Julia Friedman ’11
Staff Writer

The Staples High School boys volleyball program has seen much success over the years. In the 2009 season the team won the FCIAC and State championships, and finished with an undefeated record. This year’s squad hopes to continue the streak and add to the victory of the program.

“We want to play the best we can in regular season so that we end up at a very high ranking to go into both the league in state tournaments, and we want to do well in those tournaments,” said coach Bruce Betts.

Due to graduation, Staples lost some talented players from last year’s team. Unfortunately the team lost their powerful outside hitters, and former captains Harry Strobel ‘09 and Charles Winslow ‘09, as well as the team’s setters, Dave Goffman ’09 and former captain JJ Goddu ’09.

This year the squad will be led by five captains, Matt Brill ‘10, Evan Gaumert ‘10, Tom Prenderville ‘10, Mikey Fitzgerald ‘10, and Andrew Glenn ‘10.

Glenn feels honored to be captain of such a prestigious team. “The Staples volleyball team is known state-wide, and to be chosen as one of the numerous captains is definitely a privilege. We have had some amazing captains come through in the past years so I’m hoping to make my own mark on the boys volleyball program,” Glenn said.

Although the Wreckers lost some key talent, the team is far from being at a loss of experienced players. Prenderville, Fitzgerlad, Gaumert, and Glenn were all starting players last season.

“They had amazing seasons last year. Andrew has definitely improved from last year because he is a faster and smarter player. He will be helping us dig balls in the back row,” Brill said.

In addition to these players, the Wreckers have others who will see time on the floor. This years lineup will include Danny Fishman ‘11at setter, Ryan Winter ‘11at defense or libero, Danny Hlawitschka ’10 at setter, Steven Denowitz ’11 at outside hitter, and Jonah Aelyon ’12 at outside hitter.

“We are still working around a few different rotations for the season, but Ryan Winter, Steve Denowitz, and Jonah Aelyon will help us a lot,” said Brill.

This year Staples will face tough competition as always. “I think the toughest competition will be Ridgefield. Also Danbury, Trumbull, and Fairfield Warde will be competitive,” Betts said.

The team is expecting Ridgefield to be their biggest competition in the FICAC. “We have two games near the end of the season, back to back Friday games one at Ridgefield, and one at Staples both of those games are huge,” Glenn said.

In regard to states, the Wreckers will also have to be prepared to play Xaiver. “The Xaiver team is packed with talent and they are definitely looking to make a run at states,” added Glenn.

This year the team hopes to continue the success of those before them and see success of their own. “My goals for this season are just to make sure I finish my career out the way that I was brought up in the program,” Glenn said. “Anything less than FCIACS and states would be disappointing.”

Brill adds, “I have been waiting my entire senior year to play, and I cannot be happier that the season is finally here. I cannot wait to have large crowds come to the games, and cheer us on.”