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MOOSEHEART,
IL, Aug. 19 --
On the opening day of volleyball practice, Mooseheart
coach Kristin Shuman wasn't looking to see if her team
was going to win a lot of matches this year.
She wasn't even looking to see who would be the team's
big hitters, top blockers or key defensive players.
But she was looking to see if the
team wanted to fill some buckets with perspiration as
they began two weeks of practice and conditioning in
anticipation of the season's opening
match, which takes place on Aug. 31.
Following that initial workout, on Monday, Aug. 17, Shuman
said the first impression given by the 2009 Ramblers was
a positive one.
"We had a lot of hard workers," Shuman said. "I
put a lot on them the first day. I threw them out there
and said 'go' and they went. They have a lot of potential
and a lot of hard workers."
While the team was itching to get
on court and start practicing with a volleyball, Shuman
had her team running the stadium steps and the track
at the football stadium, which is attached to the Fieldhouse.
That work was definitely needed.
"We're struggling a little bit," Shuman said. "I
can tell they're not in the best shape. But we'll get there.
We'll work them and they'll get that done."
The entire team wasn't present for the opening practice.
Some students' summer visits hadn't ended, although all
student-athletes are to return to campus in time for the
first day of class, which takes place on Wednesday.
"We're still missing a few girls who aren't back
yet," Shuman said. "That'll make a difference
in the next few days. We'll see."
Mooseheart's players scatter when
school ends. Some stay on campus most of the year. Others
head home to visit guardians
or other members of their families. One constant is that
practically none do much with a volleyball in the offseason, and
none are members of club volleyball teams. Reintegrating
the squad to the rigors of the sport is one of Shuman's
challenges before the team hosts Kirkland-Hiawatha on Aug.
31 for a 6 p.m. match.
"We've got two weeks," Shuman said. "We've
got lot of work to do in two weeks. But I think it's very
possible. I think we'll be a good team."
As the Ramblers prepare for the season, they are also
preparing for their first experience of conference play.
Moooseheart's athletic program is a member of the newly-formed
Northeastern Athletic Conference.
The NAC holds a tournament at the end of the regular season
and just before the IHSA postseason, from which a conference
champion will be crowned. All-conference honors are available
for Mooseheart volleyball players for the first time.
"We're going to see these other teams year after
year," Shuman said. "We're all going to grow
together."
 2009
Mooseheart Football Schedule
Mooseheart coach Gary Urwiler, 10th year. 2008 record:
2-7
(Urwiler career record: 42-42, all at Mooseheart).
2009
Mooseheart Volleyball Schedule
Mooseheart coach: Kristin Shuman, 2nd year. 2008 record:
7-13.
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