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Tigers look to break through Class B
"Mike told me he expects us to make it to the sectional final, if not farther," said Schowb. "It's a lot of pressure and I know I have some big shoes to fill, but if these guys play to their potential, the sky is the limit." Amherst finished 4-6 in ECIC II, 8-9 overall in 2006. Their season ended with a loss to Maryvale, who should also be strong this year, in a Section VI Class B quarterfinal. Schwob took over the team about a week and a half ago because Belle-Isle was named Amherst Central's Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services. Amherst is not Schwob's first coaching stop. A former player at Kenmore East and University at New Paltz, he was head coach of Holy Angels' program for three years and also coached the JV girls team at Kenmore East. "When I met with Mike, we had a lot of the same ideas (strong work ethic, discipline)," said Schwob. "Everything worked out well." Leading the Tigers this season are senior co-captains Charlie Gomez and Andrew Hays. Both were captains as juniors. The 6-foot-5 Gomez led the Tigers in kills, blocks and aces in 2006 and was named to the All-ECIC first team. He won a silver medal with the Western Region men's scholastic team at this past summer's Empire State Games. He will play at outside hitter. "He's probably one of the top three players in Western New York," said Schwob. "He has a great attitude and work ethic and loves to play." Schwob said Gomez has a great jump serve and can throw down for kills anywhere on the court. He is also a good leader. "I've coached a lot of players over the last couple of years, girls and guys, and he stands out as probably as the best leader I've ever had on the court," he said. "If someone goes out of place, he knows where to put them." Hays led the team in assists last year. Schwob said Hays works well in practice with Gomez and the rest of the team's outside and middle hitters. "He's the quarterback out there and knows where everyone is at all times," said Schwob. Another key player is senior libero Alex Dusenberry, who led the team in the digs as a junior. Dusenberry is only 5-foot-4 but Schwob said has a vertical between 30 to 35 inches. Other key players are outside hitter Dan Lawrence and middle blocker David Greetham, both juniors. Overall, Schwab said the team has a lot of balance. "We have a lot of real quality hitters and passers which makes my job very difficult in trying to incorporate who is playing to the best of their ability, because they all are," said Schwob. Schwob said a team strength is offense but he has also seen some strong passing in practice too.
Amherst opened its season at Clarence on Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. They play at East Aurora at 6 p.m. on Thursday. |
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