The Oxymoron for Barrington's Boys' Volleyball

The oxymoron is a part of everyday English language. We use many different expressions, from 'nothing much' to 'jumbo shrimp'.  And perhaps this is 'old news,' but the Barrington Broncos volleyball team is banking on their oxymoron to pay 'big dividends' during the season.

The Broncos this year are being led by a couple of third year seniors and a core of 'experienced youth' that has Barrington's coach Rob Ridenour feeling positive about contending for the top spot in the Mid-Suburban League West.  

“One of the strengths of our team is this group of guys coming back,” Ridenour said of his talented juniors who saw a lot of varsity action as sophomores. “They have the potential to contribute big throughout the year.”

Hoping to help set the tone early for the Broncos in the MSL West will be some athletic juniors starting with one of the powers at the net, Tommy Leonard. Leonard combined with outside hitter, Jeff Hochstein, and Taylor Ganzer, were all able to see considerable varsity time as sophomores and made countless contributions to last year's season (finished 19-16, 5-5) that ended in disappointing fashion at regionals (25-20, 25-22 to Schaumburg).

But these talented and experienced juniors are not the only ones back ready and hungry to contend for conference bragging rights.  Third year starters, TJ Shanahan and Matt Logue (MSL all-conference), will be joined by Austin Czarnecki (all-conference) and all will be adding their wealth of skills when they start the season Saturday, March 26 at the Buffalo Grove Tournament.

Logue, looking to surpass his more than 200 kills from last year, and Czarnecki, who was able to record more than 400 digs, are both eager to repeat as all-conference.

“These guys (Shanahan, Czarnecki and Logue) contribute a lot of experience and leadership," Ridenour said.  "They will have a positive effect on the team."

“[Logue] is our best all-around player,” Ridenour went on to say of the team's outside hitter committed to Cartahage next year. “For us to be successful he has to have a good year, and he is on track to do just that.”

Helping to bring quality depth to the team is a bunch of newcomers: Charlie Kingwell (libero);Ryan Coombs, Ben Koziol, and Ryan Sarker (outside hitters); John Bach (setter); Peter Van Fossan (middle hitter): Kyle Darch and Charlie Spry (weakside hitters). 

Ridenour believes there is something special about this team especially after having to start so many quality sophomores last season. Working through some of the rough spots during last year's campaign, the Broncos coach feels the team's chemistry, and preseason growth from this year, will help establish some early season success.

“There is a fun atmosphere around the gym and these guys have some expectations,” Ridenour said. “It's a great group of guys and they all share a passion for this sport and you can see it in practice.”

With some hard work, season long consistency, and a little luck, this Broncos team could use their oxymoron to make this volleyball season an 'instant classic.'