Sports Page 18
The Lightning Strike • November-December 2010
FINALISTS
SERVING UP HISTORY For the first time in 16 years a volleyball team in north Dade made it to the State Finals competition.
Kyp’s
Corner An exclusive interview with athletic director Michael Kypriss
Q: With longtime tennis coach Damon Halback leaving, who will take over the tennis team?
We will be bringing back two of our Krop alumni who shined A:on our tennis team when they were here. For the girls, Tanya
Vucetic, a 2006 graduate will take over. Vucetic was a standout in her four seasons at Krop and went on to play in college at Brown. For the boys, Vinny Barros, a 2005 graduate who also was a top notch performer at Krop will take over. Barros is also the beneficiary of collegiate level competition as he went on to play at Florida International University. Barros has also competed in several professional tournaments and has been an assistant professional coach at Turnberry Isle. Halback is scheduled to leave at some point in mid-January, around the time when tennis season begins. Until that time, Halback will remain in complete control. Both coach Halback and I feel that through their collegiate and professional experience both Vucetic and Barros are perfect for the job.
Q: In
retrospect what are your thoughts on the 2010-2011 Lightning football season and how might we improve for next year?
A: I think the team did a tremendous job. We were able to
JACKIE TORANO
SPIKE: Senior and outside hitter Stephanie Harris leaps for and spikes the ball on the way to a Lighning win. The girls volleyball team reached the state finals, the first North Dade team to do so since 1994. by Sebastian Elejalda staff writer The girls’ varsity volleyball team made history this season by being the first north Dade team to make it to the state finals since 1994. They strove but were unsuccessful in their attempt to be the first to win a state title in fifteen years. Coach Jackie Torano claimed the team’s rush of determination and mental preparedness for victory came when they lost to Palmetto in the championship at the GMAC playoffs. “I think had we won that game, and won GMAC – which we never have – we wouldn’t have been out to get them so
badly.” Torano said. Despite the initial loss, the Lightning volleyball team went on to beat Palmetto and advance all the way to the semifinal round in the FHSAA State Volleyball Championships, where they played Orlando Boone. Both teams were making their debut in the final four, and Krop would have been the first district team to win at a state match since Braddock in 2002. The Lightning endured the 22-2 odds that were against them, with outside hitter Stephanie Harris leading the team to what was almost an underdog comeback. “Harris had a huge part in
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helping us get to states,” Torano said, “She was probably our strongest, most consistent hitter the whole time and played a big part in the offensive attack of each game.” Harris, on the other hand, feels the team did not rely on any specific player to get as far as they did. “We all took a leadership role at one point or another,” Harris said, “and all our hard work is what got us into the final four, not so much just me.” The girls’ lightning volleyball team withstood the clash with Boone, but in the end was defeated in a four-set match. “When we lost [to Boone], half the team was laughing, half was crying,” libero Dylan Yarchin said. “We all had different expectations for the outcome.” The mixed reactions were unexpected, but one aspect of the season that the team embraced was the support system they received. “For us, something that was very important the day we beat Palmetto was our fanbase.” Torano said. “We had a good crowd, something that we’re not getting often. Anytime we had a crowd, the girls always played better.”
make the state playoffs for the second consecutive season so a 7-5 record is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. I think Marvin Jean had another outstanding year. As we look to the future for improvement we already have a good nucleus from our Junior Varsity team that went 4-1 this year. Over the last three years our overall Junior Varsity record is 14-3 so the kids who will be juniors and seniors next year will already know how to win because they have been brought up winning.
Q: How do you feel about the basketball season thus far and in the coming months?
are currently ranked at number one in the state of Florida A:andWenumber eleven in the nation. We’ve always had a good
basketball team here but this year we’re really good. We’ve never been nationally ranked so this is a level above. The ultimate goal for the team is a state title and we’re definitely on the right track this year. Coach “Shakey” just has to keep the boys goal oriented. They can’t get too caught up in their success. You’re always one loss away from being lost to oblivion.
Q: What sports have you played in your life and how have athletics shaped who you are today?
A: I received a scholarship in high school to play quarterback at
the University of Kentucky. Unfortunately I was injured during my freshman year with a torn rotator cuff. I was soon forced to retire from my football career but I decided to always remain involved in sports because it was my passion. Sports have shaped me in regard to the structure and discipline that runs my life each and everyday; that same discipline that makes me who I am. For having not been able to play sports professionally, staying involved as a coach and director has been the second best thing.
Q: Is there any athletic figure who has greatly influenced or inspired you?
A: In my day one guy I really admired and looked up to was Joe
Namath, the quarterback for the New York Jets. He had a certain flare about him that combined with his substance and ability brought about the term “swagger.” In baseball I grew up a Yankee fan and idolized Mickey Mantle because he was the symbol of the team. I also admired football coaches like Don Shula and Jimmie Johnson. I respected how prepared their teams always were; Shula with the perfect season in ’72 and Johnson with his National Titles at the University of Miami.` -Compiled by Alexander Stella