Elder wins 2010 volleyball state title

The Elder Panthers volleyball team wrapped up the school’s second state title in four straight championship match appearances last night in Centerville. The Panthers defeated the Moeller Crusaders in four games, 23-25, 31-29, 25-20 and 25-19.

“We were the early season favorite,” Elder head coach Sean Tierney said after the match. “And when we didn't perform to people's expectations, the kids really got down on themselves and to see them fight through that, learn a lot about themselves, learn to trust each other, and have confidence in each other, and just improve their play throughout the season, that's what makes this so satisfying.”

That’s Elder High School for you. The kids keep fighting, they never give up, they never quit, and in the end it paid off for the men wearing purple.

In 2007, 2009 and this year, it was an Elder vs Moeller matchup for the state title. In 2007 and 2009 Moeller came out on top, but this year it was Elder’s turn. Elder won the state title over GCL opponent St. Xavier in 2008.

In 2007, the Moeller Crusaders had arguably one of the best teams in state volleyball history. In front of a state record crowd in the Cincinnati State gymnasium, the Moeller Crusaders defeated Elder in five games. Moeller had very little competition all year except when they had to play Elder.

Last night was a very even matchup, and the games went back and forth with both sides showing moments of absolute dominance, and moments where their play lulled.

But in 2007 it was a heartbreaking loss for Elder. As I have stated numerous times before I sat on the end of the bench, tallying every hit, every set, every dig for the Panthers. Last night was almost a moment of redemption for the 2007 Elder team.

If you haven’t seen my story on FOX19’s website on Moeller volleyball, I suggest you check it out (http://www.fox19.com/Global/story.asp?S=12536075). They are a lesser known dynasty in Cincinnati sports. Just don’t tell Tierney that. After shaking hands with Moeller last night Tierney walked across the net and told me, “How’s that for a dynasty?”

Without a doubt the Elder volleyball program is also a dynasty. Maybe they’ll get their story on the news next year. After four straight state title match appearances, I think the Panthers deserve a little air time. Even more than they’ve gotten this weekend.

Congratulations to Elder on another state title in volleyball. It was fun to watch and even more fun to report on. Hopefully next year is just the same.
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Elder and Moeller aren’t done facing one another this sports season though. The two schools will meet on Friday morning in Columbus in the baseball state semi-finals. More on this rivalry later.

Happy Memorial Day…Enjoy your time off folks.

Elder volleyball avenges loss to archrival St. X

Elder High School is known for having a strong athletic tradition, but few people think about volleyball when they think Elder athletics. The Panther volleyball program has reached the state finals in the past three seasons, winning the state championship in 2008 over GCL South rival St. Xavier.

St. X visited Elder High School last night, already having a 1-0 advantage on the Panthers this season. On Saturday afternoon in Columbus the Panthers and Bombers played for the St. Charles Tournament title, and St. X bested Elder two games to none.

While those games meant nothing toward the league title, it left a sour taste in the mouths of Elder players. The St. Charles Tournament is an annual tradition for Elder, dating back to at least my days in high school. Elder won the 2005 St. Charles Tournament, but lost in the finals of 2006 to GCL rival Moeller.

In 2006, I had my first opportunity to travel to Columbus with the Elder volleyball team for the St. Charles Tournament. As a junior and senior I got to follow the volleyball program as the team statistician. As the two years went by I became less of a bystander with my teammates and friends, and became more of an actual part of the team.

An important part of any team is having trust in one’s teammates and setting goals. On Friday evening at the team hotel every player and coach gathered in one room, sat down and discussed future plans.

Team captain Matt Siefke told the team, “We won this tournament last year and it got us rolling. Let’s do it again this year.”

Elder’s head coach, Sean Tierney, then went around to every person in the room and asked them to state their goals for the season. Last, but certainly not least, he turned and looked at me, saying, “Mr. Niemeyer. What do you want to improve on, get better at and accomplish this season?”

Me (left) and Tierney (with the mask on) sit and joke with John Seaton (leaning over) during a game in 2007

I sat with a dumbfounded look on my face. ‘Why does it matter?’ I thought to myself. ‘I’m just the guy sitting at the end of the bench doing stats.’ Giving myself two seconds to think I stated, “Obviously I’d like to get everything right statistically, and work to make everything as accurate as possible.”

I’m sure something like that happened this season, and although the Panthers fell short in the St. Charles Tournament, they know that they can focus and take care of St. X when it matters. For a team looking to compete in its fourth straight state title match, Elder knows what they need to accomplish to get back.

Winning over St. X last night was just the start.