Minyard takes over Orrick Volleyball Program PAGE 14 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, August 26, 2015
by Nathan Gerdts SPORTS WRITER
“I have moved several players around this year and up to the varsity level, and I believe we have made changes which will make Orrick a strong contender this year.” The Lady Bearcats will look to improve on their 10-win total in 2014 on the strength of their returning veterans. Junior Madi Fulte is expected to contribute in an all-around fashion. Senior Hannah Thurnau will join Fulte as a captain and is a strong presence on the front row. Junior Madison O’Dell will be the featured setter and has impressed coaches with a strong serve. Minyard also thinks sophomores Paige Smith and Avorie Capps will have an impact on the attack. “(They) are only sophomores, but they are two of the strongest hitters I have ever gotten to work with,” Minyard said.
“We want to continue to work on digging out of the net and getting the players outside their comfort zone when it comes to playing new positions. . .”
Adjusting to a new job is always a unique experience. When that job is becoming head coach of a volleyball team in the competitive I-70 Conference, the adjustment has to come in a hurry. Such is the task in front of Stacey Minyard, who takes over the Orrick Lady Bearcats' program. “The biggest challenge is adjusting to the team dynamic and getting to know the players and their playing styles,” Minyard said.
Orrick in search of a return to winning ways by Nathan Gerdts SPORTS WRITER
After a disappointing first year as Orrick football coach, Dave Rash is looking for positives in the 2015 season. Specifically, he’s looking for just one win, after 2014 yielded no victories. “We expect to be more competitive this year,” he said. “Obviously, we will happily take as many wins as we can get.” It will take a total team effort for the Bearcats to improve. Orrick fields a roster of just 16 heading to the start of the season, but 12 players return — including three seniors. “Everyone we have back has seen a ton of varsity playing time,” Rash said. “The guys have worked their tails off in the weight room during the off-season and are stronger because of it.” The Bearcats will continue to run option football offensively, with sophomore Grant Stubbeman getting a chance to head the attack at quarterback. Senior Bryar Martin will see some reps under center as well, but he will spend the majority of his time with junior Alex Stockton in the backfield powering the ground attack.
For the offense to improve from last season’s 11.2 points-per-game average, Rash believes his offensive line must mesh together early. Juniors Doug Lindaman and Colin Inks, sophomores Joe Clark and Walker Easley, and freshman Conner Greer will look to pave the way for the Bearcats' running game and keep the quarterback clean when the Bearcats switch it up and go to the air. The receiving corps of junior Charles Sherwood, sophomore Dylan Bartley and freshman Blaine Wilson will look to capitalize on chances they get to create big plays. “Our receivers are going to have to make some possession catches throughout the year,” Rash said. If Orrick’s offense needs to take a big leap forward in 2015, the defense needs to improve more. After surrendering almost 56 points a game last season, the Bearcats will look to get better with mostly the same starters, although Rash believes Seth McAfee anchoring the secondary at safety and freshman Caleb Stenger moving into a linebacker spot will provide consistency to the team seeking plenty of it. “Last season, some games got away from us,” Rash said. “We are focusing on staying in the game by the fourth quarter and never giving up.”
Despite shaking up some things in her first months in charge, Minyard thinks her team has settled in nicely to its new look and can bring Orrick much more success. “We want to continue to work on digging out of the net and getting the players outside their comfort zone when it comes to playing new positions,” Minyard said. “Some of the girls have found they are strong in places they have never tried to play. “Our goals for the season are to remain consistent in our serves, continue to (improve) our defensive play, and win games by playing as a team.”
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