Vollyball preview: Flames reach for state title

By JEFF GATES

For The Madison Press

Small on size, but big on dreams.

Shekinah Christian School has the distinction of being the smallest school in the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

That hasn’t stopped the Flames from being a powerhouse every year in volleyball.

This year should be no exception as the Flames shoot to improve upon their 22-3 overall record, while reaching the regionals.

“Our whole goal as a team is to represent quality of life,” said Shekinah coach Jerry Troyer. “Being good on the court gives us the opportunity to bless the Lord.”

Leading the way for the Flames will be a core group led by Bridget Troyer, Analiese Rohner, Tori Yoder and Ashley Gingerich. Others on the squad will be Kristen Schrock, Kelly Chapman, Haley Sweigert, Michelle Byers, Makala Hershberger, and Janel Roby.

“The hitters are really stepping up their game,” coach Troyer said. “The key to Shekinah is defense, but we always have to pass the ball.”

The coach has had his squad working hard already, winning a preseason tournament at Adena. The Adena squad will be on their very difficult regular season schedule – a lineup that will include DeSales, Bishop Ready, Washington Court House, and their fellow Madison County School.

Troyer hopes the tougher schedule will force his squad to work on what proved to be their bugaboo in tournament time.

“Serving may have cost us a trip to state,” Troyer said. “We need to be more consistent, we want to be quicker than ever.”

According to Troyer, the end of this volleyball season will likely signal the end of his coaching career. He had coached for 11 years, took four/five years off, and has been back at Shekinah for the last four.

“I’ve already done my Brett Favre thing,” Troyer joked about the retirement antics of the former NFL quarterback. “I think I’m graduating this year.”