By ANDRE MACK-ROBINSON – Sports Writer
The leadership of two key players helped bring up a strong varsity volleyball team during the 2011 fall season.
After amassing an overall record of 17-13 and 9-5 in region 8-AAAA, the Clarke Central High School varsity volleyball team placed second in the region during the regular season.
Kate Ruston and Tamara Jones took to the court as the only two seniors for the 2011 volleyball season. After playing at varsity level for four years, they knew what roles they had to take on. Photo/Carlo Nasisse.
The team secured a spot in the state playoffs with a third place finish at the region tournament, held in Mt. Airy, Ga. from Oct.6-8. Facing McIntosh High School in the first round of the state playoffs, the Lady Glads lost 0-3.
In spite of the falling short of their goal for a state championship this season, the team found something it had lacked the previous year – senior leadership.
“We had no seniors on our team last year,” CCHS head varsity volleyball coach Ashlee Wegmann said. “Kate (Ruston) and Tamara (Jones) were our captains, so they have a natural understanding of that role. So, this year they were able to fulfill it without anything thing holding them back because they actually knew what to do.”
Experiencing defeats and victories, as well as competing at the state tournament, Ruston and Jones inspired and encouraged their underclassmen teammates.
“In my two years with (the seniors), I’ve learned how to be a better volleyball player and person. They have taught me how to be a leader by letting my presence be felt on the court and providing a positive effect during the game and practice,” CCHS sophomore blocker Gansiry Thioub said. “Personally, I’ve seen this group endure a lot and the courage they have shown (the) younger players has inspired us to be a part of a sisterhood.”
Jones and Ruston are the most experienced varsity members. Both have been playing at the varsity level for four years. The two girls have combined a career record of 68-67, and 26-18 in Region 8-AAAA.
“Tamara is (a) quiet leader. She’s not a corrector of other people; she just performs and (her teammates) see that,” Wegmann said. “I think they will miss very much not having someone like Tamara on the court who is always constant (and) doesn’t get rattled.”
As a senior, Jones knew she would be expected to become a leader on the team.
“I helped the underclassmen by playing to the best of my ability and being a good player so that they will follow in my lead,” CCHS senior captain Tamara Jones said. “As a leader I tried to set a great example for others. I stepped up and gave speeches, directions, and advice.”
Jones endured multiple injuries, mentally and physically but found the energy and determination to play on the court.
“Tamara’s grandfather passed away in the time she has been on our team, but the only minutes of any game Tamara sat out was when she hurt herself just this season,” Wegmann said, “She never had an injury that has kept her out (for a long time). She has had lots of issues with her legs, but she was able to play through them.”
While Jones participates in multiple sports at CCHS, Ruston is a devoted volleyball player. Playing for local club teams, Georgia Juniors and Never Fear Competition, has elevated her skills during the off-season.
“(Kate has) played club volleyball for a while now. She’s a great player and she’s very competitive. She does not like to lose,” CCHS junior setter Katherine Partida said. “She’s a leader on and off the court and she has a lot of knowledge about volleyball. She’s very skilled and can play any position.”
Ruston uses her club volleyball experience to lead and motivate her teammates.
“Kate is a vocal leader and she is constantly correcting people, not in a bad way or negatively, but telling people where they should be and what needs to happen,” Wegmann said.
With the most experience, these girls offer a wealth of knowledge and leadership for the underclassmen.
“I’ve tried to show (the underclassmen) the importance of hard work and good work ethic during all practices, because the way we practice translates into the way we play,” Ruston said.
The underclassmen have accepted the mentoring, counseling and the sisterhood Ruston and Jones have brought. Their leadership skills led to consecutive state playoff appearances in the past two years. Missed is the attribute the underclassman and Wegmann will feel.
“This group of seniors is a really good group. I’ve gotten close with all of them, so it will be a difficult to see them go, but they are also really good kids,” Wegmann said. “They are real mature, they are very well-rounded, they’re intelligent, they’re fun to be with, and I’ve enjoyed going to the gym and seeing them. They’ve really grown into very nice young women.”
