By Garrett Berry, junior.
After losing in dramatic fashion in the conference semi-finals last season, the Falcon volleyball team is dedicating this off-season to hard work.
Heading into the 2012 season, the Falcons will be without three key starters from the previous three seasons as Carrie Kahn, Courtney McCune and Erin Cooper are all out of eligibility. Replacing three of the team’s top performers will not be easy, and that’s why the Falcons are determined to make their hard work count.
The team is returning three All Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference selections as Tasha Miller and Jada Witham enter their senior season while Ciara Lawson enters her junior year.
Head Volleyball Coach Martin Ayin has his players out of bed for 6 a.m. practice three times a week.
“It is rough getting up that early, but it makes us familiar with each other, and familiarity is good on the court,” junior Andrea Miller said.
Along with morning practices, the Falcons must be in the weight room four afternoons a week. Each team member is given a booklet of set workouts that must be completed. Besides actual weightlifting, the booklet includes an abdominal workout, shoulder workout and pushup packet.
“I enjoy my time in the weight room,” said junior Aimee Shrout. “It not only makes each one of us in better physical shape, but it’s a good time to bond and laugh at each other.”
Every player interviewed said that even though the workouts are difficult, they enjoy spending time with their teammates. Whether it’s running for a cardio workout or bench pressing for arm strength, the Falcons are always together.
“I love my team. Our chemistry is something I have never experienced before,” said sophomore Megan Thurston.
Friends University students will not have to wait until next fall to see the volleyball team in action. The team will hold a Red vs. White scrimmage at 6 p.m. March 15.
Although the team will not compete against any outside competition at home this spring, it will travel to Pratt Community College on March 10 for a tournament. The coaches are also in the process of entering two more tournaments this spring, but the dates have not been released at this time.