Daughters' volleyball face-off gives Dad a chance to sing

A much anticipated showdown takes place next week, when sisters Megan and Annie Fesl of Arlington Heights meet for the first time as volleyball opponents in a college match.

On Nov. 9, they will square off in the Joyce Athletic and Convocation Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, where Megan is a sophomore. Annie plays for the University of Cincinnati, a Big East conference rival.

But it turns out their father, Rich, will play a starring role in their marquee match-up.

After a rigorous audition process, he was selected to sing the national anthem to open the match. It promises to be a high-profile gig.

The game takes place at 4 p.m. on a Friday of a home football weekend. Consequently, the match will draw its legion of college volleyball fans, as well as those attending the pep rally, taking place in the arena following the game.

Friends of the family describe his selection as fitting. Rich Fesl has sung in the traditional choir at St. James Catholic Church in Arlington Heights for nearly 15 years, and is a frequent soloist at weddings, funerals and even their Christmas program.

However, following the active pursuits of his four children, including younger siblings Mike and Abby, haven't left him time to pursue his singing beyond church. Until now.

"I've always thought it would be pretty cool to sing the national anthem at a sporting event," Fesl says, "and here, the opportunity presents itself."

Fesl, and his wife, Joan, and their large extended family all will be wearing specially designed T-shirts, which feature both the Fighting Irish and the Cincinnati Bearcat logos, capturing their divided loyalties.

They figure to see both girls get plenty of playing time.

Each played volleyball at Hersey High School, where they were named to the Daily Herald All-Area teams during their senior years -- Megan graduated in 2006 and Annie in 2007 -- and won athletic scholarships to Division I universities.

At the university level, Megan starts at outside hitter, while Annie is starting setter for her Bearcat team. Earlier this season, both drew conference honors, when Annie was named "Rookie of the Week," and Megan was named one of five on the Big East's honor roll that same week.

"I'll be cheering loudly on every play," Rich Fesl says. "At least, I'll be guaranteed a win."