Scouting Tri-Cities boys volleyball
Geneva
Coach: KC Johnsen
Top returnees: Nick Caruso (sr., OH); Brett Quillen (sr., OH); DeMarais Kemp (sr., S); James Fanella (sr., L); Jack Donnelly (sr., RS); Alex Kimball (sr., MB); Mason Stierwalt (jr., MH), Dominic Bondi (jr., MH); Chris Houben (jr., DS).
Key newcomers: Chris Parilli (so., OH); Jordan Hunter (jr., MH); Nathan Jesko (fr., S).
Outlook: Johnsen is excited about Year 2 of the Geneva program with 31 players out at three levels — 11 are returnees from last year. The Vikings have added games to their schedule and joined three tournaments. Caruso made all-conference last year.
St. Charles East
Coach: Kate McCullagh
Last year: 15-21, 5-7
Top returnees: Billy Russell (sr., S); Sam Pulcanio (jr., DS); Clayton Davis (jr., MH).
Key newcomers: Tom DeBruyne (so., S/DS); Tom Dieter (jr., MH); Mark Healy (so., DS); Robert Kudlicki (so., MH); Iain O’Connor (jr., RS); Luke Spicer (so., OH); R.J. Yoder (so., RS/OH).
Outlook: Russell is the lone senior for the Saints so except some growing pains early in the season as the team adjusts to varsity volleyball. But having someone with experience like Russell is certainly a plus. “(Russell) has worked very hard over the years and I am looking forward to coaching and watching him in a leadership role this season,” McCullagh said. While the Saints have eight seniors from last year’s team to replace, the work this group has put in during the off-season in club volleyball surely will pay dividends. “Although the team is young many of the boys have played club ball in the off-season which is really going to help our program this year,” McCullagh said. “I am very optimistic about this season and I look forward to watching our team grow.”
St. Charles North
Coach: Todd Weimer
Last year: 18-18, 5-0 in Upstate Eight Conference
Top returnees: Branden Hoerner (sr., OH/MH/RS); Ryan Staudacher (sr., OH/MH/RS); Pat Donlevy (sr., OH); Dan Wheeler (sr., RS/DS); Ryan Dal Degan (jr., L/DS); Jimmy Vainisi (jr., DS).
Key newcomers: Kyle True (sr., S); Josh Shaw (sr., RS/MH/OH); John Orech (jr., OH/RS); Kevin Beach (jr., OH/RS); Zach Ziesmer (jr., MH); Pat Misiewicz (jr., S/RS).
Outlook: Weimer’s program continues to take step forwards including a first Upstate Eight Conference (River Division) championship last year. The North Stars lost in the regional finals to Glenbard West who went on to take fourth in state. Hoerner returns as captain in his third year on varsity. Staudacher also is on the varsity for the third year while Wheeler and Dal Degan join Hoerner as captains. “We are quick and fast on offense and our passers are extremely consistent to help us stay fast,” Weimer said. “Serving and blocking is our strength and we’ll be able to put opposing teams’ backs to the wall.” Weimer wants to see his team work on its setting and get a chemistry going with the newcomers. “We have new setters along with some new guys in core positions,” Weimer said. “We should be able to carry over last year’s success in the conference and keep building in the right direction. The bar has been set high.” Regional champions in Weimer’s first year and conference champs in the second, the North Stars want to do both in year three.
West Aurora
Coach: Tolis Koskinaris: (4th season, 33-38 overall)
Last year: 20-18, 4-10
Top returnees: Eric Roggeman (sr., OH); Patrick Ronan (sr., L); Joseph Frommert, (sr., MH); David Vasquez (sr., OH/RS); Joseph Schwerdtfeger (sr., S).
Key newcomers: Timothy Lambert (so., OH/DS); James McGrath (jr., MH).
Outlook: West Aurora got off to a good start last year by winning its own tournament. It was the start of a successful tournament year that included second place at Fremd, third at Palatine and sixth at Springfest before losing to Benet in the regionals. Trying to improve on that conference record is a goal even if it isn’t an easy task. “West Aurora boys volleyball has improved a lot over the past few years, but we are still lacking in quality DVC wins; thus, that remains our primary goal,” Koskinaris said. “The team and I know it is hard to be respected until you can do well in your own conference, even if it is the best for volleyball in the state.” Koskinaris is excited about the team’s defense and serve-receive game headed by Ronan and Lambert. That’s always a good place to start. “We are a balanced team with able attackers across the net,” Koskinaris said. “Serve-receive is going to be solid. Five returning players are starting their third year on varsity. We are all looking forward to it, and should be strong in the future with solid incoming freshman talent.”