Throw in a couple of non-league games in back to back weeks and high school volleyball can feel like a long weekend at Regionals! This week it was Bellevue, Redmond, and Liberty on 3 consecutive nights; and it was busy for Club Volleyball Dad too as I linked up with Bellevue CVD on Tuesday for dinner and beers before the match and did the same thing with a Liberty CVD on Thursday. I'm going to do a longer post on the different parent dynamics in club vs. high school, but I have retained a few dad friends from Maddie's ITVC days and we get together before games when possible. So it was nice to see Bellevue dad and 3 of Maddie's club teammates on an improved Bellevue team. Sadly for us, while they have improved early this season, we are struggling to get our rhythm and unforced errored ourselves into oblivion. We lost 3-1 and there were a few meltdowns near the end. The one win was when Maddie ran a 5-1.
So Wednesday, I felt like we needed a win against non-league Redmond, just to get some mojo. And while we generally played down to Redmond's level, we ended up with a 3-0 win, and it was some much needed confidence. No one likes starting the season 0-3 like last year, and we avoided it.
The big test for me was Thursday in a contest with Liberty, who we seem to match up with evenly every year. I think we went 1-1 in 2010, last year we beat them 3 times but they were all close, and last night was no different. After dinner and a few Lucille IPA's with a Liberty CVD AND a Kang CVD, we watched Maddie run the 5-1 to perfection in a game one win. She really came out and took charge of the team. One of the parents even commented that she was out there directing traffic and being more forceful than usual. I loved it. In game 2, SS (sophomore setter) ran the 5-1 and Liberty pulled it out in a close one. Back to Maddie in Game 3 and a 25-18 win. Same offense in Game 4 and a 19-25 loss. At this point, my blood pressure was starting to rise a bit but we three dads settled in to watch Game 5. To my relief, Maddie was out once again in the 5-1 and though it was close, Lake Washington pulled it out 15-12.
I think it may have been Maddie's finest performance in high school. 28 assists (in 3.5 games), good command of her team, and I was really pumped to see her make 3 or 4 point saving hustle plays; very quick and instinctive efforts for a solid player that is not going to set any speed records. She has a pretty good burst and good instincts as to where the ball will be. Oh, and did I mention the 100% serving percentage this year? You have heard this here so many times, but what the hell, I'll say it again: "When you are playing mediocre teams, the goal is not aces, the goal is to put the ball into play and let the other team make the mistake!" Coaches, please use this at your discretion. :) We put too many balls out of play on serves. Not Maddie though, thank goodness. At one point, she ran off 9 straight points, and she does not have a killer serve. But she has a consistent serve and she can put it where she wants. Target the opponent's weakest link, servers!
I'm not saying we turned a corner or anything last night; we still have hitting and libero issues, but a 3-2 win against an evenly matched team is certainly good for the soul.
So, a fun week visiting with dads and winning a couple of matches. Another busy week coming up with a Monday non-league match against South Whidbey Island HS; they are 0-2 in the Cascade Conference. Then it's off to North Bend on Tuesday for our annual bittersweet trip. Sweet because we get together at Snoqualamie Brewing for some Wildcat IPS's, but bitter because the #3 ranked 3A Team in the state always kicks us brutally to the gym floor. That's followed up on Thursday with match at Interlake.
Anyway, more this weekend on the sometimes uneasy alliance between club and high school parents as they root for the same team and playing time for DD at the same time, and the beauty of friendships that form at the dad level during the volleyball life cycle.
Good weekend, all!
Friday, September 14, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Mercer Island Blues
This won't be a long post. Three years of playing MI and nary a match won. No different tonight; we were quite simply out-manned at every position. I wish more 6 foot plus hitters would move to Kirkland. They seem to have all settled in Mercer Island. Well, it was expected so no panic; at least we were home early. A great team like that exposes our shaky serve receive, lack of blocking, and lack of firepower. Luckily, we only play them one more time. Bellevue on Tuesday and let's hope the girls get in gear!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
2012 Jamboree
Finally! Volleyball is back in the schedule as the 2012 season kicked off with the 4A/3A Jamboree over at Juanita. The girls started out against a tough Woodinville team and things were pretty much over before they got started. Final score: Woodinville 25, Kangs 13.
Once we got that out of the way, the girls began to gel. Taking on another 4A team, we had a late lead, but one serve into the net and things went south (doesn't it always work that way?). Final score: Inglemoor 25, Kangs 23
Game 3 is when things finally seemed to click. The coach went to a 5-1 and the girls responded with passes, serves, sets and kills all crisp and confident and I believe we were up 15-4 at one point. Maddie's experience really allows her to take charge. She is constantly moving her teammates to their proper positions, offering encouragement and just playing steady, solid volleyball. She doesn't have a killer serve, and although I would have liked to see her work on this skill more in the past, she became comfortable being able to put it where she wants, and just about 100% of the time. I love a powerful ace just like the next guy, but when an ace is followed by a serve into the net, the net gain on points is zero. I like having someone on the team who you KNOW is going to keep the ball in play, especially late. Teams make enough mistakes on serve receive to justify this approach. Of course, a girl who has a CONSISTENT good serve is a godsend. Anyway, with the 5-1 and Maddie running the show, we beat Bothell 25-17.
Game 4 was another 5-1 with Maddie on the bench and it was a disaster (not necessarily the other setter's fault). The rotations were messed up and no one seemed in charge. That, along with the fact we were playing Skyline, led to a good old fashioned whippin. Skyline 25, Kangs 14.
After that debacle, it was back to a 6-2 and we took out Maddie's mom's old high school, Redmond, 25-19.
Then, it was arch rival Juanita. We started a sophomore and a freshman and ran the 6-2 and the game was extremely entertaining. The Juanita setter is a joy to watch, but they are a little thin after that; the game went back and forth and was the last game going. We would take the lead and give it up. They'd serve one into the net and we'd hit one long....but Lake Washington prevailed and we pulled it out 28-26.
So we went 3-3 against 4A schools and I think the team has some mojo. It still may take some time to click, and unfortunately, we start out with a ranked Mercer Island team on Thursday. Anyway, good to be back in the saddle again. Maddie had a good time tonight, is warming to the coaching staff, and likes her teammates.
Here's to a great 2012 to all of you!
Once we got that out of the way, the girls began to gel. Taking on another 4A team, we had a late lead, but one serve into the net and things went south (doesn't it always work that way?). Final score: Inglemoor 25, Kangs 23
Game 3 is when things finally seemed to click. The coach went to a 5-1 and the girls responded with passes, serves, sets and kills all crisp and confident and I believe we were up 15-4 at one point. Maddie's experience really allows her to take charge. She is constantly moving her teammates to their proper positions, offering encouragement and just playing steady, solid volleyball. She doesn't have a killer serve, and although I would have liked to see her work on this skill more in the past, she became comfortable being able to put it where she wants, and just about 100% of the time. I love a powerful ace just like the next guy, but when an ace is followed by a serve into the net, the net gain on points is zero. I like having someone on the team who you KNOW is going to keep the ball in play, especially late. Teams make enough mistakes on serve receive to justify this approach. Of course, a girl who has a CONSISTENT good serve is a godsend. Anyway, with the 5-1 and Maddie running the show, we beat Bothell 25-17.
Game 4 was another 5-1 with Maddie on the bench and it was a disaster (not necessarily the other setter's fault). The rotations were messed up and no one seemed in charge. That, along with the fact we were playing Skyline, led to a good old fashioned whippin. Skyline 25, Kangs 14.
After that debacle, it was back to a 6-2 and we took out Maddie's mom's old high school, Redmond, 25-19.
Then, it was arch rival Juanita. We started a sophomore and a freshman and ran the 6-2 and the game was extremely entertaining. The Juanita setter is a joy to watch, but they are a little thin after that; the game went back and forth and was the last game going. We would take the lead and give it up. They'd serve one into the net and we'd hit one long....but Lake Washington prevailed and we pulled it out 28-26.
So we went 3-3 against 4A schools and I think the team has some mojo. It still may take some time to click, and unfortunately, we start out with a ranked Mercer Island team on Thursday. Anyway, good to be back in the saddle again. Maddie had a good time tonight, is warming to the coaching staff, and likes her teammates.
Here's to a great 2012 to all of you!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Ready to Roll 2012
Labor Day Weekend and Maddie begins her senior year and last season of volleyball. The teams have been set, the girls are practicing daily and it's GO TIME. Things kick off on Tuesday at The 3A Jamboree at Juanita HS. I have not attended any practices this year but I walked to the gym on Friday at 3:55 and Maddie and S were already taking passes from the coach (ex-setter) and doing their setting drills. I wandered up next to her and just a look told me that she wasn't there to talk; she was at work. Things seem different this year. We have 9 seniors on this team and, 3 transfers, a freshman, 3 Maddie's, 2 Sara's, and 2 sets of sisters, one of them twins. And Maddie seems all business. I would have never seen practice already underway at 3:55 in her last several years. I think we have a couple of things going for us: those 9 seniors, a core group that has been together since last year, a new coach, and it seems, new spirit. Looking forward to next week! Here's to all of your girls beginning their seasons. Get your serves over!
Friday, August 24, 2012
A Pretty Cool 5 Seconds
Sometimes, it only takes 5 seconds for something to become crystal clear.
I wandered in to the last 20 minutes of Day 4 of the LWHS Volleyball tryouts and was immediately struck by the number of girls and the level of activity in our small, but nice gym. 3 courts had the girls packed tight and balls were flying everywhere. The sound of rubber shoes on the gym floor and "mine" echoing throughout. I gave a quick wave to Maddie and stood out of the way near court 1 where she was setting one side and our new Sophomore transfer from KJ was setting the other side. There was no setter depth this year so having this gal tranfer in, even being so young, was a good step. I noticed another dad and introduced myself and it turns out he was the other setters dad. What is is about setter dads that make us want to watch our girls excel? But I digress. When I told him who my daughter was and asked about moving up from Kent, he said that they had looked at houses near several Eastside schools but settled on LW because of the volleyball program and to a large part because of Maddie. That stunned me a bit and I asked Mads about it later. She explained that the family had reached out to our coach who encouraged her to email Maddie's mom (my ex) who is the Team Mom. Mom and Maddie met the Kent family and gave them a tour of the school and the gym and took them out for dinner to their favorite pizza joint and the dad told me that Maddie and Kristin were the clincher. So what a wonderful tribute to both Maddie AND to Kristin who has given hours and hours of her time to help this program. Not much get mentioned in the blog about mom, but she is the glue that has held this program together for 2 years, and the fact that a record 56 girls showed up for tryouts is a testament to her hard work. Maybe 56 girls would be disappointing at other schools in the area, but for a 3 year school that has just transitioned to a 4 year school and is still small (2A) compared to the others in the districts, this is a pretty astounding thing. 2 years ago this team had varsity and JV, last year they added a C Team, and this year there will be TWO Frosh/C Teams. 100% growth in 2 years.
Anyway, back to the point of the post. As the session wore down, I watched Maddie. Girls were approaching her for a word or a hug, some with tears in their eyes (tryouts can be heart wrenching), she would joke with a veteran, help take down the nets (she gets there an hour early every day to make sure the nets are put UP), and then coach called them into a big group to talk, all 56 of them, and when she was done, they raised their fists in the air and from deep within the circle, Maddie's voice rang out: "Here we go. Kangs on three. One, two, three KANGS!" And it was in that 5 seconds, when 55 girls looked to her to bring them together, that I realized my daughter was a leader. And to this dad, that's always what it's been about. I've watched her serve to advance deep in the playoffs, I've watched her give up her body to save a ball heading out of bounds, I've watched her crumple to the floor in pain only to get back up and play though the tears, but I've never been more proud of her than I was during those 5 seconds. This is your team now, Maddie, lead them. Schedule soon!
I hope all your DD's made it to the team they wanted to play on; share your stories!
I wandered in to the last 20 minutes of Day 4 of the LWHS Volleyball tryouts and was immediately struck by the number of girls and the level of activity in our small, but nice gym. 3 courts had the girls packed tight and balls were flying everywhere. The sound of rubber shoes on the gym floor and "mine" echoing throughout. I gave a quick wave to Maddie and stood out of the way near court 1 where she was setting one side and our new Sophomore transfer from KJ was setting the other side. There was no setter depth this year so having this gal tranfer in, even being so young, was a good step. I noticed another dad and introduced myself and it turns out he was the other setters dad. What is is about setter dads that make us want to watch our girls excel? But I digress. When I told him who my daughter was and asked about moving up from Kent, he said that they had looked at houses near several Eastside schools but settled on LW because of the volleyball program and to a large part because of Maddie. That stunned me a bit and I asked Mads about it later. She explained that the family had reached out to our coach who encouraged her to email Maddie's mom (my ex) who is the Team Mom. Mom and Maddie met the Kent family and gave them a tour of the school and the gym and took them out for dinner to their favorite pizza joint and the dad told me that Maddie and Kristin were the clincher. So what a wonderful tribute to both Maddie AND to Kristin who has given hours and hours of her time to help this program. Not much get mentioned in the blog about mom, but she is the glue that has held this program together for 2 years, and the fact that a record 56 girls showed up for tryouts is a testament to her hard work. Maybe 56 girls would be disappointing at other schools in the area, but for a 3 year school that has just transitioned to a 4 year school and is still small (2A) compared to the others in the districts, this is a pretty astounding thing. 2 years ago this team had varsity and JV, last year they added a C Team, and this year there will be TWO Frosh/C Teams. 100% growth in 2 years.
Anyway, back to the point of the post. As the session wore down, I watched Maddie. Girls were approaching her for a word or a hug, some with tears in their eyes (tryouts can be heart wrenching), she would joke with a veteran, help take down the nets (she gets there an hour early every day to make sure the nets are put UP), and then coach called them into a big group to talk, all 56 of them, and when she was done, they raised their fists in the air and from deep within the circle, Maddie's voice rang out: "Here we go. Kangs on three. One, two, three KANGS!" And it was in that 5 seconds, when 55 girls looked to her to bring them together, that I realized my daughter was a leader. And to this dad, that's always what it's been about. I've watched her serve to advance deep in the playoffs, I've watched her give up her body to save a ball heading out of bounds, I've watched her crumple to the floor in pain only to get back up and play though the tears, but I've never been more proud of her than I was during those 5 seconds. This is your team now, Maddie, lead them. Schedule soon!
I hope all your DD's made it to the team they wanted to play on; share your stories!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
2012 Volleyball Tryouts Begin!
The posts should start heating up now that tryouts are underway for the
2012 Kang squad. Not as much angst as in years past with Maddie the
clear cut #1 setter, but nothing is for certain with a new coaching
staff in place. I will reserve judgement for now, but it has not been
the smoothest of transitions. While the previous coach wasn't perfect,
the girls knew her and she knew them...and now we have someone running
the show who is trying to set things up HER way, and that can lead to
some grumbling and alienation among the seniors. I'll be swinging by
this week to check things out. I just pray that by laying down new laws,
the staff does not kill the chemistry that would have carried over from
a pretty good core group of seniors. Here we go!
Monday, July 16, 2012
2012 Pre-Season Tourney: Day One
How fun was it to walk into a gym and see 3 volleyball matches going on? Very fun! Just got home from the spacious Glacier Peak HS gym. You could fit 4 Lake Washington gyms in there, but I digress. We had our 6 returning seniors and 6 up and comers, and all in all, they looked pretty good. I would have liked to see our returning 6 play the entire first game (after all, we have a setter, a RS, an OH, 2 middles and a libero) but new coach and no 5-1 tonight. We have some nice underclassmen coming up. I saw pretty good serve receive and the Maddie to Dana (middle) combo will be fun to watch this year. They lost the first game 23-25 and then struggled in game 2 to lose the first match to Stanwood but turned it up a notch and beat Cascade (Everett) 2-0 in the second match. Not sure how the seeds work for next Monday but already looking forward to it. A fine first effort by everyone!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Summer High School Volleyball
Lots of changes in Maddie's life as she wrapped up her Junior year in June after a spring that did not include club volleyball. We made it over to a few tournaments to see our friends playing for ITVC including the always fun Emerald City Classic but it just wasn't the same without Maddie in there setting. In addition to driving now, she has been getting used to the new coaching regime at Lake Washington HS and playing some beach volleyball over at East Beach Volleyball Center. Last week she got to hang out with some Huskies while there! Her and her fellow Kangs enjoyed 4 days up at Western for the team VB camp, and it is feeling more and more like things are picking up. I want summer to last as long as possible, but I have to admit that I am looking forward to fall!
The lady Kangs are playing in a 3 week tournament at Glacier Peak HS over the next 3 Mondays; here are the pools:
Sounds like fun and we'll be getting to play teams that we would not normally meet including some friends and ex-teammates from Jackson. You know I'll post an update. Good to be back!
The lady Kangs are playing in a 3 week tournament at Glacier Peak HS over the next 3 Mondays; here are the pools:
Pool A (south court)(1) Jackson 2(2) Cedar Park(3) EverettPool B (middle court)(1) Cascade(2) Lake Washington(3) StanwoodPool C (north court)(1) Jackson 1(2) Roosevelt(3) Sedro-WoolleyPool D (upstairs)(1) Glacier Peak(2) Shorewood(3) Edmonds-Woodway
Sounds like fun and we'll be getting to play teams that we would not normally meet including some friends and ex-teammates from Jackson. You know I'll post an update. Good to be back!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Open Gym and a Mizuno Opportunity
Good to see so many girls at the Kang Open Gym last night. Lots of fun and camaraderie. No sign of the coach, but I suppose they can't coach anyway, right? I'd sure be spending this time of year figuring out who my varsity leaders and up and coming underclassmen were by watching them play, but that's just me, I guess.
Hey, got this passed along by Chris at Social-Ally:
I am reaching out to you on behalf of Mizuno Volleyball about a new campaign that I believe you and the readers of Club Volleyball Dad would be interested in. It’s called The Journey which is a contest for young competitive volleyball players from 13-18 in the US as we approach the London Summer Games.
Mizuno is offering a volleyball clinic, conducted by a member of the US Volleyball team, to the player who best showcases his or her journey through a video diary, photograph or essay. Here are all the details for you to check out at:
www.thejourneynews.com
I'll be heading over to UW to watch some volleyball at the Emerald City Classic next week. Hope to see some of you there!
http://emeraldcityclassic.us/
Happy setting!
Hey, got this passed along by Chris at Social-Ally:
I am reaching out to you on behalf of Mizuno Volleyball about a new campaign that I believe you and the readers of Club Volleyball Dad would be interested in. It’s called The Journey which is a contest for young competitive volleyball players from 13-18 in the US as we approach the London Summer Games.
Mizuno is offering a volleyball clinic, conducted by a member of the US Volleyball team, to the player who best showcases his or her journey through a video diary, photograph or essay. Here are all the details for you to check out at:
www.thejourneynews.com
I'll be heading over to UW to watch some volleyball at the Emerald City Classic next week. Hope to see some of you there!
http://emeraldcityclassic.us/
Happy setting!
Friday, March 23, 2012
New Coach at LWHS
The new Kangs VB coach was introduced to the team yesterday. Maddie participated in the interview process and had positive things to say as they begin open gyms...it's not much, but a little volleyball is back with spring! It's been a long boring winter without Club, so this is welcome news. Congrats to Stephanie and WELCOME!
Raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Stephanie had the unique opportunity to develop her passion for physical fitness at an early age. Along with enjoying outdoor sports such as biking, and hiking, she competed competitively as a figure skater, swimmer, triathlete, and was a member of the American Heart Association's Jump Rope Team in younger years.
As a high school athlete, she excelled in volleyball, and helped lead her team to win State, Regions, and Conference Championships. Stephanie received many athletic honors such as Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Alaska, and All Tournament teams for State and Regions. As a Junior and Senior, she participated in and won the Ms. Service Bodybuilding competition.
After High School, she went on to receive a full ride athletic scholarship at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, ID where she received the All- Academic team award and majored in Kinesiology. Stephanie transferred to Seattle Pacific University after her sophomore year, and received a bachelor’s in Exercise Science. While in College, she worked as a personal trainer for “In-Home clients”, was a trainer for Acceleration Alaska, ran conditioning camps for volleyball players, and continued to coach. She currently is a Certified Personal Trainer / Lifestyle Coach for Custom Fitness Now.com
Head Coach: Stephanie Wayt
Stephanie was most recently head coach of the Sammamish Totems. She has over eight years experience coaching 3rd through 12th grade volleyball players and has conducted skills camps.Raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Stephanie had the unique opportunity to develop her passion for physical fitness at an early age. Along with enjoying outdoor sports such as biking, and hiking, she competed competitively as a figure skater, swimmer, triathlete, and was a member of the American Heart Association's Jump Rope Team in younger years.
As a high school athlete, she excelled in volleyball, and helped lead her team to win State, Regions, and Conference Championships. Stephanie received many athletic honors such as Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Alaska, and All Tournament teams for State and Regions. As a Junior and Senior, she participated in and won the Ms. Service Bodybuilding competition.
After High School, she went on to receive a full ride athletic scholarship at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, ID where she received the All- Academic team award and majored in Kinesiology. Stephanie transferred to Seattle Pacific University after her sophomore year, and received a bachelor’s in Exercise Science. While in College, she worked as a personal trainer for “In-Home clients”, was a trainer for Acceleration Alaska, ran conditioning camps for volleyball players, and continued to coach. She currently is a Certified Personal Trainer / Lifestyle Coach for Custom Fitness Now.com
Friday, March 2, 2012
Back to Volleyball
It's not Club. Didn't have to fly to Vegas or drive to Spokane. Didn't cost anything. But it was Volleyball. It's been tough getting texts from my Volleyball Dad friends while their DD's continue to play Club, but at least we got a bit of volleyball back last night as LW held their first open gym. Maddie reports that about 20 girls showed up, including the returning Varsity Six and that a fine time was had by all. It will be a challenge this year with a (yet to be hired) new coach and 6 returning seniors. (One complaint from last year was a blind loyalty to upper classmen, which means no sophomores were on the team. This may lead to a separation between the 6 returning seniors and their 6 teammates with no varsity experience whatsoever.) On the other hand, we're dropping down to 2A which will not help during the regular season (still play Juanita, Sammamish, Bellevue, MI, etc) but will help if we make the playoffs. But all in all, on a cold first day of March, Maddie seemed pumped that volleyball was back.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Power League 2012
I rolled out of bed at 0600 on a cold and windy Sunday, threw down a coffee and a power bar and hit the road for Puyallup for the 8 am start. The 45 minute drive was easy on a Sunday morning and the gym was busy as 8 teams prepared for a day of battle. I stood beside my 2 best dad friends from last year until they looked my way and did a double take. Smiles and high fives all around and as the first serve from the ITVC 17's made it's way across the net I was struck with a profound sadness as it sunk in that there would be no Maddie to watch setting this day. I stayed for a couple of matches, but of course it just wasn't the same. The difference between watching a friends daughter and my own was stark. I saw these girls giving a lot up to be part of a team and exercise and play the sport they love and felt let down that we were not part of it any more. Club Volleyball Dad withdrawal has been pretty bad. No Eugene last week. No looking forward to Vegas and Reno and Spokane. No pride in success. No shared disappointment in a loss. I can't help but think this was not Maddie's best decision. But as I drove home, I realized it was her choice to make, not mine. So VB parents, please enjoy seeing your daughters play while you can and don't fret so much about the money or time or inconvenience...because some day you will wake up like me and realize that it's all gone. And you will grieve. It was great seeing my Volleyball Dad friends and I'm sure I'll be at another match down the road.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Lake Washington HS Head Coach Opening
Without going into any details, I just want to bring to everyone's attention that the Head Coach at Lake Washington High School has resigned and Maddie's team is now looking for her replacement. The new coach inherits a solid core group and a great setter. Here is the info. Please pass along to anyone who might be interested.
https://ats4.searchsoft.net/ats/app_login.shtml?COMPANY_ID=00013612
https://ats4.searchsoft.net/ats/img/00013612-4600587201-66668223.docx
https://ats4.searchsoft.net/ats/app_login.shtml?COMPANY_ID=00013612
https://ats4.searchsoft.net/ats/img/00013612-4600587201-66668223.docx
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Lake Washington to 2A
As mentioned in the comments, LW will be in 2A next year though it does not appear it changes anything in the regular season as we continue to play Interlake (moving to 3A), Bellevue, Sammamish (also dropping to 2A), Juanita, Mt. Si, and Liberty. Not sure how qualifying for post season play works now, but it seems strange to play 3A teams in order to qualify for the 2A tournament. Should be interesting! Full article from the Seattle Times below. More news coming out of LW Volleyball in January. Stay tuned! Maddie is enjoying her spare time by doing some traveling, painting, writing, and Advance Placement History. CVD misses watching practices and bitching about Power League rankings.
Play where you land.
That's the philosophy administrators at Lake Washington High School believe in, and the reason the Kangaroos will compete as a Class 2A school starting next fall, when a new two-year classification cycle kicks in across the state.
As recently as 2009-10, Lake Washington played as a 4A school despite 3A enrollment numbers. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) gives member schools the opportunity to "opt up" (but not down) to any classification, and that's the direction LW took in the mid-2000s.
The Kirkland school landed in 3A again during the last reclassification cycle, which began in 2010-11, and played there. But with average enrollment down about 100 students to slightly under 1,065 in grades 10-12, the school falls just under the 3A cutoff of 1,086.
Sammamish of Bellevue, which opted up from 2A to 3A in the last cycle, is also making the drop to 2A with an enrollment just under 903. But Liberty, smaller still at just under 870, will remain 3A (enrollment figures are averaged over eight months, with November figures counted twice).
Interlake, meanwhile, is forced by size (nearly 1,207) to move back up from 2A to 3A. All will continue to compete in the KingCo 3A/2A Conference with the other 3A schools — Bellevue, Mercer Island, Mount Si and Juanita, which for the second cycle in a row sits right above the cutoff line at just over 1,096.
But for postseason purposes, LW and Sammamish will be 2A.
Interlake enjoyed success playing where it landed the past two years. The Saints won the 2A state girls soccer title last month, reached the quarterfinals in football and qualified for the state volleyball tournament.
"It changed everything for their sports," said George Crowder, a longtime coach now in his third year as the Lake Washington athletic director. "What I talk about is competitive equity ... What you want to do is give kids the greatest opportunity to compete competitively at their level."
There are few changes elsewhere around the Greater Seattle area. It's status quo in the Metro League, where Franklin and Bainbridge are the only "true" 3A schools in terms of numbers but the other 12 will continue to opt up.
In WesCo, Marysville-Pilchuck and Stanwood are dropping to 3A, while Lynnwood moves up with 4A numbers. Mount Vernon will climb from 3A to 4A and will leave the Northwest Conference for WesCo, which will have 4A and 3A divisions again.
There are no changes in either South Puget Sound League 4A or 3A, but in SPSL 2A Eatonville leaves (joining the Nisqually League as a 1A school) and is replaced by Orting (currently 1A).
The WIAA officially gave schools until Dec. 20 to declare intentions to opt up, but does make exceptions. The classification numbers are not official until approved by the WIAA Executive Board next month.
Mike Colbrese, WIAA executive director, said the Executive Board is forming a committee to look into possible changes in the reclassification process regarding the length of the cycles (going to every four years instead of two, for instance) and how to count alternative school students, among other issues.
Lake Washington moving to Class 2A next year
Seattle Times staff reporter
That's the philosophy administrators at Lake Washington High School believe in, and the reason the Kangaroos will compete as a Class 2A school starting next fall, when a new two-year classification cycle kicks in across the state.
As recently as 2009-10, Lake Washington played as a 4A school despite 3A enrollment numbers. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) gives member schools the opportunity to "opt up" (but not down) to any classification, and that's the direction LW took in the mid-2000s.
The Kirkland school landed in 3A again during the last reclassification cycle, which began in 2010-11, and played there. But with average enrollment down about 100 students to slightly under 1,065 in grades 10-12, the school falls just under the 3A cutoff of 1,086.
Sammamish of Bellevue, which opted up from 2A to 3A in the last cycle, is also making the drop to 2A with an enrollment just under 903. But Liberty, smaller still at just under 870, will remain 3A (enrollment figures are averaged over eight months, with November figures counted twice).
Interlake, meanwhile, is forced by size (nearly 1,207) to move back up from 2A to 3A. All will continue to compete in the KingCo 3A/2A Conference with the other 3A schools — Bellevue, Mercer Island, Mount Si and Juanita, which for the second cycle in a row sits right above the cutoff line at just over 1,096.
But for postseason purposes, LW and Sammamish will be 2A.
Interlake enjoyed success playing where it landed the past two years. The Saints won the 2A state girls soccer title last month, reached the quarterfinals in football and qualified for the state volleyball tournament.
"It changed everything for their sports," said George Crowder, a longtime coach now in his third year as the Lake Washington athletic director. "What I talk about is competitive equity ... What you want to do is give kids the greatest opportunity to compete competitively at their level."
There are few changes elsewhere around the Greater Seattle area. It's status quo in the Metro League, where Franklin and Bainbridge are the only "true" 3A schools in terms of numbers but the other 12 will continue to opt up.
In WesCo, Marysville-Pilchuck and Stanwood are dropping to 3A, while Lynnwood moves up with 4A numbers. Mount Vernon will climb from 3A to 4A and will leave the Northwest Conference for WesCo, which will have 4A and 3A divisions again.
There are no changes in either South Puget Sound League 4A or 3A, but in SPSL 2A Eatonville leaves (joining the Nisqually League as a 1A school) and is replaced by Orting (currently 1A).
The WIAA officially gave schools until Dec. 20 to declare intentions to opt up, but does make exceptions. The classification numbers are not official until approved by the WIAA Executive Board next month.
Mike Colbrese, WIAA executive director, said the Executive Board is forming a committee to look into possible changes in the reclassification process regarding the length of the cycles (going to every four years instead of two, for instance) and how to count alternative school students, among other issues.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Club Volleyball: Power League Explained
I wanted to pass along this fine summary of the Puget Sound Region Power League prepared by our friends at KJ Volleyball Club. Thanks, Pirate!
http://blog.kjvbc.com/?page_id=80
http://blog.kjvbc.com/?page_id=80
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Club Volleyball: Tryout Weekend Blues
I'm sitting here at 9:30 on Sunday night and remembering back to a year ago when we got the call from ITVC and had to withdraw our commitment to Blaze and how exhilarated and stressed we all were...and I know many of you are going through that same thing. How do I know? Because I've heard from alot of you! I know a few girls who are going back to ITVC as U-17's and I'm so jealous of the dads! I've been kind of moping around all weekend, and not just because my Rams got killed by the hated Seahawks. I kept thinking Maddie would change her mind even at this late stage, but to her credit, she is firm in her decision. On the other hand, I heard from another dad that one of the nearby clubs told the U-17 candidates that the cost would be $4200 and that they would only go to tournaments where they would be seen by college coaches... qualifiers and other tourneys. No power league. Now THAT got me thinking. Even if Maddie had decided she wanted to play in college but only wanted to play at a school in the Northwest, I'd have to question playing for that club. And if she had said she only wanted to play club because she loved it and wanted to stay in shape, etc. etc. I would have completely balked at paying that kind of money. On the other hand, if she was trying to land a D2 scholarship and was not limited to WHERE, them maybe that kind of club would be worth it. Tough choices when you hit U-17....all you parents with younger girls, just enjoy the next few years! But I also think that unless you have height AND talent, it's an uphill battle to play in college. You can make it if you live and breathe volleyball because I really think it would take a total commitment to succeed....and that's what Maddie always struggled with. She LOVES volleyball, but I also think she doesn't love VB to the extent that she wanted to give up as much as you have to give up to play club. Still, as I got the word tonight that the DD's of my 2 favorite dads will be back at IT next year, I feel like the dad on the outside. I hope what she chooses to do as a replacement for Club benefits her as much as Club benefited her. Whether it's grades, or her writing, or her art....I just hope that she looks back in 10 years and still believes she made the right decision. I guess being a dad who trusts his daughter has to respect decisions, even if he thinks those decisions are not the ones he hoped she would make. But I trust her. I'm just sad.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Club Volleyball: End of the Line
Over the past couple of years, this week has been one of the most nerve racking of all. Figuring out tryout schedules, worrying about where Maddie would end up, wondering where the money was going to come from...but not this year, because Maddie has decided not to play Club. I've held off updating the blog in the hope that she would change her mind, but I guess the decision is final. I've invited her to post about what went into this decision and maybe some day she will. My armchair opinion is that once she decided she wanted to go to only to Western, and once she realized that playing college volleyball means no summers and full time dedication to the sport, she lost her enthusiasm. She wants to do other things, and I support her and love her and know she will continue to thrive. And she'll be back playing for the Kangs in 2012 and be involved with the middle school teams as well.
That being said, I'm really sad that it's over. Volleyball has been so good for her, has contributed so much to her growth as a young lady, that I wonder what can replace it. For me....well, for me it's been some of the most fun I've had as a dad. To see your daughter compete and succeed is like nothing else. I've enjoyed writing this blog and meeting so many great people. I've enjoyed watching dozens of practices and hundreds of games at high schools and facilities I never even knew existed. I LOVED getting up at 6 am to drive to Olympia. I LOVED just hanging out watching other teams during those 2 hour breaks between matches. Heck, I even loved going to Highline CC! Maddie and me...we're tight; we'll be OK forever, but volleyball has been a special bond and I'm really going to miss it.
I don't know what happens to the blog. Of course, I will chronicle next season's LWHS campaign and I'll keep everyone up to date on what is going on with Maddie. I'll always be a club volleyball dad. Thanks to everyone who reads this and who has reached out over the last few years...Stacy and Ann, you guys have helped so much.
If you stumble across this in a Google search for Club Volleyball info and make it to this post, I just want to say that I hope your daughter goes for it! Club is so awesome. They will benefit SO much. Just hold on for the ride. Love you, #11. You are one hell of a setter and one hell of a daughter. 5x5, babe.
That being said, I'm really sad that it's over. Volleyball has been so good for her, has contributed so much to her growth as a young lady, that I wonder what can replace it. For me....well, for me it's been some of the most fun I've had as a dad. To see your daughter compete and succeed is like nothing else. I've enjoyed writing this blog and meeting so many great people. I've enjoyed watching dozens of practices and hundreds of games at high schools and facilities I never even knew existed. I LOVED getting up at 6 am to drive to Olympia. I LOVED just hanging out watching other teams during those 2 hour breaks between matches. Heck, I even loved going to Highline CC! Maddie and me...we're tight; we'll be OK forever, but volleyball has been a special bond and I'm really going to miss it.
I don't know what happens to the blog. Of course, I will chronicle next season's LWHS campaign and I'll keep everyone up to date on what is going on with Maddie. I'll always be a club volleyball dad. Thanks to everyone who reads this and who has reached out over the last few years...Stacy and Ann, you guys have helped so much.
If you stumble across this in a Google search for Club Volleyball info and make it to this post, I just want to say that I hope your daughter goes for it! Club is so awesome. They will benefit SO much. Just hold on for the ride. Love you, #11. You are one hell of a setter and one hell of a daughter. 5x5, babe.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Congrats Kameron!
A great article about a friend of this blog, Kameron McLain. Good luck at State!
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2016713536_ringer08.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/highschoolsports/2016713536_ringer08.html
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Kangs Hit the End of the Line
After an up and down season and a very satisfying post season, the 2011 Kang varsity volleyball team fell to Mercer Island 3-1. The girls ended up playing really well together as the playoffs began and had several chances to finally beat Mercer Island, but their stronger defense and dominant hitters finally wore us down. They continued on and qualified for state; congrats to both Mt. Si AND Mercer Island for making it. And so the 2011 Kangs season comes to a close with 7 seniors leaving, but leaving on a high note. My heart goes out to our Senior Libero, Katy, who played better and better as the season wore on and arguably deserves the Team MVP award in my book. She collided with another player in the 3rd game yesterday and ended up with a broken forearm. Having her make an appearance, arm in a sling, as she headed off to get the arm x-rayed was the stuff of champions. Good luck to Katy and all of the seniors in wherever life takes you.
Maddie has some news to deliver and I'll host a wrap up after the team party on Tuesday. Here's a last shot of the girls just after their season ender:
Maddie has some news to deliver and I'll host a wrap up after the team party on Tuesday. Here's a last shot of the girls just after their season ender:
Friday, November 4, 2011
March of the Kangs Continues
I honestly did not think we would be playing volleyball into November, but the girls have simply turned it up a notch in the post season in what has become a memorable year for the Kangs. Yesterday, it was a District match vs. the winner of the Metro B league, Chief Sealth High School. The match was held at West Seattle HS in the spare gym which means the back of the bleachers were full with folks looking down and it was standing room only along the side and end lines. It was like playing volleyball in the ThunderDome for all of you Mad Max fans. (It is very cool that anyone doing a Google search for 'volleyball' + 'mad max' will someday be directed to this blog; who knew?)
The Kangs came out and silenced the mostly pro Chief Sealth crowd (though as ALWAYS we were well represented by a large group of Kang parents) by easily taking the first two games. Whether it was cockiness or a letdown or stress from the venue, we turned flat and lost a close game 3, then collapsed totally to lose game 4 and have everything tied up at 2. The crowd was going wild as Match 1 from the other side had ended and everyone was over watching our match. In a switch, Maddie started Game 5 and the team jumped out to an early 7-3 lead only to see it slip away and change hands continuously until it was all tied at 13, Chief Sealth serving. We rallied to win the point and Maddie cycled in to take the serve. Maddie is money on serves with about a 98% success rate, and true to form, she floated a warbler over the net that was not handled well by Sealth, they put up a weak attack and we got the ball back in system. After a deflection fell weakly to the floor, the Kangs had pulled off the win and lived to play another day.
The match against defending State Champ and #3 ranked Seattle Prep was almost anticlimactic. We held our own, but no way do we compete with D1 caliber players and they easily coasted 3-0. BUT, we play on with a Saturday match against Mercer Island who fell to Holy Names last night in another thriller. We have never beaten Mercer Island but the team is playing well right now. If we can hit with authority, get our serves in and play solid defense, you never know. 1 PM Saturday.
Congrats also to our friend Jessica and her Liberty team who beat our friend Ellen and West Seattle to also join the parade on Saturday. Maddie, Lark (from MI) and Jessica remain the only ITVC Blue teammates playing in the 3A tournament. Good job you guys!
A few pics:
Maddie's serve from the bleachers in the ThunderDome at West Seattle:
Another set to the outside:
Match point in Game 5 and VICTORY:
The Kangs came out and silenced the mostly pro Chief Sealth crowd (though as ALWAYS we were well represented by a large group of Kang parents) by easily taking the first two games. Whether it was cockiness or a letdown or stress from the venue, we turned flat and lost a close game 3, then collapsed totally to lose game 4 and have everything tied up at 2. The crowd was going wild as Match 1 from the other side had ended and everyone was over watching our match. In a switch, Maddie started Game 5 and the team jumped out to an early 7-3 lead only to see it slip away and change hands continuously until it was all tied at 13, Chief Sealth serving. We rallied to win the point and Maddie cycled in to take the serve. Maddie is money on serves with about a 98% success rate, and true to form, she floated a warbler over the net that was not handled well by Sealth, they put up a weak attack and we got the ball back in system. After a deflection fell weakly to the floor, the Kangs had pulled off the win and lived to play another day.
The match against defending State Champ and #3 ranked Seattle Prep was almost anticlimactic. We held our own, but no way do we compete with D1 caliber players and they easily coasted 3-0. BUT, we play on with a Saturday match against Mercer Island who fell to Holy Names last night in another thriller. We have never beaten Mercer Island but the team is playing well right now. If we can hit with authority, get our serves in and play solid defense, you never know. 1 PM Saturday.
Congrats also to our friend Jessica and her Liberty team who beat our friend Ellen and West Seattle to also join the parade on Saturday. Maddie, Lark (from MI) and Jessica remain the only ITVC Blue teammates playing in the 3A tournament. Good job you guys!
A few pics:
Maddie's serve from the bleachers in the ThunderDome at West Seattle:
Another set to the outside:
Match point in Game 5 and VICTORY:
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