Wilson volleyball fans were upset to learn that there will not be a junior varsity team this season. Former coach and current social studies teacher Mark Fiorril is expecting a child with his wife and will not be able to run the team this year. Unable to find a replacement coach, Wilson Athletics decided to not have a JV team this year.

“I was upset with the team being cancelled,” said freshman Lucy Strand, who made the  JV volleyball team during tryouts. Strand said she understands why they do not have a coach, even though it is disappointing.

Freshman Sofia Blackwell-Green agrees, but said she wished she had been informed early. “I did the volleyball camp run by the coaches and spent three days on tryouts.”

“We’ve been looking for a coach ever since the end of the [2015-2016] school year, when we found out [that Fiorill would not be coaching],” said Patrice Arrington, assistant coach of the varsity team and and Director of College and Career Services. “No one is available. We’ve had a few leads, then people’s’ plans have changed.” Arrington added that the situation will only last this year.

Senior Molly Berman who plays for varsity recalls her days on JV with Forril, saying he was great. “He taught us and pushed us to do our best,” she said. “I think I was pretty prepared for varsity after having him as a coach.” Berman explained that Fiorril’s goal was always to make sure everyone on the team had a good time and a chance to play in the games.

“Our JV team, the remaining players are still very good,” said Arrington. “They are not going to miss a beat going into next year.”

PHOTO COURTESTY OF TIPP MCCLURE