As interim Buffalo Grove High School boys volleyball head coach, Nick Vassos is confident in his ability to teach technique and strategy. He has coached enough volleyball that the teaching is second nature.
Even so, Vassos admits he feels some pressure to continue the success Buffalo Grove has enjoyed in recent years.
“Coming into the season, we know we have a chance to do something,” Vassos said. “There is a lot of pressure. Buffalo Grove has had good records, and we all expect to do well.
“The seniors come into practice and say, `OK, this is our year. It’s our turn to make our mark.’ I’m feeling pressure in making them step it up–how can I help them achieve their goals.”
Vassos has taken over the varsity job for Kyle Reid, who is on leave to care for his ailing daughter. It’s not known whether Reid will return this season, so it’s up to Vassos to prepare for another successful campaign.
Vassos, who coached Buffalo Grove’s freshman team the last three years, has plenty to work with. He returns three starters from last season’s team that went 32-8, won the Mid-Suburban League title and made the state quarterfinals for the second time in school history.
The Bison are bidding for their fourth 30-win season since 1998 and a return trip to the Elite Eight, where they lost to defending state champion Wheaton-Warrenville South.
“I think we can be just as good as last year, if not a little bit better,” said senior captain Brian Szejka, a 6-foot-2 setter with 489 assists and 39 aces last season. “We definitely feel some pressure, but I think that can be motivation for us, help push us.”
Without Reid, who had a way of motivating players, senior captains Justin Levon, Jordan Taggart and Szejka said they have become stronger leaders.
“The seniors feel the need to keep the team motivated,” said Levon, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter who had 214 kills last year. “At times it’s tough because although we’re seniors, we’re only a year older.”
They can take comfort in knowing they have a solid cast of juniors to help out, including 6-foot-5 middle blocker Brett Gerken, who had 116 kills and 74 blocks as a sophomore.
Quinn Ryan, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter, and 6-foot-2 opposite hitter Adam Stuart give Vassos plenty of options.
“We have a lot of guys who can hit,” said Vassos, who also coaches the Blaze Volleyball Club girls team. “We can mix it up a lot; we can be more creative. … We’ve never had one person to look to. We’ve always had a strong middle, strong outside and a nice balance.
“Offensively, we have a lot of weapons. And traditionally we’ve been a strong defensive team. We’ll see how we come together as a team.”
Buffalo Grove, which defeated Hoffman Estates in its season opener Tuesday, will receive an early test Saturday in its Bison Battle invitational. The all-day, 12-team event has some of the best talent in the area, including defending champion Wheaton-Warrenville South, state runner-up Sandburg, quarterfinalist Hersey and perennial power Naperville North.
“We’ll know where we need to clean things up and see where other teams are at after the weekend,” Vassos said. “This is a great all-around tournament, especially in the beginning of the season. We’ll find out where we stand.”
