Bears to Have New Look in 2004 

Despite losing four starters from 2003’s school-best 23-12 record and first-ever postseason tournament win, don’t ask eighth-year Shawnee State volleyball coach  Steven Rader if he’s facing a rebuilding year in 2004. 

“I hate that term,” says Rader.  “That would suggest we don’t have the talent to be as successful this year, and I flat-out disagree.” 

Still, losing both starting middle hitters (Kristen Jones and Mandy Goin, both to graduation) and both setters (Tabby Gullett to graduation and Erin Spriggs to transfer) could cause Bears fans to wonder where SSU’s offensive punch will come from in 2004.  It will come as little consolation to the SSU faithful that Rader isn’t sure, either. 

“It could be anyone, or everyone,” Rader notes.  “To be quite honest, that’s a position I am looking forward to being in again – for the past few seasons, it’s been no secret that our middle game was our bread and butter.  If someone asks me who our stars are, or will be this year, I’ll just say, ‘What day is it?’  I’m okay with that, being an unknown commodity.” 

Leading the Bears’ list of returnees are a pair of seniors, outside hitter Kristi Twyman (Vincent, OH) and middle hitter Dancin Gastelum (La Crescenta, CA).  Twyman saw sporadic action as a junior, while Gastelum saw the bulk of her action as an outside hitter.  “They’ll both need to do what every coach needs and expects seniors to do; be leaders on and off the court, as well as provide us with offensive punch’” says Rader. 

A trio of juniors will also be key to SSU’s fortunes in 2004.  Outside hitters Cheryl Ziser (Hesperia, CA) and Kara Miller (Lancaster, OH) have the inside track on the two left-side hitter positions, while defensive specialist Tiffany Holbrook (Grove City, OH) looks to increase her playing time shoring up the Bears’ back row.   “Cheryl and Kara are both competent, smart hitters who know how to find the holes.  Tiff is as aggressive as you need and want a defensive specialist to be,” Rader notes. 

Sophomores Carly Cameron (Williamsport, OH) and Elizabeth Eby (Eaton, OH) close out the SSU veterans.  Eby was used sporadically last season, but her tough serving will make it hard for Rader to keep her off the court.  Cameron paid her dues as a defensive specialist as a freshman, but has been working hard in the off-season to earn a right-side hitter position, according to Rader.   Both will play increased roles for the Bears this season. 

Rader expects SSU’s largest recruiting class in years to pay immediate dividends.  Joining the Bears will be setter/hitter Kelsey Sewards (Williamsport, OH/Westfall H.S.), setter Erin Dutton (Belpre, OH/Warren H.S.), outside hitters Lindsey Grubb (Chillicothe, OH/Huntington H.S.) and Adair Piguet (Wheelersburg, OH/Wheelersburg H.S.), and middle hitter Jalynn McClellan (Seaman, OH/North Adams H.S.).  Sewards, Grubb, and Piguet were All-Ohio selections as seniors; Sewards was co-player of the year in the Scioto Valley Conference and Piguet was the Southern Ohio Conference’s Division II Player of the Year.  “Kelsey and Erin are two of the tallest setters we have ever had, and will give us some flexibility we haven’t had in a while,” says Rader.  “Kelsey is certainly the most athletic setter I have ever had. 

“Lindsey and Adair are all over the court,” Rader continues.  “They have great attitudes, and will certainly push our veteran players.  Having lost both of our middles from last year, we will need Jalynn to contribute right now. 

“We’re probably more balanced than we’ve been in a while,” Rader concludes.  “I like the team chemistry I’ve seen so far – we have a group of players that get along well, love the game and play it with passion.  Our opponents may not know who we are, but our goal will be to get them to remember us.” 

Shawnee State opens its 2004 campaign at Kentucky Christian College on September 4.  The home opener is slated for Wednesday, September 9 against American Mideast Conference foe Ohio Dominican.