Beacon-News boys volleyball preview capsules

Updated: March 31, 2011 4:00PM

West Aurora

Head coach: Tolis Koskinaris

2010 record: 13-19

Top returners: Eric Roggeman (Jr., OH), Patrick Ronan (Jr., L), Joseph Frommert (Jr., MH), Binali Khurshidov (Sr., MH), Frank Martinez (Sr., DS).

Top newcomers: Joseph Schwerdtfeger (Jr., S), David Vasquez (Jr., RS/OH), Spencer Thomas (Soph., RS).

Season outlook: The Blackhawks return the core of the team and are led by DuPage Valley All-Conference selection Ronan. Khurshidov is capable of taking over a match. Playing in a tough conference and several competitive tournaments should test the Blackhawks' experience.

"Our serve-receive is as good as any out there with Ronan and Joey Medina and our juniors are up to the challenge," Koskinaris said.

Waubonsie Valley

Head coach: Al Lagger

2010 record: 23-11 overall, 7-1 UEC

Top returners: Luke Furman (Soph., Setter), Sean Keeve (Sr., OH), Jordan James (Sr., MB), Chris MacFadyen (Sr., RH), Selby Wilson (Sr., OH).

Top newcomers: Will Gautschi (Sr., RH), Graham Bringman (Sr., MB), Michael Simmons (Fr., S), Dan Allen (Soph., L), T.P. Parker (Sr., DS).

Season outlook: The defending UEC champs are tall and deep. Captains James and MacFadyen are both 6-7. Gautschi is 6-8 and Bringman is 6-7. Furman will also wear a C on his jersey. That size and depth could lead to another UEC crown and a deep playoff run.

"This is by far the tallest and most experienced team I have had in my 17 years at Waubonsie Valley. We look forward for the opportunity to showcase our depth and talent in the 2011 season," Lagger said.

Metea Valley

Head coach: John Aister

2010 record: First varsity season.

Top returners: This squad is comprised of sophomores and juniors who played at the JV level last year and went 13-13.

Top newcomers: Chad Martin (Jr., S), Peter Hebda (Jr., MH), Martin Krasuski (Soph., OH), Adam Miller (Jr., MH), Shiv Desai (Soph, MH).

Season outlook: The Mustangs have good size as all five above are 6-2 or taller. While the Mustangs lack varsity experience, they are not short on talent and will be competitive in the UEC.

"With a good mix of height and club experience, these newcomers have the potential to surprise some teams," Aister said.

Oswego East

Head coach: Jim Mueller

2010 record: 14-14

Top returners: Dominique Cook (Sr., OH), Keerthan Zantakalla (Sr., L), Blake Izzo (Jr., OH).

Top newcomers: Gert Lisha (Soph., S/OH).

Season outlook: After winning four matches two years ago, the Wolves improved by 10 wins last year and expect to make a big jump again this season. Building on that success, the Wolves hope to compete for a conference championship.

"We're looking forward to doing well this season and are focused on winning the first regional in school history. We have the tools to do it," Mueller said.

Geneva

Head coaches: K.C. Johnsen and Abby Norman

2010 record: First varsity season.

Top returners: The Vikings have 19 boys out for the team and at this point are hoping for contributions from everyone as they will compete at the varsity and JV level for the first time. Once the Vikings get a few matches under their belt, the coaches will have a better assessment of their squad.

Season outlook: The main goal for a program in its infancy is to learn more about the game, improve their individual technique and grow as a team.

Oswego

Head coach: Sean Ferguson

2010 record: 19-11

Top returners: Freddy Miller (Jr., MH), Matt Purcell (Sr., MH), Jason Hines (Sr., Li), Alex Pena (Sr., OH), Billy Burke (Sr., S).

Top newcomers: Quentin Kovac (Soph., OH), Boyer Kornfiend (Jr., S), Danny McGuire (Jr., OH), Brandon Garcia (Jr., OH), Tommy Schabinger (Jr., OH), Kevin Oppe (Jr., OH).

Season outlook: The Panthers will have a strong presence at the net in Miller and have plenty of senior leadership.

"This season should be a great one," Ferguson said. "The boys know that teamwork will be our largest asset. It should be a fun, competitive year."

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