The FHS boys varsity volleyball team marked the start of their competitive season with a friendly scrimmage against the HSE boys varsity team at HSE high school on March 18. The Tigers lost the friendly scrimmage, sets 0-3 to HSE. Prior to the game, the team had been training and was confident about what the season might bring. 

“I think [we are] looking good, practice has been very intense which is something we haven’t had in a long time,” varsity team captain and senior Ethan Luenemann said. “We have a lot of kids that are ready to go and ready to be here.” 

Another team captain, senior Jack Powell, echoed Luenemann’s positive sentiment. 

“[I am] feeling good, like Ethan said,” Powell said. “[We have had] different coaches this year for the whole year, as [our former coach] retired last year. The plays [the coaches are] running, and the ideas he has are a lot different, and I’m liking him so far.” 

The new varsity coach Jordan Guler has begun his first season with the team. He is confident in his players and is optimistic for the start of the season. Most of the varsity team members graduated last year, leaving room for the junior class to step up during training.  

“[We are] coming together; we were very much not cooperative yet,” Guler said. “[We had not] really established our connections. Now [we are] working a lot better and [are] ready to go for the season.” 

The team’s synergy is an aspect that is beginning to come together. They have specialties and skills that the team can take advantage of. 

“We have top players from [the] middle, outsides, and] right-sides; we can kind of dominate in all [of] those areas as long as we play together as a team,” team captain senior Jacob Thomas said. 

This confidence expands beyond the current season. Last season, Thomas had an opportunity to grow as a player. He observed the team’s previous setter, former student JT Guler, he was able to copy his mannerisms and relflect on his moves, such as Luenemann the way he sets. Like Thomas, Powell also exemplified this individual introspection. 

“Last season I [did not] get to play as much, and this year I’m playing a little bit more,” Powell said. “[I have] found myself more relaxed this year [compared to] last year. I hope to continue that throughout the season.” 

Luenemann echoed the optimism for the season and was excited for the opportunity to play against HSE. 

“We know a lot of people on that side, obviously there’s a lot of smiles in boys volleyball, it isn’t that serious,” Luenemann said. “[It is] always fun scrimmaging these guys and seeing them here.”