With roster turnover run amuck, a lot of questions surround the Athol High School boys’ volleyball program this spring. But new head coach Sean MacDonald knows that how his Red Raiders perform early in the season should change dramatically come May and June. Te Red Raiders were opened their season earlier this week against independent eastern neighbor Leominster High School,
“They’re working hard so far,” said MacDonald, who takes over for long-time head coach Donna Lajoie, who retired after 20 years with the program following last season. “I know I’m having them do some things differently than they’ve done them in the past. It’s really a work in progress for us into the new season. We’re still figuring out which formation works best for us and where everyone is going to wind up playing.”
Athol graduated eight players from last year’s team that finished 16-5 overall while placing second in the PVIAC East Division behind Springfield’s humongous Central High School. The Raiders lost in the WMass quarterfinals to West Springfield High School.
If anyone’s capable of getting the most out of Athol this season, however, it’s MacDonald. The veteran coach has guided the Frontier Regional School girls’ volleyball team to a 298-37 record in 14 seasons. That includes 12 consecutive western Massachusetts titles and eight state crowns since being hired in 2003.
“The decision was, do I coach or do I officiate? I usually officiate the boys’ season,” explained MacDonald of taking his new gig. “Donna had mentioned probably a year or two ago that her time coaching was running out and they were going to be looking for someone to take over. But then when (Athol athletic director) Dave (King) and I finally talked about it, we talked about how this is the last (boys’ volleyball) program in the area and neither one of us wanted it to go away. I’m doing my best to try and keep this going and build on it, take what Donna’s done and expand on it.”
Athol doesn’t have much in the way of returning players, although senior Josh Herk will highlight the returnees as an outside hitter. Herk registered four kills in the quarterfinal loss to West Springfield a year ago, and he’ll be counted on to pace an offensive attack full of new faces.
“Josh has been playing well,” lauded MacDonald. “I think he’ll be one of our top players. He’s working hard and hitting pretty well. I’ve got him doing some things differently than the way he’s used to, but he’s been responding so far.”
Fellow senior Ryan Warner will also get his crack at putting down kills as an opposite or middle hitter, and MacDonald likes the look his lefty can provide for opposing defenses. Dustin Aikey (MH/OH) and Mikey Gray (MH/OH) are also listed as offensive players from the senior class, while classmate Anthony Negron should figure into a variety of roles. MacDonald likes Negron’s speed and he could be a weapon as a back-row defensive specialist in addition to some hitting.
“One thing I really didn’t dive into that much was worrying about last year,” MacDonald offered. “I wanted to look at things with a fresh set of eyes. I don’t care how old anybody is, what anyone did or didn’t do last year. I’m only concerned about what I see in front of me now.”
Athol has several players in the setting mix this spring, as the team looks to replace its two players who handled those duties last season, Tyler Lajoie and Lorenzo Carra, a pair of three-year setters. Juniors Justin Blake and Nick Casella, along with freshman Colby Soltysik could all figure into the discussion this spring.
“I don’t really know if I’ll use one or two setters, but with 10 guys on the roster, there’s going to be a good chance you can get on the court if you can do something,” explained MacDonald.
Junior Hudson Carlson has looked good passing the ball, but MacDonald may need to use him at the net, while classmate Anthony Potenti is another potential back-row possibility. Last year’s libero, Nelson Leadbetter, graduated.
“It’s a little bit unfamiliar territory for me because I usually have a better idea of what the kids can do going into that first match,” admitted MacDonald earlier this week before the Leominster opener. “But the guys are excited. We’re looking forward to the season. I’m not even really sure what our team goals should be, but we’d like to do well in our league and make the playoffs. I think in a couple weeks, we’d like to be a different team than we are now.”
Athol opens with four matches in the eight days, including the first three on the road before the home opener against East Longmeadow High School on Thursday.