By Bobby Narang
The Marmion Academy boys volleyball team was poised for another big season this Spring.
With the COVID-19 (coronavirus) putting the Spring season on hold, the Cadets are in limbo regarding whether they will build off of last season’s success.
After a 19-13 record last season, including a 9-0 record in the Chicago Catholic League White Division, the Cadets were set to rely on a talented cast of returnees and newcomers.
Senior outside hitter Ben Riner is among the returnees, but sat out last season with an injury. Libero James Tews and middle hitter John Demos headline a strong group of seniors.
“Marmion’s program has a great deal of enthusiasm and so many of my players really love this game,” said head coach Barb Ebert. “This is going to be a fun and exciting year. Once again, we are blessed with a team of talented athletes who are all-around good people. They not only want to perform well as individuals, but they want to be a great team. They also want to pay it forward and have already started mentoring the promising athletes we have in our JV and freshmen program.”
• St. Francis is another team brimming with talent. The Spartans are coming off of an historic 31-6 season and welcome back most of the key players for a team with State aspirations.
“We have most of our starting lineup back with a higher maturity level in the game,” St. Francis head coach Mike Lynch said. “Many of our guys had very successful club seasons and were riding that energy and momentum into this season. We are more mature, focused, and confident in our abilities as a team.
“Some of our keys to a strong season include improved ball control and passing, which will allow us to attack from any position on the court. We have some of the top hitters in the State and a returning setter whose experience should be key in getting our hitters the ball. Our attack will be one of the best and most balanced we’ve ever had at St. Francis, both from the pins and middle position.”
• The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has a target date of March 30 to resume practice and competition to follow, however, resumption will be in coordination with State health officials, administrations, and schools.