Men’s volleyball is a hit, and like their record, attention should be spiking

One can almost hear the sounds of sneakers squeaking across the gym floor, players leaping up, hitting the ground hard, and diving for the ball with ferocity. Do not forget the bloody noses. It must be the Men’s volleyball season!

Fall and winter sports have begun and ended their seasons. Many have received a large fan attendance at each home game. However, many overlook the sport consisting of the second tallest people at school, volleyball. Girl’s volleyball receives much attention, however, the Men’s counterpart is very overlooked.

The two groups of volleyball players have the same passion for the sport and share the same intensity; however, the Men’s team is seemingly always forgotten. Even though they boast a winning record and held their own against the third-best team in the country from Upland high school this continues to be the case.

It is absurd that so many people gloss over this intense sport. Especially because when the ball is spiked or served during a home game, it could even land itself among fans in the highest rows in the bleachers, attesting to the strength and power of some of these hits. What could be the issue with a reception to these games? Could it be due to a lack of exposure on campus? Does the team need more campus posters or do they need more Wolfcast exposure? Whatever the case may be, frequent Men’s volleyball game attendee and CHS junior, Luka Emadi has something to say about the lack of attendance at home volleyball games.

“Even though we have about 40 people in our stands, we should have a lot more. Most of these people are parents of players so we need to start packing the stands with students”

While the lack of school spirit does not disappoint Emadi, it can have an adverse effect on the spirit of our athletes. The high-octane atmosphere in the gym is lost without the high energy and morale of the student section. Varsity volleyball player and CHS junior, Nick Lanesskog, noticed the missing energy during game time.

“The presence of more students gives the team a stronger sense of urgency and ushers us to play better, it builds energy and hype amongst the team,” Lanesskog said. “Everyone feels a little more flat without a strong student section”.

The appearance of a student section can work wonders during games. This was proven during last Friday’s game where, according to Lanesskog’s count, there were about 100 people in attendance. The loud cheers and voices of encouragement pushed the Wolfpack volleyball team to win 3-0.

Other than attendance-related issues, the Men’s volleyball season has been nothing short of great. Colby Brogan, a junior on the Varsity team can attest to the excitement of the coming post-season and next year’s bright future for the team.

“I think everybody is really happy with the progress we’ve made this season, and we are hoping to continue our success into the postseason to make a run for the finals,” said Brogan. “We have got a great group of guys and next season we are looking to get even better and make a name for ourselves”.

Make no mistake, boys volleyball is one of the most underrated sports at the school. So do not be surprised when you ask your friend what they are doing Friday night, and they tell you they are going to the Men’s volleyball game. Maybe you should even consider joining them.