SIMON KENTON HIGH SCHOOL PIONEER VOLLEYBALL: #PioneerNation IS REAL!

Dag-gone-it. That wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. A great Neer team that worked hard, had talent and was just a great team to be a part of, even as a parent, was supposed to be the first SK girls team to win a volleyball regional. It didn’t happen.

A gym full of Neer faithful (and a few painted Titans) showed up late but were 100% behind the Lady Pioneers. Thank you students, coaches, teachers and administrators who were there. I know the girls really appreciated it. Yes, the Pioneer Nation was real tonight and it helped carry the team to a thrilling match. I kind of questioned the whole school support thing the other night but it was in full force tonight. Well done.

SK goes down by scores of 30-28, 25-23, 20-25, and 25-19. Points and stats don’t really matter that much now but the turning point was definitely the first set where SK led by scores of 16-8 and 23-18 but just couldn’t get the scores that they needed. North Oldham proved they were the team to beat in the region as they came storming back to take the set. The high level of energy was quieted and the looseness of the Neers suddenly made things a little tight after the lead was squandered. BUT, this team did not quit and give up. They fought to the very end. The match was a thriller as evidenced by the scores. Not too often a team scores 95 points and still falls. The match went on for almost two hours; but dag-gone-it. Everyone wanted so bad for the girls to be able to hang a banner in the empty spot on the west wall of the gym. Mary Jo and I were going to be passing out scissors tomorrow night to have the girls cut down the net.

Coaches Atwood, Hacker, and Marx. Thank you for the time you spent with our daughters this year and being there for them to have a positive outlet. So many other “things” they could have be a part of but they were lucky to have you there leading them and teaching them the sport of volleyball.

Players, thanks for a great season. I’m bummed the season is over. Thanks for your dedication and hard work and making this Blog thing so much fun. When I think back about the season, I think about success on the court (including the one set V against NDA) but I think most everyone will most remember Dig for Depew Night. That was one of the best experiences I’ve seen at a high school sporting event or any event at SK. Even though you lost on the court tonight, your good friend Brittany had a major victory in the game of life today as she got word that her leukemia is once again in remission. That’s what really matters.

Kaitlin, Sophie and Megan. You were a great group of seniors for the team. I wish you the most in your senior year and college experiences. You will each be missed.

Thanks to all of the parents and players who have cooked, worked, supplied food etc. to help make the tourney run so smooth. A number of you have gone above and beyond. For fear of missing someone, I'll just say I really appreciate your efforts. Just one more day!

I have had a blast this season on the Blog and hope you’ve enjoyed my ramblings and shots. Thanks for reading! Marc

Good Luck Seniors!