Coming off a season that brought the team its most wins in university history, the MSOE Men's Volleyball program looked to build on last year's 10-19 overall record. Finishing the season 9-11 in Division III matches, the Raiders ranked 14th in the nation according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.
This year's team is led by senior captains Chris Brandt (Darien, Ill./Hinsdale South High School) and Jon Holzbauer (Menomonee Falls, Wis./ Pius XI). Brandt, a 6'0" setter, is the university's all time leader in assists with 2,739, capturing 1,088 during the 2009 campaign. In 2009, he started all 29 matches, and had 216 digs, 46 total blocks, and 23 service aces. The two-time All Conference selection, Brandt was named the Sports Imports AVCA Division III National Player of the Week, ending March 8, 2009. Gibboney has nothing but praise for the veteran setter. "Four years ago, we were fortunate that Chris (Brandt) cared enough about his education to attend MSOE," said Gibboney. "As a player, he has developed into one of the best setters in Division III and has been a great three-year captain for this program." Brandt finished 2009 ranked 12th in the nation, averaging 10.71 assists per game.
Holzbauer, a 5'7" libero, also has national recognition behind him, averaging 2.93 digs per game, placing him 13th among the nation's best passers. For 2009, Holzbauer gathered 264 digs and garnered All-Conference honors. "Jon (Holzbauer) has single-handedly kept us in matches last year with his incredible passing skills," said Gibboney. "No matter how many times opponents try to serve away from him, Jon finds a way to get to the ball. As a leader he is the court general for our defense."
MSOE returns three other starters in outside hitter Glenn Frazee (Kenosha, Wis./Bradford), middle hitter Chris Reininger (St. Louis, Mo./ St. Mary's) and opposite hitter Max Martin (Schaumburg, Ill. Hoffman Estates). Frazee, a 6'1" senior, had 188 kills last year, averaging 2.27 kills per game. "Glenn (Frazee) stepped up in the middle of the season last year and became one of our most consistent and hard hitters. He has the chance to be our go-to guy this year," said Gibboney. Reininger, a 6'4" middle hitter is a two-time all conference player and 2008 M3VC Rookie of the Year. Last year he carried a .304 hitting percentage, averaging 1.80 kills per game. Gibboney said, "BC (Reininger) has developed into the player that you can rely on, both offensively and defensively. For our team to be successful, he will have to be a weapon, both as an attacker and an aggressive blocker." Martin, a 6'6" sophomore, has grown into the starting role in similar fashion to Frazee. As the season progressed, Martin moved into a permanent role of opposite hitter, finishing 2009 campaign averaging 2.43 kills per game. Gibboney said, "Max has a great future ahead of him at MSOE and could be one of the best opposites we have seen play here."
Evan Simatic (South MIlwaukee, Wis./South Milwaukee), 6'2" senior opposite is the leading candidate for the second starting outside hitter position. Simatic brings themost playing experience to the position and could also see playing time at the opposite hitter position.
Second year players Mitch Paulus (Fredonia, Wis./Kewaskum) (6'3" Sr.), Jason Modjeski (Mequon, Wis./Homestead)(6'0", So.) and Jon Buczynski (Chicago, Ill. /Reavis) (6'2", So.) will push Simatic for playing time at the outside hitter position.
Freshmen are also expected to see quality playing time in 2010 with middle hitters Jack Geary (Milwaukee, Wis./ Marquette) and David Johnson (Glenview, Ill./GlenBrook South) leading the way. Geary, a 6'4" starting middle hitter from the Marquette High School 2008 and 2007 WIAA Boy's Volleyball State Championship teams, is expected to share the starting role with 6'6" Glenbrook South middle hitter Johnson. "Jack (Geary) and Dewey (Johnson) give me a lot of options in the middle this year," said Gibboney. "I first saw them both play at the United States Volleyball Association High Performance Championships in Tuscon, Ariz. two years ago and knew then they could be the future of our program. They both bring different strengths to the middle hitter position and will make a great addition to our program."
Other freshman additions include John Cote (Orland Park, Ill./ Sandburg) and Alex Harbour (Middletion, Wis./Middleton). Harbour will also vie for a starting outside hitter position, while Cote will back up Holzbauer at libero and see playing time as a defensive specialist.
This year's schedule includes many opponents that are ranked among the top 15 programs in both Division I and Division III. MSOE opens their season with Division I Lewis University on Friday, Jan. 15. The Raiders complete the weekend hosting D'Youville (NY) and Ball State University on Saturday, Jan. 16 and Sunday Jan. 17, respectively. MSOE will also face Loyola and Quincy this season as the Raiders were 1-3 last year against Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) opponents. Highlights for the season include a trip to Cincinnati to face new conference foe Mount Saint Joseph and trips to St. Louis and Boston for the MIT Invitational. The Raiders co-host a tournament with Carthage College in March, bringing in Division III powers, NYU and Nazareth. MSOE completes the season at the Midwest-III Volleyball Conference tournament in April with a possible opportunity to qualify for the Molten Invitational Tournament, April 16 - 18.
Video from Midwest-III Vollyball Conference Championship:
