Marist's Smalzer: Big fish in big pond

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Marist’s Joe Smalzer will reap a lot of individual awards this season, but his most important acquisition might be two dozen fish.

‘‘Somebody bought fish at the pet store before our sectional semifinal against Lincoln-Way Central,’’ Smalzer said. ‘‘They were just goofing around. I brought a tank. Some of the other guys brought rocks and decorations. We had them in the locker room.’’

‘‘We had a guinea pig earlier in the season, but Coach said we couldn’t keep it,’’ Smalzer said.

The unusual team bonding activity is typical of the camaraderie shown by Marist players this season. But it all starts with Smalzer, their 6-7 star who has been named the 2009 Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year.

‘‘Joe’s contributions to the success of Marist volleyball go well beyond statistics,’’ coach Bob St. Leger said. ‘‘He is truly a great player because he is not just an attacker and a blocker, he is one of our best passers and defensive players as well, which is uncommon for a player of his size.

‘‘He also is a leader by example, which I believe is the best type of leader. His work ethic and love for the game are unparalleled.’’

Unlike his sister Claire, who opted for a more moderate North Carolina climate at Duke, Smalzer will continue his career locally at Loyola. He looked at California Pacific, but found the pace not to his liking.

‘‘I love Chicago, I love downtown,’’ he said. ‘‘California is too laid-back for me.’’