South boys volleyball almost starting from scratch
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Joe Paul, left, and Brian D'Angelo captain Williamsville South boys volleyball. Paul is the only returning player from the Billies' 20-6 team a year ago. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

The 2006 season was one to remember for Williamsville South.

The Billies went 20-6, won the Grand Island Tournament and appeared in the Section VI Class B final for the first time in at least 15 years.

But with only one player returning, senior co-captain Joe Paul, and several newcomers out for the first time, coach Thom Knab finds himself in unfamiliar territory.

"We usually have a large group that comes back every year," said Knab. "I've never experienced something like this, especially coming off a season like we had."

The team's inexperience on the roster has forced Knab to become more of a teacher.

"We're doing a lot more repetitive stuff to get that experience," said Knab.

"I want to teach them the sport the best I can and the best they're able to do so," he added. "I'll push them as far as I can but how much winning we will do along the way will be up to how we gel as a team."

Paul returns to the left side as an outside hitter, a position he played as a junior. He will also be a serve-receive specialist.

"He brings experience and the knowledge of where you have to be on the court," said Knab. "His hitting has been really good and he has developed into a powerful hitter."

The Billies' other co-captain is senior Brian D'Angelo, who played JV as a sophomore. D'Angelo can play at middle hitter along with sophomore Huron Hill and seniors Alex Walkowski and Mike Quinlan. Hill is up from JV, Walkowski never played high school volleyball before and Quinlan tried out as a freshman. Knab said Quinlan might also see time as a hitter on the left side. Sophomore Nick Schuh and junior Brian Zaprowski, both from JV, will also see time as outside hitters. Sophomore Pat Drexinger and junior Mike Anders, two other JV call-ups, will handle the setting duties.

Rounding out the team are right side hitters, senior Nate Lennert and junior Jon Keenan. Lennert is out for the first time; Keenan is up from JV.

South opened at Williamsville North on Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. They play at Clarence on Wednesday.

"We'll have our struggles in the beginning," said Knab. "Hopefully, we can build on that experience once playoff time comes around, we'll surprise some people."
South 2007 Schedule
9-5 at Clarence............. 4:30 p.m.
9-7 Cleveland Hill ............. 6 p.m.
9-8 at Clarence tourn.... 8:30 a.m.
9-10 at Lake Shore ............ 5 p.m.
9-14 at Hamburg ................ 6 p.m.
9-18 at Iroquois............. 4:30 p.m.
9-20 W.S. East .................... 6 p.m.
9-24 at Amherst ................. 6 p.m.
9-26 East ............................ 6 p.m.
9-27 Lake Shore................. 6 p.m.
10-2 at Cleveland Hill .. 4:30 p.m.
10-4 Hamburg.................... 6 p.m.
10-6 South Tourn. .......... 8:30 a.m.
10-10 Iroquois..................... 6 p.m.
10-12 at W.S. East............. 5 p.m.
10-16 Amherst .................... 6 p.m.
10-18 at East ...................... 6 p.m.
10-22 Niagara-Wheatfield . 6 p.m.
10-23 at North .................... 5 p.m.
10-26 Clarence .................. 6 p.m.
10-27 at Grand Island tourn. 8:30
a.m.
*JV times listed, varsity follows
unless otherwise noted
e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com