Blazers boys track team ready for outdoor season.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
The Addison Trail boys volleyball team recorded a recent 25-21, 25-15 win over Hinsdale South in West Suburban Conference Gold Division play.
The win upped Addison Trail to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in conference.
One area of recent improvement for the Blazers of late has been on the defensive end. “Our defense has really picked up in the last week,” said Addison Trail coach Chad Grant late last week. “We have some strong returning passers and some new players who are getting acclimated to serve-receive at the varsity level. I expect us to become stronger with this as the season goes on. We have the size to be a strong blocking team.”
Grant has pinpointed serving as a must work-on situation for this team. “We have a lot of work to do from the service line,” he said. “We need to serve a lot tougher and be more consistent.”
Jacob Grygo was cited for strong play at the setter’s position in the early going of the season.
“Jacob is doing a great job running our offense,” said Grant. “I am very confident in the setter position.”
Grant also has been thrilled with the way his team has rallied after injuries to key players. “I am impressed with the ability of our players to make adjustments,” he said. “We have played all our matches missing two or three starters due to injuries. The boys haven’t made excuses. The next man steps up.”
Justin Werderitch has stepped into a middle row position of late. “Justin is a sophomore and has no experience playing the position,” Grant pointed out. “He has learned a lot in a very short period of time.”
Addison Trail is without outside hitter Michael Chiarmonte who is out for the season with a knee injury. Alex Murillo, a 6-7 middle blocker, is out until May with a hand injury. “We are a work in progress right now,” said Grant. “We expect to be a very competitive team come playoff time. We are preparing as if Alex will be out for the season, but he will be a huge addition if he returns on time.”
Addison Trail boys track
Addison Trail scored only 15 points at the West Suburban Conference Gold Division indoor meet. The Blazers were shorthanded at the meet due to injuries and other circumstances that affected 10 events.
Blazers coach Bruce Kelsay said the team is strong in the sprints and hurdles, while the throwing events are showing promise as well. “Sprints and hurdles are our strength. We are very deep,” he said. “Our throwers have shown the greatest improvement so far this year.”
Senior Darrion Conrad is a returning state qualifier. “Darrion is highly motivated to return to state in the 200. He’s been working extremely hard,” said Kelsay.
Alex Gunnerson is jumping close to 40 feet in the triple jump, while Mike Renc is throwing almost 43 feet in the shot put.
Kelsay also is high on the team’s 800 and 1,600 relay teams. “When healthy, we have a chance to qualify downstate in the 4-by-200 and 4-by-400,” he said.
Senior Luis Vargas is showing good improvements in the 1,600. “Luis has been steadily improving and will be a factor in every meet,” said Kelsay.
Addison Trail has around 75 athletes in the program. “That is the most ever,” said Kelsay. “The underclassmen have shown strong development during indoor season and should score very well at the frosh-soph level.”
Kelsay is looking forward to the outdoor season. “The indoor conference meet was a disappointment, but the team has rebounded very well,” he said. “Our goal is to make strides each week and peak at the conference and state-qualifying meets. Hopefully we will have several individuals and a couple relays make it downstate.”
