'Program guys' are coaches' unsung heroes

Over the course of a season, volleyball teams can find themselves short-handed for a variety of reasons, including injury, illness, recruiting visits, academic testing and senior prom.

That's why coaches always appreciate the "program guys," the supporting players whose contributions, sometimes at several positions, are vital to the team's fortunes because they enhance the effectiveness of everyone around them.

Here are some of those unsung heroes who have stepped into roles of greater responsibility this season and have played a major part in the success of their teams:

Chris Kosirog (Glenbard North): The Panthers' banner season has had a lot to do with a group of solid seniors who have played together on varsity for three years. The big trees Tyler Gustafson and Kyle Schwetz have received a great deal of attention, but one senior who has gone virtually unnoticed, at least until now, is outside hitter Kosirog, a 6-footer who has led the team both offensively and defensively in numerous matches in his first year as a starter.

He's among the team leaders in kills and blocks.

"Kos has been our secret weapon," said Glenbard North coach Dedra DeBenedetti. "He has gotten stronger and he's become one of our go-to guys to put the ball away for a kill. He's a smart player with great timing for the block. He's competitive and he's really improved since last year."

The coach believes that the confidence Kosirog is building this season will make him a major threat as the playoffs approach.

Justin Diaz (Hinsdale Central): For two years Diaz was the starting defensive specialist and second-choice setter to All-Area Peter Netisingha.

This year the 5-foot-9 Diaz is a co-captain and starting setter. He's outstanding in the back row because he's quick, he reads the court on both sides of the net, he's great on the serve-receive and he leads the team in aces. Diaz is also third in digs and, although he's mainly a back-row player, he can move up front against smaller teams for the Red Devils who ran up a 20-2 record as of this week.

"As a captain Justin is a good, strong leader who's not afraid to make suggestions and he helps keep the team on track," said Hinsdale Central coach Len Serwat.

Chris MacFayden (Waubonsie Valley): At the Tiger Classic when several Warriors were missing on Saturday morning taking the ACT, MacFayden, a sophomore right-side, stepped in and showed that he will be a force in the future.

"Having some of the starters away has probably helped us in the long run," said Waubonsie Valley coach Al Lagger.

Lagger found out that sophs like Chris and Jordan James can really play.

"Chris got some experience early and now he's in the playing mix and he will make us stronger for the rest of the year. We know that he can do a good job both as a hitter and as a defender. He's a very smart player. He knows where to hit the ball. He's also got an instinct for blocking."

Ethan Schramm and Rodrigo Cobos (Addison Trail): The Blazers, who are usually one of the more height-challenged teams in the area, have come to be known for their scrappiness and "never-say-die" brand of volleyball.

Nobody epitomizes that determination more than Schram, who is one of the tri-captains even though this is his first year on varsity, and Cobos, a senior who excels as an outside hitter even though he stands only 5-foot-8.

"Ethan leads the team in kills and he's level-headed in high-pressure situations," said Addison Trail coach Tim Murphy. "He's a smart hitter. He knows when to roll the shot, tool the block, hit high off the hands. He also moves the ball around and he can swipe the block."

Cobos, a senior high-flyer, is the hardest worker on the team.

"Because of his leaping ability, Rodrigo swings high and plays great defense," Murphy said. "And he's not a liability as a blocker. He gets tooled less frequently than any of our blockers. He has great technique."

Bryan Ernsting (Benet): Officially Ernsting is a backup defensive specialist, but due to numerous Redwings injuries he has been pressed into service to fill several roles. He's a valuable asset hitting and blocking in the front row and primary passing in the back row.

"Bryan has stepped up big anywhere I need him," said Benet coach Amy Van Eekeren. "He brings an even calm to the team on the court. He has a great demeanor, positive attitude and a great work ethic."

In Tuesday's win over Joliet Catholic, Ernsting played as a right-side and as a defensive specialist. He should log some time at setter this weekend at the Benet Invitational.