaper who is always trying to stretch his already impressive vertical leap. Feiger said his vertical has improved by about 3 inches since last year. That, plus more work in the weight room, should allow him to hit the ball harder.

"That's enabled me to (go) hit over some blocks and go for much sharper angles," he said.

Feiger does more than just attack. He is one of the Patriots' best defensive players.

"I like the whole aspect of playing in the back row," he said. "It feels really good when a big hitter smashes one at you and you dig it."

Feiger has always enjoyed being on the volleyball court. He enjoys other sports, but for him, nothing compares to volleyball.

"I just found it more fun than any sport I've played," he said. "I like the mixture of the pressure on you as an individual, but it's also a team sport."

Feiger never had to look far when he wanted to practice. His older sister, Dena, was a star setter for Stevenson. His younger brother, David, plays on the sophomore team.

"We set up the net and played a lot in the back yard," said Feiger, who will attend Emory University next year.

Feiger divided his time as a freshman between outside hitter and setter.

"I decided that I liked to play outside a lot more," he said.

Last year, Feiger was content to let his play do the talking. This season, he knows his teammates need him to be a leader.

"I've been on the team for a year now and I definitely feel a lot more comfortable," he said.

His teammates admire his standup nature.

"When he makes a mistake, he won't yell at other people; he'll take the blame," senior outside hitter Kyle Buck said.

Feiger is encouraged by what he's observed in practice.

"All the seniors have been playing at the same club," he said. "We have a lot of talent, and I think we have a good chance of qualifying for state."