BY SEAMUS TIERNEY
The current run of seasons for the Boys Volleyball team has been nothing short of a dynasty. Since the start of their 2018 season, they’ve gone on a run of four consecutive State Championship victories. This success has led to the team earning a #16 in the entire United States heading into the 2023 season.
Despite the streak, the mentality isn’t about winning the championship, but rather the journey leading up to it. “Our motto is just ‘one day at a time’. We’re passionate about the process, we don’t obsess about the outcome,” said head coach Andrew Hopman, who’s overseen all four state championships.
With seven varsity contributors from last year’s championship team graduating, the returning players face increased responsibilities. “Last year we had a lot of this year’s current guys playing more of a role player spot, where this year were going to see a lot of guys take on big roles and be an immensely important part of the team,” said Krapf, a senior who led the team last season in kills.
Hopman has established high expectations for his upperclassmen who played crucial roles in the team’s success last year. “Blake Krapf, Aleks Kolodziej, and Jacob Lupinski on the outsides will be outstanding,” stated Hopman.
“We had a lot of starters graduate last year so it’s time for all of us to step up and continue the legacy,” said Lupinski, who chimed in with 125 kills and 15 aces as a sophomore last season. Lupinski added that the also has ““a lot of young talent coming in.”
The team looks to continue winning, but they know from experience that it never comes easy. “We have a good chance at winning it all again with the potential we have, but we must work for it,” stated senior Evan Jazmin, who contributed 182 digs last season.
Credit for the team atmosphere and excitement as the season looms must go to the fans as well. “It’s going to be so exciting to see [the hard work] pay off,” said junior Massimo Roco, who shared the team lead with 39 blocks last season. “With last year being my first year playing varsity, it showed me what Old Bridge Volleyball is all about: working hard, mental toughness and having the best fans in the state.”
Come out and show them the support they deserve when they open the season on April 4 at 5:30pm at home against Piscataway.
Posted on 3/30/23
Photos by Lors Photography
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